As a guitarist in a touring pop punk band, these are the books I recommend to anyone who writes songs or wants a real career in music. You will find the best songwriting and lyric writing books, creativity books for musicians and the music business b...
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Songwriting and Lyric Writing Books
Creativity Books for Musicians and Artists
Music Business Books and Life on the Road
Songwriting and Lyric Writing Books
Craft books for writing stronger lyrics, melodies and hooks.
The go to lyric writing book from a Berklee professor. A must-read if your lyrics feel flat or cliché.
Writing Better Lyrics
A deep dive on craft from one of the great songwriters. Great once you know the basics and want to go further.
Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting
Interviews with legendary writers about how they actually write. Full of ideas to steal for your next song.
Songwriters on Songwriting
Practical and beginner friendly, with a focus on writing songs people want to hear. Great first songwriting book.
Six Steps to Songwriting Success
Creativity Books for Musicians and Artists
For writer's block, self doubt and showing up to create every day.
The legendary producer on where ideas come from. A must-read for any musician or creative person.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Calls out the resistance that keeps you from finishing songs. Short, punchy and motivating.
The War of Art
A quick, fun read about finding your own sound by learning from your influences.
Steal Like an Artist
A 12 week program for unblocking creativity. Great if you feel stuck or burnt out on writing.
The Artist's Way
An encouraging read about creating without fear. Good for anyone scared to share their music.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Music Business Books and Life on the Road
How the music industry really works, plus the touring stories every band should read.
The music industry bible for contracts, royalties and deals. A must-read before you sign anything.
All You Need to Know About the Music Business
The DIY musician's playbook for streaming, touring, merch and building fans. Super useful for independent bands.
How to Make It in the New Music Business
Raw tour diaries from the early punk days. Makes any rough tour feel a little more normal.
Get in the Van: On the Road with Black Flag
The story of the bands that built the DIY touring scene. A must-read for anyone in an indie or punk band.
Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground, 1981-1991
Blink-182's Mark Hoppus on the band, the highs and the hard times. A must-read for any pop punk fan.
