Essential Advice for a newly "Pro" bass player?...

[rythmicillusion]

I hope this is the right place to post...

I switched to bass about 6 months ago after primarily being a guitar player for several years. I had a natural feel for it and was hooked. Right away, I was invited into a couple of groups...including one that does a decent amount of paying/high profile gigs. I am loving the bass and loving the fact that a good bass player can usually find good gigs.

The crux, however, is that this is the first time in my "musician" life where I am dealing with issues involving various parts of music industry...and frankly, it is already unerving and a bit scary. I have no idea how to run myself in the bussiness sense.

Are their any good resources (books or web especially) in the realm of a "session player's survival guide"? My knowledge of contracts and protocol is nil. Thankfully, I haven't been screwed in any way yet, but preparation and protection is non existent currently.

Thanks in advance to all the wise sages and wiseguys who respond...

[Dave Muscato]

Oo, baby. Where to start!

"Get it in Writing: The Musician's Guide to the Music Business" by Brian McPherson

http://www.amazon.com/Get-Writing-Mu.../dp/0793566991

"All You Need To Know About the Music Business" by Donald S. Passman

http://www.amazon.com/Need-Know-Abou...9818821&sr=1-1

"The Real Deal: How To Get Signed to a Record Label" by Daylle Deanna Schwartz - this isn't what it sounds like, it's really advice for bands on how to be successful independently so that the majors are interested in picking them up

http://www.amazon.com/Real-Deal-Sign...9818883&sr=1-4

"The Touring Musician: A Small-Business Approach to Booking Your Band on the Road" by Hal Galper

http://www.amazon.com/Touring-Musici.../dp/0823084299

I also highly recommend "Wisdom for a Young Musician" by Bruce Warren:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...62428618&itm=1

and

"Behind the Glass" by Howard Massey

http://www.amazon.com/Behind-Glass-R.../dp/0879306149

to anyone interested in a career in music.

Hope this helps.

- Dave

[rythmicillusion]

I'm going to pick one of these up today, thanks a ton!