Hey all!

Just wanted to spread the word: Berklee College of Music has just published a free music business handbook!

The title is Music Business Handbook Vol. 1: Past, Present, and Future, which leads me to believe that there will be more resources like this coming.  I checked it out and it’s packed with useful information, ranging from direct-to-fan marketing and a primer on music business cycles, to tips on collaboration and music publishing. Heads up, you have to give them your email address to download the book, but it’s worth it.

Click here to download Berklee’s free Music Business Handbook

By the way, the people who subscribe to my newsletter, The Music Business Minute, got first dibs on this info.  If you don’t subscribe already, click here to do so. It’s totally different from the BeingAKB blog post summary email list. The Music Business Minute gets sent out on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday and includes news and resources relevant to musicians, music industry professionals, and students interested in the music industry.  Don’t miss out…subscribe today. It’s free!

Click here to subscribe to The Music Business Minute

A friend recently asked me what blogs he should read to keep up with what’s going on in the music business. I’m suggesting these five, which I check on the regular. They’re full of information you can use in developing your online music strategy (Note: These aren’t “fan/consumer” blogs.  That’s another post. These blogs cater to musicians/music business professionals).  Subscribe to their RSS feeds or email lists today:

1. Hypebot – From up-to-the-minute music business news to company analysis and industry commentary, Hypebot is my go-to blog in the morning.  I subscribe to the posts via Twitter (@hypebot).  Check it out.

2. Lefsetz Letter -I don’t necessarily agree with all of this guy’s views on the music industry (he’s kinda pessimistic at times), but Bob Lefsetz’s blog is a great resource, nonetheless.  Lefsetz gives his opinion on a lot of things going on in the biz, from the state of live music to online promotion.  Make sure to subscribe to his email list (you’ll get extra content that he doesn’t post to the blog).

3. Music Think Tank -Some of the New Music Industry’s best and brightest contribute to this blog, where you’ll find helpful “how-to” articles, music industry stats, and commentary. Pick a few of their RSS feeds to follow.

4. Ariel Publicity -Everything Cyber PR for musicians…’nuff said.

5. Seth Godin’s Blog – Ok, this one isn’t technically a music business blog, but Seth Godin theories have been the basis of many techniques used in the “new” music industry. Ideas such as “permission marketing” and “tribes” started on Seth’s Blog.  Read, learn, and implement.