Of course I am mightily biased about this amazing cheap book !! but it has now gained an updated SECOND EDITION. Well worth the £7.19 price for a massive amount of information and UPDATED CONTACTS within the UK Music Industry.

www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Music-Stuart-James...51585&sr=8-1

This is a grassroots book aimed at bands - managers - music students. Not a guide to X Factor type fame !!

The response to the first edition was massive. Over 60,000 readers gave it a massive thumbs up - hence the new edition in just over a year with fully revised contacts sections and updates.

Would be interesting on hearing any thoughts about the book from anyone who has read it.

"Over 60,000 readers gave it a massive thumbs up", wow, had to check this out.

So far, no feedback on Amazon. For edition 1 a single review by timdawg who must have been a huge fan as this is the only thing they’ve ever reviewed.

The introduction by "Rob Da Bank" could be interesting though if you wanted to pass other peoples work off as your own.

I suggest you read the comments on the few edition one books that are now appearing. None appeared before Edition 2 was announced. Those are the ones that really matter.

I dont trust any Amazon reviews - I only trust sales and this book has sold and sold - hence it is being re-printed.

Rob Da Bank was asked to do the intro - and there are literally 20+ industry experts in the book who have contributed including those who are in positions of power in publishing - major labels - the UKs largest management company - studios etc.

It really is superb stuff. Far better than any other book on grass roots music ever published. It is written by real experts in music - most other books on sale are written by journalists and those who have failed to make any career in music.

Everyone writing in this book is full time and successful in music and working in music NOW and not in some golden age 30 years ago.

The new digital age and DIY and 360 degree models are actually written about for the first time in detail including a revolutionary look at the 360 degree model which was developed HERE on TIPSHEET and on Record of the DAY with input from many many people.

I believe 100% in this book and everyone who has told me about what it has done for them ( Often before they have know I am involved ) has said it has been a massive resource. One band said it changed their life and saved them £100,000 that they were about to give to someone to try and make it...... !!!!

Check it out by reading it - if you judge life through reviews then you would miss out on all things good. Making up your own mind and not following the sheep is surely the sign of an intelligent mind. Reviews are fun to read - but should only be one aspect.

For instance I have written a review about FIVE FLOORS UP - I love them - Sony love them - but that does not mean that YOU will love them. You need to see them or hear them to make up your own mind. Only then will you know if you like them or not.

BR wrote:
The response to the first edition was massive. Over 60,000 readers gave it a massive thumbs up - hence the new edition in just over a year with fully revised contacts sections and updates.I'm not knocking the book in any way BR but this is a quite a claim, where are the 60,000 endorsements?

I took the 60,000 from the advertising spec card I received from the ad agency - I have no way of checking whether it is totally true or not.

I believe ROLAND are sponsoring the back cover of the book - and many other major ad sponsors are involved as well to keep the price down to less than £8 to make it accessible to everyone. Especially because the book is in full colour and gloss format throughout.

Cheers - I am interested in what professionals on here see as its strengths and weaknesses - both in terms of content and the unique style of the book. It is set up in magazine format rather than a "dry" novel style teach yourself book. So people can dip into each section as needs be. Each is self contained. This concept is quite alien to Music industry and self help books.

I really believe its popularity is not just the price/production values but this "style". It suits 2009.

BR wrote:
I took the 60,000 from the advertising spec card I received from the ad agency - I have no way of checking whether it is totally true or not.
Ad agencies are notorious for bullsh1t, I would suggest they’re counting sales as ‘thumbs up’ although 60,000 seems incredibly high for such a small publication. Even if it were accurate, the book could be propping open 60,000 doors or have momentarily warmed 60,000 homes. 60,000 sales does not equal 60,000 satisfied customers.

You really shouldn’t make claims like this without all the facts, it’s incredibly misleading and you’ll lose peoples trust.

I personally tracked a couple of books - one book was passed around about 5 bands and 2 managements and was read by many people.

It is not a small run book either - it is published by major high street publisher Denis Publishing who are one of the biggest in the UK.....

I would say 60,000 is a pretty decent attempt at a figure otherwise I would not have quoted it - for exactly the reason that you said.

Quite a few Unis are using the book as well for Degree Courses.

I finally saw the new edition last night - which is lighter than the original book ( 260pages of gloss art ) and it is very good !! and everyone last night seemed very happy with the product.

AT just £7.19 including postage from Amazon it is a real bargain.

I would really appreciate your views on the book if you get a chance to read it. Thanks.