Over the course of the last decade, the music industry has changed dramatically. International record sales are down fifty percent, labels do not have the budgets they once did, and many deserving groups have been forced to fend for themselves. In this age of YouTube and digital music stores, how does an Indie band sustain a career?
“Low Budget ROCKSTAR: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Booking, Surviving, and Making a Profit on Your Own Indie Tour” answers all the questions an independent musician asks themselves on a daily basis:
- What does it takes to be a true, professional musician?
- How can I land more gigs with insider booking secrets?
- How can I save money on tour lodging, meals, and transportation?
- What will get my band noticed on the web and by the industry’s best venues?
- How can I draft, negotiate, and execute performance contracts?
- Are there any other ways to generate additional revenue?
- How can I survive a tour on a DIY budget?
The book was written by professional touring musician Scott Ibex, and taken from his first hand experiences when just starting his career. Today, he is a successful artist, has played with members of Chicago, The Rastafarians, Pato Banton and other famous artists, and has licensed original music to MTV.
In addition to completing multiple national U.S. tours, he has personally drafted, reviewed, and executed complex performance contracts, liability disclaimers, work-for-hire agreements, technical riders, and other essential music business legal documentation. He also provides consulting services to independent record labels, artists, and has presented music business seminars at universities and public libraries throughout the country.
According to Ibex, “Low Budget ROCKSTAR: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Booking, Surviving, and Making a Profit on Your Own Indie Tour” enables musicians to control their own destiny, preserve ownership of their work, and complete profitable national tours. “The internet gives bands the opportunity to maintain creative control of their music, publishing, royalties, and merchandise,” says Ibex. “My book teaches artists how to build a full-time career by utilizing practical knowledge and valuable legal resources, something similar books do not share.”
For $17.00 (Amazon.com), book also provides step-by-step instructions on everything from setting up a road-ready digital office to planning a tour schedule, budgeting, drafting electronic press kits, merchandising, self-promotion, and more.
