Songwriting Books
If I had to pick one thing that has made a huge impact on my success, and the success of TAXI, it would have to be the books that I've read. Funny enough, I hate to read!
But since TAXI's inception in 1992, I've read hundreds of business books, and it's been painless. Why? Because the books are all about my passion - building a great company.
If you're passionate about earning your living with your music, then you you're going to love the books we've selected for you. Many of them are by members of our A&R Team, or Industry Experts who regularly speak at our convention, the Road Rally. I've personally read many of them and recommend them highly. Want to succeed in the music business? Read these books!
Michael Laskow
CEO, TAXI
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Shortcuts to Songwriting for Film & TV: 114 Tips for Writing, Recording, & Pitching in Today's Hottest Market
by Robin Frederick Tens of thousands of songs are needed each year for TV, movies, and commercials. The songwriting techniques and marketing tips in this book will show you how to craft your music and lyrics to give the Film and TV industry what it needs, make broadcast-quality recordings, and pitch your songs to today's fastest-growing and largest market for music. Explore 16 secrets for powerful lyrics, 10 energy techniques, 21 budget-friendly recording strategies, and 17 business Shortcuts. Unveil 50 additional Shortcuts, covering song uses in Film and TV, writing for musicals, and exclusive interviews with experts. -
Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting: 126 Proven Techniques for Writing Songs That Sell
by Robin Frederick Here are 126 Shortcuts that will take your songs from good to great! Discover the melody and lyric-writing techniques of today's top songwriters, and learn how you can use the very same secrets to give your songs the power and edge that will make listeners want to hear them over and over again. Learn 38 proven strategies for unforgettable lyrics, 30 ways to create fresh and memorable melodies, and leverage hit songs as "ghost songs" for quick results. Explore 58 additional shortcuts for songwriting essentials and 100+ "Do It Now" exercises for creative momentum! 
The War of Art, Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles
by Steven Pressfield A succinct, engaging, and practical guide for succeeding in any creative sphere, The War of Art is nothing less than Sun-Tzu for the soul. What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid roadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece? Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success. The War of Art is a tough love for achieving creative discipline. It guides artists, writers, and businesspeople to overcome obstacles and seize life's potential.-
Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way
by Steven Pressfield "There is an enemy. There is an intelligent, active, malign force working against us. Step one is to recognize this. This recognition alone is enormously powerful. It saved my life, and it will save yours." -- Steven Pressfield. Overcome obstacles and produce great work with Do the Work by Steven Pressfield. This manifesto empowers you to take action, ship projects, and make a meaningful impact. It's a weapon against Resistance, guiding you from start to finish in any long-form project. Addressing predictable Resistance Points, it assures you that you're not alone in facing challenges. Let Do the Work be your stage-by-stage road map to reach THE END and bring your project to life. 
Turning Pro: Tap Your Inner Power and Create Your Life's Work
by Steven Pressfield The follow-up to his bestseller The War of Art, Turning Pro navigates the passage from amateur life to professional practice. "You don't need to take a course or buy a product. All you have to do is change your mind." - -Steven Pressfield. Turning Pro is a challenging journey, demanding sacrifice and the abandonment of comfort. It's an interior odyssey that comes at great emotional, psychological, and spiritual cost. As we cross the threshold, fear and messiness abound. However, in Turning Pro, we discover our power, will, voice, and self-respect. We embrace our true selves and live authentically.-
Introduction to Music Publishing for Musicians: Business and Creative Perspectives for the New Music Industry
by Bobby Borg & Michael Eames At a time when artists are independently releasing their own music and acting as their own self-publishers, there has never been a greater need for a simple and easy-to-read introduction to the business and creative aspects of music publishing for musicians. Topics include the basics of copyrights, types of publishing income, publishing companies and types of deals, creative matters of music publishing, and things you need to know about music publishing’s future. Bobby Borg and Michael Eames offer a concise and accessible guide to the music publishing industry. Designed for students and musicians, it provides quick, credible, and relatable information, allowing you to focus on what you love most: creating music! -
Music Marketing for the DIY Musician: Creating and Executing a Plan of Attack on a Low Budget
by Bobby Borg Do it yourself and succeed! More and more artists are taking advantage of new technologies to try and build successful careers. But in this expanding competitive marketplace, serious do-it-yourself musicians need structured advice more than ever. In Music Marketing for the DIY Musician, veteran musician, and industry insider Bobby Borg presents a strategic, step-by-step guide to producing a fully customized, low-budget plan of attack for marketing one’s music. This indispensable guide presents the marketing process in a conversational tone, empowering musicians to find their niche, save time and money, and make music that matters and gets heard! 
Business Basics for Musicians: The Complete Handbook from Start to Success
by Bobby Borg Today, when artists are empowered to take greater control of their careers and earnings, the need for musicians to understand the business of music has never been greater. In a digital age overflowing with confusing and ever-changing information, musicians need trusted business advice from a veteran artist who can break down the basics in a language they understand. Written by a professional musician for other musicians, Business Basics for Musicians is the layperson's guide to the music industry. Bobby Borg's essential manual for musicians covers vital information in a concise, conversational format. It includes career execution, business relationships, pro teams, deals and finances, and future predictions. From copyrights to record deals, managers to merchandising, it's your go-to handbook for success.-
Writing Production Music for TV: The Road to Success
by Steve Barden This complete guide for any composer interested in earning money writing music for television is aimed at the complete novice as well as the seasoned expert. It leads you through the steps necessary to succeed in the music business: finding music libraries; submitting music; joining a PRO; understanding contracts; keeping organized; networking; and even revealing how much money you can earn. Steve Barden is a production music composer for film and television. His music has been featured on numerous worldwide TV shows, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and various cable networks. -
Deconstructing Production Music for TV: Secrets Behind Writing Successful Music Cues
by Steve Barden Here is a peek behind the curtains, revealing the secrets to writing successful orchestral instrumental music cues for the production music market. The reader is presented with several musical cues to study and learn from. Through detailed analysis, you will view complete transcriptions and hear the audio (online) of orchestral cues in multiple genres and styles. You will then have a better understanding of the structure of the music, why it works, and how you can apply these tips to your own compositions. A valuable resource for anyone interested in creating production music for film and TV. -
Demystifying the Genre
by Dean Krippaehne Dean Krippaehne’s new book, Demystifying the Genre is a step-by-step walkthrough of writing and producing ten of the most commonly used music genres in Film and TV. You'll discover how to reverse engineer any genre of music and apply musical production techniques used by the pros to your creations. Each genre examined in this book comes with audio cue examples designed to teach your ear what it takes to be successful in the production music business. This book focuses on writing, arranging, and capturing the mood, vibe, and flow in any music genre, rather than studying EQs, reverbs, and compression settings. -
Demystifying the Cue
by Dean Krippaehne The complete DIY guide to creating music for Film, TV, and all new media. Dean Krippaehne’s book, Demystifying The Cue, contains tips and strategies for learning to write, record and produce quality music quickly in your home studio. Learn how the pros break through writer's block, create production templates, record, pan and mix their real and virtual instruments. Gain knowledge on networking and learn how to avoid the most common music biz pitfalls. Within these pages, you will discover how to optimize your talents, minimize your frustration and maximize your chances for success. -
All You Need to Know About the Music Business: 10th Edition
by Donald S. Passman “The industry bible” (Los Angeles Times), now updated, essential for anyone in the music business - musicians, songwriters, lawyers, agents, promoters, publishers, executives, and managers - trying to navigate the rapid transformation of the industry. For more than 20 years, All You Need to Know About the Music Business, has been universally regarded as the definitive guide to the music industry. Now in its tenth edition, this latest edition leads novices and experts alike through crucial, up-to-the-minute information on the industry’s major changes in response to today’s rapid technological advances and uncertain economy. Donald Passman's guide is a must-have for anyone in the music industry. It covers team selection, record deals, copyrights, streaming services, maximizing deals, and industry changes. It's essential reading for musicians, writers, executives, and more. -
Thinking In Sync: A Primer on the Mind of a Music Supervisor
by Amanda Krieg Thomas Thinking In Sync is the perfect starting point for any artist interested in learning more about the world of synchronization. With this book, Thomas aims not only to provide answers for many of the questions music supervisors are most often asked, but also the reasons behind those answers. Readers will gain insight into how music supervisors review submissions, select recipients, and their role in film and TV. The book provides a detailed overview of the song clearance process and offers essential conversations, creative approaches, and materials for successful music sync. It also includes resources and strategies to evaluate recipients effectively and stand out, along with specific approaches for assembling pitches professionally. -
Murphy's Laws of Songwriting
by Ralph J. Murphy Achieving "hit writer" status has always been a formidable goal for any songwriter. Never more so however than in the 21st century. Catching the ear of the monumentally distracted, fragmented listener has never been more difficult. Getting their attention, inviting them into your song, and keeping them there for long enough for your song to become "their song" requires more than being just a "good" songwriter. Murphy's Laws of Songwriting - The Book is a must-have guide for aspiring songwriters. With endorsements from Paul Williams, it reveals valuable insights and secrets to success. Author, Ralph Murphy, is a seasoned songwriter and producer with a track record of chart-topping hits and platinum records. His expertise and achievements make this book an essential resource for aspiring songwriters. -
Writing Music for Hit Songs
by Jai Josefs Discover the blueprint for writing chart-topping hits with Writing Music For Hit Songs. This captivating paperback guide is your indispensable companion on the path to crafting music that mesmerizes audiences and tops the charts. Delve into proven techniques and strategies employed by accomplished songwriters to compose melodies that linger, lyrics that resonate, and arrangements that captivate. Whether you're an aspiring songwriter or a seasoned musician, this book will equip you with the tools and knowledge to create music that leaves a lasting impact. Prepare to enhance your songwriting prowess and unleash your potential for hit-making success. -
Social Media Promotion For Musicians - Third Edition: The Manual For Marketing Yourself, Your Band, And Your Music Online
by Bobby Owsinski Boost your music career with Social Media Promotion For Musicians - Third Edition. This comprehensive guide reveals expert tips and strategies for leveraging platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to gain more fans, views, and streams. Discover how to save time on social media while maximizing your online exposure, develop your personal brand, and utilize newsletters, playlists, and more. Whether you're an artist, producer, or songwriter, this book is your roadmap to success in the digital age. Get ready to amplify your online presence and make your music heard. -
Five Star Music Makeover: The Independent Artist's Guide for Singers, Songwriters, Bands, Producers, and Self-Publishers
by Coreen Sheehan In order to achieve success in today's music industry, artists must first do a great deal of work on their own. Learning the required skills can take years of real-life experience, and hiring personal coaches, studio professionals, and consultants can be costly. For the first time, there's an invaluable resource to help you meet these challenges. Unleash your music career with Five Star Music Makeover! This comprehensive guide covers vocal production, songwriting, recording, publishing, and promotion—the essential skills for success. With insider tips, exercises, and celebrity insights, it's the ultimate resource to take your career from good to great. Get ready to reach your full potential in the music industry. -
YouTube Playbook for Artists & Musicians: Start Getting More Views, Comments, Royalties, and Subscribers on Your YouTube Channel
by Chris Greenwood Discover the ultimate YouTube Playbook for artists and musicians. Learn how to get your music heard, boost views, and generate more engagement on your channel. This step-by-step training covers the five ways to monetize your videos, ranking them number one in YouTube search, creating captivating thumbnails, effective call-to-actions, playlist strategies, and more. Unveil the secrets to monetizing your content both on and off your channel, and maximize your royalties with user-generated content. Get ready to take your YouTube presence to the next level with proven strategies and insider tips. -
Craft and Business of Songwriting - Third Edition
by John Braheny Unleash your songwriting potential with Craft and Business of Songwriting - Third Edition by John Braheny. This comprehensive guide combines the art and business of songwriting, providing valuable insights for aspiring songwriters. Elevate your craft and navigate the music industry with confidence. -
It’s Music, Not Theory, Damn It!
by Bill Gordon Tap into your musical potential with It’s Music, Not Theory, Damn It! This DIY book and online ear training course provide a clear and enjoyable exploration of music, free from the confines of traditional theory. From pitch and rhythm to scales, chords, and song analysis, author Bill Gordon presents a practical approach that can be immediately applied by beginners, professionals, and music enthusiasts. Dive into the magic of music without the need to unlock complex theoretical concepts. -
Hey! That's My Song! A Guide to Getting Music Placements in Film, TV, & Media
by Tracey and Vance Marino Songwriters/composers/producers, Tracey and Vance Marino, have been wildly successful placing their more than three thousand music compositions in various media. They are signed with over sixty different production music libraries and music publishers, and their music is heard daily across the globe. Discover the ultimate guide to writing, recording, marketing, and monetizing your music. Learn the secrets of creating placeable music for film, TV, and media. Find out how to connect with decision-makers and maximize your earnings. This book is your roadmap to success in the music industry. Having music placed in various media is an extraordinarily financially lucrative area of the music business. The Marinos are willing now to share their tips, secrets, and the steps to follow in order to succeed in the sync world. -
The Plain & Simple Guide to Music Publishing - 4th Edition
by Randall D. Wixen with a Foreword by Tom Petty Unlock the world of music publishing with The Plain & Simple Guide to Music Publishing - 4th Edition by Randall D. Wixen. Take control of your music career and maximize your earnings with this invaluable resource. The Plain and Simple Guide to Music Publishing, written by industry veteran Randall Wixen, is the definitive resource for understanding music publishing. In its fourth edition, this concise and humorous book covers everything from streaming issues to copyright rulings, providing valuable insights into mechanical, performing, and synch rights, sub-publishing, types of deals, and more. Whether you're a professional or aspiring songwriter, this top-rated guide offers invaluable advice in plain English. -
Writing Better Lyrics
by Pat Pattison Writing Better Lyrics has been a staple for songwriters for nearly two decades. Now this revised and updated 2nd Edition provides effective tools for everything from generating ideas to understanding the form and function of a song to fine-tuning lyrics. Perfect for new and experienced songwriters alike, this time-tested classic covers the basics in addition to more advanced techniques. Featuring updated and expanded chapters, 50 fun songwriting exercises, and examples from more than 20 chart-topping songs, Writing Better Lyrics gives you all of the professional and creative insight you need to write powerful lyrics and put your songs in the spotlight where they belong. -
Music Money and Success 7th Edition: The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Business
by Jeffrey Brabec and Todd Brabec Music, Money, and Success: The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Business is the industry bible and the ultimate guide to making money in the music business. Music is a business of money, contracts, decisions, and making the most of every opportunity. To succeed - to make money - to have a career - you have to know what you are doing in both music and business. Discover the inner workings of the music business and unlock the secrets to success with this indispensable book. Written by industry insiders Todd Brabec and Jeff Brabec, it covers a wide range of topics including film, television, video games, record sales, advertising, music publishing, and much more. Packed with valuable insights from experienced professionals, this reference is a must-have for anyone seeking a career in the music industry. -
Networking In The Music Business
by Dan Kimpel The music industry, like every other business, is based on personal relationships: who you know, what you know, and who knows you. Networking in the Music Business is the blueprint for developing the people skills necessary to achieve success in the global music industry. With this detailed guide to creating a career game plan and by learning from artists, writers, and executives who have already established themselves as major players, both professional and aspiring musicians will have a substantial edge. Author Dan Kimpel, a 20-year veteran of the music industry has been in a key position to observe how personal skills positively impact professional achievements. These invaluable insights are vividly documented in a high-energy, highly readable fashion! -
Music Publishing -- The Complete Guide: Second Edition
by Steve Winogradsky and David Lowery Music Publishing: The Complete Guide is the ultimate manual on music copyright. Written by an experienced attorney, it offers comprehensive coverage of the subject for industry professionals, lawyers, and music business students. From copyright to licensing, agreements to digital royalties, this book provides easy-to-understand explanations, sample agreements, and valuable resources. Stay informed about the evolving music industry and its revenue opportunities with this updated second edition, which includes insights into the Music Modernization Act. -
Don't Get Screwed! How to Protect Yourself as an Independent Musician
by Erin M. Jacobson, Esq. There's a lot of confusing information in the music business: copyright, different types of royalties, how to get paid, and how to not sign over rights you shouldn't. Now there is a single resource that explains these concepts in an easy-to-understand format. Written by Erin M. Jacobson, one of the music industry's top lawyers, this book is straight to the point, and a primer on the topics you need to understand to make important decisions about your music career. Discover the ins and outs of copyright, royalties, and contracts in the music industry with this empowering book. Demystify copyright, royalties, and earning strategies in music. Learn how to register copyrights, navigate royalties, and effectively collect earnings. Gain insights from real-life examples and avoid common mistakes. This insider's resource is essential for musicians at any career stage. -
Music Business In 10 Easy Lessons: The Deal
by Ben McLane Famed entertainment attorney, Ben McLane, Esq., lays out a straightforward summation of the ten most important, popular music business concepts for artists and their teams to understand, by breaking them down into a digestible, and easy to absorb format. The subjects Ben covers include - copyrights, trademarks, band agreements, publishing, music licensing, management, record deals, royalties, distribution, and investors. This beneficial guide will prepare any artist to go to the table and succeed!