Ten Great Books Released in 2025Music Connection reviewed six books every month, leading us to discover some gems. Here are 10 of the very best.

"IRON MAIDEN: INFINITE DREAMS" BY STEVE HARRIS, BRUCE DICKINSON, IRON MAIDEN

One of the greatest and most consistent heavy metal bands of all time, the men of Iron Maiden have come together to create this absolutely stunning, photo-heavy history of the group. As well as a mass of photographs, there are some fascinating tickets and flyers from the very early days, some of founding member, bassist and songwriter Steve Harris’ diary entries from back in the day, guitars, t-shirts, battle vests, and so much more. It’s a pricey book, but for hardcore fans it’s a must.

"VENICE PEACH" BY JESSAMYN VIOLET

Movie Club drummer and super-talented writer Violet has a gift for seeing the magic in her home haunt of Venice, CA and realizing it through fantastical tales. “When I first stepped foot in Venice Beach, I felt the greatest gravitational pull to a place that I had ever felt in my life,” Violet says, and that comes through in her work. Venice Peach is her sophomore novel, and it’s a wild journey into a world of robot presidents, where “art meets lust.” Just read it. 

"DECADE OF DISSENT: HOW 1960S BOB DYLAN CHANGED THE WORLD" BY SEAN EGAN

One might think that, at this point, there’s really nothing new to write about the living legend that is Bob Dylan. There are countless books about the man, and every word that Dylan has written and/or uttered has been analyzed to death. That said, noted journalist Egan has found a credible angle. He’s not treading completely new ground, but still, his approach to Dylan’s identity-shifting '60s period is fascinating. “Dylan now occupies an unparalleled role as venerated elder statesman of music,” reads the blurb. “But during his insurrectionary first decade he was the most important artist in popular music—and, by extension, one of the most crucial figures in Western society.”

"GLIDERS OVER HOLLYWOOD: AIRSHIPS, AIRPLAY AND THE ART OF ROCK PROMOTION" BY PAUL RAPPAPORT

During his 33-year career at Columbia Records, Paul Rappaport played an instrumental role in developing the careers of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Judas Priest, Alice in Chains, and many more. Gliders Over Hollywood, a book that Rappaport described to MC as “for passionate music lovers,” gives us an up-close look at his many successes, allowing the reader to feel like we were right there with him. If you’re looking for industry tips, you’ll get those. If you’re after rock ‘n’ roll shenanigans, you’ll be satisfied in that regard too. Dig in!

"501 ESSENTIAL ALBUMS OF THE 1980S" EDITED BY GARY GRAFF

MC contributor Graff has played an absolute blinder here, working with a long list of esteemed scribes (Cary Baker, Rob St. Mary, many more) to compile the 501 essential albums of the '80s. Naturally, with any sort of book like this, everyone will point to albums that should be in there but aren’t. That said, this is damned extensive. All the appropriate new wave, new romantic, pop, and hair metal albums from that decade are present and correct. But Graff makes sure that gospel, country, jazz, punk, hip-hop, soul, and just about everything else gets a fair shake too. Essential reading for anyone with even a passing interest in that decade.

SEE PART TWO HERE

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Peter Edge honored with Sir George Martin Award, as Capitol Records UK sweeps MBW’s Music Business UK AwardsMBW's Music Business UK Awards: All the winners
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Billboard Names Top Music Business Schools in the WorldBillboard has released its 2025 annual roundup of top music business schools globally. It features top players like Berklee, Belmont, MTSU, Loyola, NYU-Tish, and University of Rochester's Eastman. But this year's list goes deeper and includes affordable public universities, HBCUs, and schools outside major industry hubs.
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From Genuine Story to Repeat Exposure: How Listeners Become FansA singer songwriter shares thoughts on how to turn casual listeners into diehard fans, in a way that's authentic to your artist brand and identity.
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Classical Highlights for October 2025A handful of noteworthy classical albums to sample: Alexander Gergelyfi plays a clavichord owned by Mozart himself in a recording that also features baritone Georg Nigl; Vox Clamantis once again sings music by Arvo Pärt (both pictured), this time to mark the composer's 90th birthday.

BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS SIGNS MAN BOY BROWNBlue Élan Records announced on Tuesday the signing of Man Boy Brown, "the new solo project from Raul Pacheco, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and co-founding member of the three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning band Ozomatli. Pacheco introduces his alter ego with the debut single, 'Moving On, out today on all streaming platforms.""The track marks a powerful new chapter for Pacheco, blending his warm, soulful baritone with lyrics that question nostalgia while embracing change: 'Are you ready to move on / From glory days and same old songs.' The song reflects his desire to explore a fresh artistic identity while continuing to perform with his longtime Ozomatli bandmates.""Under the moniker Man Boy Brown, Pacheco channels the spirit of eternal youth and creative freedom—what he calls his 'forever in his crown' outlook," a statement reads. "His forthcoming album, set for release in 2026, offers a playful yet reflective journey through the sounds that shaped him—from romantic Latin ballads and Mexican corridos to the grooves of ‘70s R&B and rock. The project brings together a global cast of collaborators, underscoring the cross-cultural storytelling that has always defined Pacheco’s music."“This is me reconnecting with my roots while also allowing myself to try new things,” says Pacheco. “I’m still part of Ozomatli, but Man Boy Brown is about giving myself space to grow and to see where that creativity leads.”"With 'Moving On,' Pacheco reaffirms his place as one of Los Angeles’ most distinctive musical voices—honoring the past while boldly stepping into the next phase of his career." The post BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS SIGNS MAN BOY BROWN first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Jody Gerson vows to ‘protect human songwriters’ in the age of AI, as UMPG boss accepts International Executive of the Year honor at MBW’s Music Business UK AwardsMBW's Music Business UK Awards took place in Covent Garden this evening (November 4), celebrating the very best that the UK music biz has to offer
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The Volume of Canceled Gigs Grows Louder Than EverWith Morrissey and Benson Boone's recent cancellations due to exhaustion and vocal strain respectively, a growing concern in the music industry around how much is too much...
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Live Nation and Ticketmaster Lawsuits: Tracking The Legal BattlesLive Nation and Ticketmaster are facing increased scrutiny and multiple lawsuits that could reshape concert ticketing and the entire live music industry in 2026.
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Gibson Generation Group (G3) Mentors the Next Generation of MusiciansAccording to news from Gibson on Monday, "For over 130 years, Gibson has shaped the sound of music across generations. Today, Gibson proudly introduces the Gibson Generation Group (G3) Class of 2027— a global artist development program dedicated to mentoring the next generation of exceptional young musicians."

"Music that inspired generational movements has been written and performed by young artists with their Gibson and Epiphone guitars, and with its artist-first culture, Gibson is dedicated to developing the next generation of music players and creators with the Gibson Generation Group, aka Gibson G3. This curated group of emerging guitarists, songwriters, and music creators will embark on a two-year journey of growth, collaboration, and career-building."

"A powerful two-year mentorship program for emerging musicians, the Gibson Generation Group (G3) fosters a new generation, encouraging them to pursue careers in music. Through one-on-one artist relations support, instrument loans, collaborative social media promotions, and performance opportunities alongside music superstars at festivals and events, G3 members also participate in global marketing campaigns with Gibson and other iconic brands in the music and entertainment industry—launching them onto the worldwide stage."

"Gibson G3 members receive artist development with songwriting and coaching sessions from Gibson artists such as program mentors Emily Wolfe and Toby Lee. They also benefit from career guidance provided by Gibson’s Cultural Influence and Executive Leadership teams. G3 musicians learn to produce high-quality content and build promotional awareness, empowering them to grow a global fanbase reaching hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide."

"Gibson G3 artists remain an enduring part of the Gibson family, with the brand team continuing to support their career growth and champion their success."

“We are honored to welcome this talented group of musicians,” says Jenny Marsh, Global Director of Cultural Influence and Artist Programs at Gibson. “Working with a carefully curated group every two years allows us to build meaningful relationships and provide deep, ongoing support. Our commitment to artist development doesn’t end after the program—we’re here to champion their growth throughout their entire careers.”

“As the global mentor for the Gibson Generation Group, I’m continually inspired by the extraordinary talent and passion these young musicians bring,” adds Emily Wolfe. “It’s a privilege to help guide their artistic journeys and witness the rise of future legends. Gibson’s dedication to nurturing creativity and supporting artists from the very beginning is what makes this program so powerful—and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Stay tuned for updates and behind-the-scenes moments as these rising stars begin their journey and visit Gibson Generation Group (G3) for more information.

Gibson welcomes the Gibson Generation Group Class of 2027:

OLLY PEARSONUnited Kingdom

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"At just 12 years old, Olly Pearson is already making waves in the UK guitar scene. Inspired during lockdown by a neighbor’s driveway performances, Olly began learning guitar with help from his grandad over Zoom. His passion quickly evolved into public performances, starting in Chester in 2022, where his rendition of “Apache” gained over 15 million views on YouTube."

"Since then, Olly has performed solo at guitar shows across the UK and earned multiple endorsements, including Fairclough Guitars, Scan Pro Audio, Patrick Eggle Handmade UK Guitars, and Scott Dixon Guitar Flight Cases. He regularly demonstrates gear live at events and has shared the stage with local rock band The Swillers, highlighting his versatility and stage presence."

"In 2024, Olly was selected as an understudy for an EDF Energy commercial and performed solo at Deva Fest, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star. Now, as a member of the Gibson Generation Group Class of 2027, Olly continues to grow as a performer, creator, and future leader in music."

RUSSELL WATSON

Southern California

RUSSELLWATSON GUITAR.COM | IG

"Russell Watson is a young guitar prodigy from Southern California with a deep love for heavy metal and a mission to heal through music. He began playing guitar at age 8, shortly after the loss of his father to cancer—a moment that sparked his belief in music’s power to heal. Metal became his medicine, his voice, and his connection to something greater, inspiring him to dive into songwriting, composition, drumming, and more."

"Russell is deeply rooted in the metal community and spends hours each day practicing, exploring new sounds, and writing original music. While he respects the greats, he believes in breaking rules to find what feels right—channeling raw emotion and soul into every riff. His influences span legends like Dimebag Darrell, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, and Eddie Van Halen, as well as modern icons like Zakk Wylde, Mark Morton, and Kirk Hammett."

"Living on a ranch with his mom and surrounded by animals and nature, Russell finds inspiration everywhere. He has homeschooled to balance his education with his musical journey and travels to perform and connect with fellow artists. With a foundation in metal and a love for grunge and blues, Russell is determined to keep rock music alive and authentic—one powerful note at a time."

LUDOVICK TSHISWAKA

Brazil

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"Ludovick Tshiswaka is a remarkable 13-year-old multi-instrumentalist whose musical identity is deeply rooted in his Brazilian and Congolese heritage. Immersed in music from birth, Ludovick began playing drums at age 2 and quickly expanded his talents to guitar, keyboard, melodica, ukulele, percussion, and cajón. Largely self-taught after learning foundational concepts from his father, Ludovick’s primary focus is the bass guitar, which he began playing at age 7."

"His natural versatility and soulful groove have shaped his unique sound across bass, guitar, and keyboards. Beyond performance, Ludovick is a skilled composer and producer, with a deep understanding of musical structure and expression. His passion for music is matched by his dedication to preserving its cultural roots while pushing creative boundaries."

"At just 10 years old, Ludovick contributed guitar work to Thalles Roberto’s Grammy-winning DVD Deixai Vir (2022), marking a major milestone in his professional career. He has since toured Brazil with Roberto and earned praise from legendary guitarist Tom Morello. With a growing presence in both live performance and production, Ludovick continues to build an impressive trajectory as one of the most exciting young artists in music today."

MELIS OGUT

Istanbul, Türkiye

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"Melis Ogut is a 16-year-old guitarist and artist from Istanbul whose passion for music began at an early age. She started playing guitar around age 9 and quickly devoted herself to the instrument, developing a distinctive style that blends blues rock with jazz fusion. Her expressive playing and creative approach reflect the depth of her musical influences, which include Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Marcus King, Mike Stern, and the Brecker Brothers."

"Melis aspires to continue her musical education in the United States, with dreams of attending renowned institutions like Berklee College of Music or the New School of Jazz. Her ultimate goal is to form her own band, write original music, and become a touring artist known for her soulful sound and dynamic performances."

"In addition to music, Melis is passionate about art and fashion, which she seamlessly integrates into her personal style—a vibrant mix of vintage and glam. She believes that music, art, and fashion are deeply interconnected, each inspiring the other and contributing to a richer creative expression. Melis is a bold and multidimensional artist with a clear vision and a bright future ahead."

ZIXUAN “ANGELA” LI

Beijing, China

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"Zixuan Li is a gifted young musician from Beijing, China, born in 2014. From an early age, she displayed an extraordinary passion for music, beginning piano lessons at age four and picking up the ukulele just months later. Before turning five, she had already composed several original songs, displaying a natural talent for melody and expression."

"At age five, Zixuan Li began learning guitar under the guidance of her father, and by age 10, she composed her first original fingerstyle piece, titled Memory. Her primary focus is fingerstyle guitar, and her dedication has led to numerous accolades and high-profile performances. She won first place in national guitar competitions hosted by Japanese masters Masaaki Kishibe (2022) and Kotaro Oshio (2024) and has performed on major stages, including CCTV’s Super Baby, the Viper Room in L.A., and concerts alongside renowned artists such as Jeong Seong-ha and Masaaki Kishibe."

"In August 2025, Zixuan Li won the national championship in the Primary School Group C (Guitar Major) at the Central Conservatory of Music’s Yangyin Showcase, earning an invitation to perform at the prestigious Zhizhen Award Concert. With her growing list of accomplishments and a deep love for music, Zixuan Li is quickly emerging as one of China’s most promising young musical talents."

JAYDEN ENGLISH

Seattle, WA

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"Jayden English is a rising guitarist and vocalist from the Seattle area, born in 2014. From the moment she could make a sound, music has been her passion. She picked up the guitar at age 8 and quickly began channeling her love for rock through influences like Nirvana and KISS, later expanding her musical palette to include legends such as Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, Halestorm, and more."

"In 2024, Jayden took a major step in her musical journey by attending the Women’s Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, where she performed alongside iconic artists including Nancy Wilson, Lita Ford, Nita Strauss, Sheila E., and Rhonda Smith at renowned venues like Lucky Strike and the Viper Room in Los Angeles. These experiences helped shape her confidence and stage presence, and she continues to grow as both a performer and songwriter."

"Jayden is deeply grateful for the mentors and supporters who have guided her path, including Amanda Peters, Randy Hansen, Britt Lightning, Bella Perron, Rudy Sarzo, Moa Munoz, Liv Slingerland, Samantha Maloney, and Bob Daisley. With her powerful voice, dynamic guitar skills, and unwavering passion, Jayden is poised to inspire a new generation of rock fans."

SAWYER LEE

Nashville, TN

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"Sawyer Lee is an eleven-year-old guitarist from Nashville, Tennessee. Sawyer first picked up a guitar at just five years old, and it's been his constant companion ever since. By age six, he was already rocking his first stage performance. Sawyer's first love is rock 'n' roll, with legendary bands like The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd inspiring his sound."

"You'll often catch him at open mics, jamming with local musicians, or performing alongside his favorite band, The Hippies and Cowboys. When he's not playing music, Sawyer is front row at concerts, soaking up every riff and solo from his guitar heroes. For him, the best part of playing guitar is connecting with new friends and celebrating his love of music with them. Driven by a passion to learn and grow, Sawyer is always exploring new styles and techniques. The stage feels like home, and he's excited for every opportunity to perform. Right now, he's hard at work writing original music, with plans to release his debut song next year."

ZACH KRYS

Miami, FL

ZACH KRYS.COM | IG

"Miami raised Zach Krys’ musical journey began at age seven, inspired by his first musical love, The Beatles. That spark grew into a deep passion and a near-encyclopedic knowledge of music across genres. At 13 years old, he is a rocker and metalhead at heart, while always curious to explore his musical vocabulary. Zach loves being on stage, where his energy and connection with the audience truly shine."

"When Zach was eight years old, his uncle Sebastian gifted him a Gibson Firebird, a defining moment that changed everything and fueled his dedication to the guitar. Since then, Zach has devoted countless hours to mastering his playing, performing, and sharing his love of music. Influenced by icons such as Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Jimmy Page, and Slash, Zach has crafted a distinctive sound that reflects both his heroes and his own creative voice."

"Zach's love for performing has taken him to some incredible stages and experiences at such a young age. He has earned a coveted spot in the Florida All-State Jazz Band and proudly has performed the National Anthem at the Miami Heat. Zach has had the opportunity to play throughout Miami including the Montreux Jazz Festival, MODA Miami and at Los Producers during the Latin Grammys."

"For Zach Krys, Gibson isn't just a guitar brand, it's part of his musical identity and he is honored to be a member of the 2027 Gibson Generation Group (G3)."The post Gibson Generation Group (G3) Mentors the Next Generation of Musicians first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

3 things you might have missed from Universal’s Q3 earnings callMusic fans want to see AI improve their listening experience, not replace human artists, UMG's research found
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2 Weeks To Get Artist Accounts Ready For Spotify Wrapped 2025There are less than two weeks left to get Artist accounts ready for Spotify Wrapped 2025. Fortunately, Hypebot makes it easy with a checklist and tips from Spotify to help musicians get ready.
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How Artists Level Up in 2025 Using DSP FeaturesHere are the top features on streaming platforms that artists and A&R reps are using to level up independent musician visibility.
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Top Music Business News Last WeekTop music business news last week included major upgrades on tools for Artists from Bandsintown, SoundCloud and DistroKid, Indivisible calling for a Spotify boycott, a free Ticket Data tool, AI music updates and more.
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In principle, what needed to be proven, if you think about it logically, is that “only ‘partially’ created AI music can be registered in PRO” was decided in the US and Canada by ASCAP, BMI, SOCAN #Music #MusicIndustry #Authors #Producers #AI