FOREWORD
Roger H. Brown
President Berklee College of Music
PART I:
CONTENT CREATION
Chapter 1: Neil Sedaka – “That’s When the Music Takes Me”
A conversation about the creative process, and how aspiring songwriters can get heard today.
Chapter 2: Robin Gibb – Autotune This
A defiant discussion about where we’ve gone wrong, and how we need to get back to the integrity of the song.
Chapter 3: Kelly Rowland – Pop Star
Member of one of the highest-selling female groups of all time, with more than 60 million units sold, talks about the discipline it takes for a lasting career that doesn’t just rely on selling records.
Chapter 4: Wyclef Jean – Artist with a Cause
This multi-platinum selling recording artist, actor and producer does everything for the sole purpose of changing the world. He shares his thoughts on making a difference through music.
Chapter 5: Ali Campbell – Crossing Cultures
The leader and co-founder of UB40 tells how the best-selling reggae group of all time, with more than 70 million records sold, dared to mix multiple cultural influences and musical style to fuel unprecedented international success.
Chapter 6: Katie Melua – “Faraway Voice”
How this unadorned, raw talent rose from a small indie label to become Europe’s highest-selling female artist through the power of her voice and songwriting skills
PART II:
RECORDING & PUBLISHING
Chapter 7: Julie Greenwald – The Air Traffic Controller
The highest-ranking woman at a record label, the Atlantic Records chair talks about how the executive’s role has become one of multi-tasker, but that the fundamentals still apply.
Chapter 8: David Renzer – A Body of Work
Former Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, the second largest music publisher in the world, shares creative ways to leverage one of the four largest revenue streams in the industry.
Chapter 9: Bryan Leach – Small & Nimble
The President & Founder of Polo Grounds Music and former Senior Vice President of Urban at Clive Davis’ J Records and RCA Music Group, this music man is as effective in the board room as he is in the recording studio, and that’s why artists such as Pitbull, Yo Gotti, A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg and Lil Jon want him in their corner.
PART III:
THE COLLABORATORS (A&R/PRODUCTION)
Chapter 10: Nate “Danja” Hills – From A to Z
Also known as “Danjahandz,” this two-time Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum producer discusses crossing genres for artists from Justin Timberlake and Madonna to Björk.
Chapter 11: Riggs Morales – A Driving Force
It’s one thing to believe your ears when it’s a known act, but quite another to trust your ears when an artist comes along who is so uniquely talented that people aren’t sure. But that’s how the former head of A&R for Shady Records/ Interscope discovered Eminem.
Chapter 12: Brent Mason – Country Strong
Insights from a working session musician in Nashville who’s played with every major artist in country music.
PART IV:
TOURING, MERCHANDISING & BRANDING
Chapter 13: Randy Phillips – This Is It
The former CEO of AEG Live says the real money’s in live performance. Now infamous as promoter of the last Michael Jackson tour, he’s also managed Lionel Richie, Usher, Toni Braxton, Rod Stewart, Prince and Guns N’ Roses.
Chapter 14: Rob Stone & Jon Cohen – We’re With the Brand
The Founders /Presidents of Cornerstone Promotion, Founding Publishers of FADER Magazine, Founders/Owners of FADER Films, discuss the fine line between music and marketing other products while keeping the cool factor.
Chapter 15: John Paul DeJoria – Authenticity, Integrity & Passion
The ultimate music fan, this legendary brand mogul gives his take on the critical importance of honesty in tying consumer brands to music.
Insert I: A half century in the music business: Nelson Montanino
PART V:
THE FUTURE
Chapter 16: Kevin Olusola (Pentatonix): A Holistic Experience
Insert II: Maisy Kay: Next Gen Pop Unicorn
Epilogue:
The Only Constant is Change
Interactive Bonus Content