Stop and ask a random person for information on the recording industry, and you might receive a blank look. If you're lucky, this person may be able to explain the purpose of a "demo." You could also hear the occasional tale of an unknown musician miraculously "discovered" by a producer who happened to overhear the artist singing as they both waited for the subway. Most normal citizens view the record industry as a faintly mysterious corporation. Few take time to consider the effort a group of awkward teenagers must exert, as they transform themselves into a polished band with a record contract. In Getting Signed, author George Howard enlightens readers about every aspect of the entire record industry, beginning with a basic explanation of the record company A&R, and brilliantly finishing with details on contracts and publicity.

Howard consciously wrote this book for the artists themselves. Throughout the text, the reader perceives that Howard wants inexperienced musicians to triumph and fulfill their dreams of landing a deal. He takes the reader on a journey starting with the introduction of simple record label terms in Part I. Part II offers more advanced information on managers, agents and performance, and the book concludes with details surrounding publicity, distribution and profits for more accomplished artists in Part III. "Workshop" sections at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to apply the information in the chapter and act on dreams of promoting his or her music. For example, at the end of Chapter 4, the artist is encouraged to get in touch with local recording studios and to inquire about costs, or purchase and master home recording software.

Howard also includes interviews with a publicist, the President of Redeye Distribution, attorneys, a Promoter, Manager and Club Booker, to name but a few. These short interviews serve to strengthen and legitimize the information Howard gently presents, showing that executives are not inaccessible.

George Howard established his own record label, Slow River Records, in 1993. By 1995, he successfully joined with the famous independent label, Rykodisc. As an insider to the industry, Howard knows exactly how the artist should use the power and influence of executives to land a contract. This exclusive take on the record industry is helpful to aspiring musicians who may have little or no understanding of this system.

Getting Signed is full of tips to help the musician present himself or herself as professional and focused. These useful plans include placing the strongest song first on a demo tape, and how to make and maintain contacts with venue owners. Only a person with experience working in the industry like Howard can really understand what A&R people or executives want. This book is essential for someone who wants to elevate him or herself above the immense competition amongst would-be musicians.

The book is a must for any serious singer, band or American Idol reject hoping to find a record label. Howard has composed a witty, earnest guide to which any artist can refer. His friendly dialogue prevents this book from feeling like one huge lecture, and instead the reader feels as if he is receiving information from a knowledgeable man who truly cares about the industry. Howard speaks frankly, and at times it feels as if he simply dictated the entire book. His personable style draws in readers; for example, he writes an apology for getting the chorus from "Eye of the Tiger" stuck in his head, when discussing a case study of a record label. This book is devoid of pretension, and because of his experience, Howard can place himself on the same level as all of his readers, thus Getting Signed can appeal to a wide audience.

Throughout Getting Signed, Howard realistically, sometimes unsympathetically, outlines the sentiments of boarf executives. His honesty is necessary and reminds many star-struck musicians that the music industry is a business, and artists really have to stand out if they want to be signed to a label. Ultimately, Howard loves music, and this book is genuinely written to help struggling artists. He keeps the reader's attention, in the same way he knows that good musicians grab and maintain the interest of a label executive. This book is highly recommended for anyone who has any interest in the music industry whatsoever.