Books Every Indie Musician Needs to Read

The music industry is a fast paced and unpredictable environment. What was once dominated by record labels and MTV has been overtaken by streaming services, AI, and short form content. It is more difficult than ever to gain recognition when digital landscapes are saturated with talent. This raises the question: How can indie musicians adapt to an ever changing industry and ensure their success in it?

With these books, artists will gain insight on the inner workings of the music industry and learn to make a realistic plan for their careers within it.

We hope you enjoy our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all have been independently selected by our editors. FYI: PR ON THE GO and its publishing partners may earn a commission and/or other compensation from links on this page.

All You Need to Know About the Music Business: Eleventh Edition by Donald S. Passman

A firsthand account of the music industry which offers technical and personal advice from Donald Passman, a music lawyer. Passman keeps up with current trends, with his 11th edition including topics of streaming services and AI.

Secrets & Facts About The Music Industry: The Guide For A Successful Music Career by Teicholm Coxon

A guide which provides information on publishing, distribution, touring, social media, and more. Coxon uncovers the secrets to success in the music industry with a focus on safeguarding your art and creating revenue.

AI and the Music Industry: Transforming Production, Platforms, and Practice by Richard Boateng, Sheena Lovia Boateng, Joseph Budu

Authors discuss the various uses and future of AI technologies and its transformation of the music industry. This book also details ways to incorporate AI in music production, publishing, and distribution.

Music Marketing for the DIY Musician: Creating and Executing a Plan of Attack on a Low Budget (Music Pro Guides) by Bobby Borg

A guide to success in the music industry that covers social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube as well as other current topics like AI, NFTs, and the Metaverse. Borg provides the reader with various resources and marketing strategies to break down the complexity of the music industry.

Selling The Night: When Club Culture Meets Brands, Advertising and the Creative Industries by Andy Crysell

Andy Crysell discusses the history of club culture and explores how brands, advertising, musicians, and more operate within the nightlife scene. This book includes research, interviews, and advice from industry professionals.

Music Business (Routledge Key Guides) 2nd Edition by Richard Strasser

Richard Strasser, Associate Professor in the Department of Music and Entertainment Studies, covers essential topics in the music industry including general business, marketing, e-commerce, property law, economics, and entrepreneurship. These terms are defined and related to one another to create a thorough guide to the music business.

#PRontheGO