Researched and written by experienced  South African music stalwart Jonathan Shaw, the 607-page book offers readers valuable insight into the local music industry and a wealth of practical guidance.

Described as “the practical and academic bible to the South African music industry”, the book is an essential guide for anyone working in or wanting to get into the South African music industry. It gives a thorough overview of the local music business, digging deeper into the core of the local music sector with a host of crucial topics including Music Consumer Behavior, Music Legal Aspects, Music Contracts, Artists Management, The SA Music Marketing Environment, Life Skills In The Music Industry and Music In Internet And Mobile Technologies.

“I added about 200 extra pages since the last edition. I am a firm believer that the actual, and only, solution to the industry’s problems is through knowledge about it. Let us get everyone talking the same talk and making better deals because of it,” comments Shaw.

Shaw, who is a music lecturer at Wits University, has been actively involved in the local music industry for more than 10 years. A musician, entrepreneur and BCom (Hons) Marketing degree holder, Shaw has also authored a number of textbooks used in curricula at various NQF 4-level colleges . The South African Music Business series is his most successful work yet, with the first edition currently being used as the industry standard for many music colleges across the country.

Working with tax specialist Andrew Thomas-Woolf and music industry accountant Mandy Hampshire, Shaw collected vital information for anyone wanting to understand how the local music industry works.

More importantly, Shaw says one should get this book because “It is a central resource that can open many doors for people just entering the industry.”

The book is filled with music industry examples and real case studies, and is written in an easy style that makes the complicated issues reasonably accessible and understandable to musicians and laymen.

“If you are involved with music, I want you to eat, drink and sleep with this book by your side, it could change your life forever,” says Barney Simon, a rock DJ, Television presenter and fan of The South African Music Business series.

Shaw says he will continue to refine and research more topics in future. “I am also putting together an introductory textbook called “The Beginner’s Guides to the South African Music Industry” that is intended to help students just getting into the subject,” he adds.

The South African Music Business - 2nd Edition is retailing for R400 and is available through www.intersoft.co.za, selected Exclusive Books and Xarra books stores.