Mark Cabaniss knows his stuff. This is a profoundly helpful book for anyone hoping to make their dreams come true in an increasingly difficult business. He covers the gamut with knowledge, insight and the wisdom of a decades-long career navigating the musical waters. This book just might be your golden ticket to success.

Kathie Lee Gifford, Co-Host of the 4th hour of the Today Show with Hoda Kotb

Mark Cabaniss has managed something extraordinary—the creation of a book about the music business that any artist can understand and actually use. Though the book is impressively comprehensive, beautifully organized and filled with vital, true data, the author has a purpose to inspire and genuinely wants his reader to succeed. This is no coincidence since aside from his being a great communicator and teacher, Mark is also a noted songwriter, publisher, playwright and producer in his own right. This work is more definitive than most because its author is smart, literate and has “walked the walk.” Thank you, Mark, for this extraordinary gift to all of your fellow artists.

David Pomeranz, Multi Platinum Award-Winning Recording Artist and Songwriter

Mark Cabaniss has created the definitive guide to today's complex and challenging music business, written with all of Mark's renowned expertise, warmth and wit. An entertaining, patient and thorough roadmap through the bewildering landscape of today's music scene, it's the one book I would recommend to anyone starting out or simply trying to get their bearings. If you want to understand and navigate any aspect of the music industry, Music Business Essentials is the vital volume you must own...the go-to guidebook for any aspiring vocalist, musician, songwriter, publisher or record producer (or any of the above who would love a refresher course!). I only wish Music Business Essentials had existed when I was first starting out!

Rupert Holmes, Tony-award winning composer and lyricist, RIAA-certified gold and platinum singer-songwriter-producer

Music Business Essentials gives you the vital information you need to have a successful and life-long career in the music industry. Cabaniss provides real-life experiences and examples of his walk through the various segments of the industry in order to help someone begin their own journey to success.

Rush Hicks, Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, Belmont University