A record deal is the penultimate step in the course of any bands career. Yet the music industry is a difficult labryinth to navigate: knowing what to look for in a record label and how to avoid pitfalls can be tricky. Written by insider Will Ashurst of Sanctuary Records, The Bands Guide To Getting A Record Deal is an informative, no-nonsense guide to the industry. From defining a record deal to explaining music publishing and copyright, Ashurst provides essential reading for aspiring managers and musicians alike. He discusses management, record companies, music solicitors, publishing companies, gigs, agents, and promoters - and also provides a DIY approach to releasing a record. Interspersed with real-life anecdotes, the book is fully updated to address recent advancements in Internet self-marketing and includes new interviews with artists, songwriters, and industry pundits. The appendices include information about record companies, accountants, and music publishers - as well as a sample management agreement and a list of useful websites and resources.