Managing Your Band 4th Edition (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)The updated version of this book is great!This book has taken a look at publicity, touring, contracts, branding, marketing, trademarks, merchandising, and record companies.Unlike the previous editions of this book, this book goes into music downloading and it's consequences. This book is a must have for anyone looking at music management or performance!

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Product Description:
One of the most comprehensive books available covering publicity, touring, contracts, branding, marketing, trademarks, merchandising and record companies, this latest edition includes new business models for succeeding in the virtual world, and new contracts for personal management and artists releasing their own digital product. Also features an expanded chapter on business management, new artist-manager court cases, and updated industry website listings.

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The MIDI Manual, Third Edition: A Practical Guide to MIDI in the Project Studio (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the book to be used as the text for a college class.Many good MIDI books are out there, but this one is the best from what I've seen.MIDI has not changed much over the last decade however computers have. It is therefore very important to use the newest text on the subject.Written in a straight forward manner, good aspects to MIDI are conveyed.Latest equipment is mentioned, good resource.

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Product Description:
The MIDI Manual is a complete reference on MIDI, written by a well-respected sound engineer and author. This best-selling guide provides a clear explanation of what MIDI is, how to use electronic instruments and an explanation of sequencers and how to use them. You will learn how to set up an efficient MIDI system and how to get the best out of your music.

The MIDI Manual is packed full of useful tips and practical examples on sequencing and mixing techniques. It also covers editors/librarians, working with a score, MIDI in mass media and multimedia and synchronisation. The MIDI spec is set out in detail along with the helpful guidelines on using the implementation chart.

Illustrated throughout with helpful photos and screengrabs, this is the most readable and clear book on MIDI available.

* Complete illustrated guide to the MIDI spec and explanation of the implementation chart
* Practical advice on sampling and sequencing, covering all the major DAWs
* Includes all the latest developments in hardware and software

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2008 Songwriter's Market Review

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(More customer reviews)Excellent resource for any songwriter, performing or not. Contains useful advice on how to prepare demos, copyright, etc, plus a comprehensive list of agents, music publishers, record companies and other useful contacts.

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Product Description:
Features hundreds of listings for music publishers, record companies, managers & booking Agents, and record producers, as well as songwriter support organizations, contests, and online resources.
Includes interviews with successful pro songwriters, including Paul Simon and Kara DioGuardi (Christina Aguilera, Santana, Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, plus two BMI Pop Awards in 2006).
Crucial articles inform readers about how money is made in music and how to protect themselves from the scam artists of the industry.
The 2008 Songwriter's Market is packed with information about the inner workings of the music industry that can mean the difference between success and failure. Readers will find support and encouragement through support organizations, online resources, and songwriting-related books and magazines, as well as articles and interviews with industry insiders. The reader will also find numerous listings for music industry companies and executives including their contact information, the type of music they are looking for, and how much they pay.

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The Daily Adventures of Mixerman (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)Anybody who has ever spent time in a recording studio should read this. And those that haven't spent time in a recording studio should read it just to get a taste of what they DON'T miss.

As a musician and engineer/producer, some of the accounts in the book had me ROFL while other stories just ring VERY true.

And behind all the sarcasm and outrageousness of the (true) tale of a band without any clue and little proficency but too much time and (loaned) money on their hands, there actually is much to be learned about record-making and producing.

Highly remommended!

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Product Description:
Mixerman is a recording engineer working with a famous producer on the debut album of an unknown band with a giant recording budget. Mixerman is supposed to be writing about recording techniques, but somehow, through that prism, he has hit upon a gripping story. Like all great narratives, Mixerman's diary has many anti-heroes for whom we, the readers, can have nothing but contempt. The band consists of the four most dislikable human beings you can imagine. The singer is vain and pretentious. The guitarist is a serious depressive. The drummer is as "dumb as cotton," and the bassist is merely mean and petty, making him the only one that Mixerman can stand. All four of them hate each other's guts, and they haven't even been on tour yet. Mixerman takes you through the recording process of a bidding war band in over their heads with a famous record producer (also in over his head). Many find Mixerman's diary entries side-splittingly funny. Some find them maddening. And a select few feel they are the most despicable accountings of record-making ever documented.

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101 Songwriting Wrongs and How to Right Them: How to Craft and Sell Your Songs (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have not finished reading this book yet, but from what I have read, I found this book to be very informative & enjoyable in its approach.Each chapter is short enough to make it easy to read, yet long enough to get its point across.Although I'm a member of a songwriter's group and have read other books on the subject & attended seminars, I've already learned new approaches to the craft of songwriting by studying this book.I believe that anyone, whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned writer, will find this book useful in your ambitions of being a hit songwriter.

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Product Description:
Take the songwriter's journey from the first inspiration for a song to the collection of worldwide royalties.xperienced songwriters Pat and Pete Luboff point out the stumbling blocks you'll encounter along the way and how to turn them into stepping stones to songwriting success. In 101 fun and easy-to-read chapters, you'll find tips on:

building solid, marketable song structures
creating the perfect lyrics accompanied by moving melodies
forming productive and profitable collaboration ventures
producing effective demos that you can pitch
tracking your royalty collection

You'll also discover how new technology is changing songwriting and how to use that to your advantage. Plus, you'll get insider tips on traveling to and living in the songwriting centers of the country--Los Angeles, New York City, and Nashville. Everything you need to live and succeed at the songwriter's life can be found in this one great resource.

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The Gigging Musician: How to Get, Play, and Keep the Gig (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)One might expect this book by jazz pianist Billy Mitchell to be strictly a "how to," but it is so much more than that. While it certainly has a list of items to remember when gigging, the heart of "The Gigging Musician" are it's interviews with musicians in the trenches and insightful and inspiring words from Mitchell himself.

There's a lot to glean from chapters featuring interviews with musicians extraordinaire Joe Sample and Karen Briggs. Seeing what they've learned from being on the road and playing numerous gigs is invaluable. But it's the chapters on the dangers of drug use during gigs, women on the road and the different types of band leaders that are unexpectedly helpful.

This little book -- "The Gigging Musician" is less than 150 pages -- is hard to put down. It's extremely interesting and inspirational.

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Packed with proven solutions developed from real-life experiences, this book by Gig columnist Billy Mitchell analyzes both the business and creative challenges of successful gigging. Articles on specific issues with landing, planning and playing gigs are backed by firsthand interviews with musicians, agents, producers and others who have handled these problems on the road and in the studio. This well-rounded reference offers practical advice and inspiring insight on everything from curbing stage fright to controlling finances.
"This book is a must for young musicians ... itÕs a great experience."
- Maurice White, Founder/Leader/Producer, Earth, Wind & Fire

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How They Made It: True Stories of How Music's Biggest Stars Went from Start to Stardom (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)Singing, be it pop, classical, opera, Broadway, is a hard way to make a living. I've often compared it to the NBA or the NFL. You take a kid. He/She is the best they have in high school. Off to college, and all of a sudden there's a bunch, a whole bunch, of kids that were the best they had in high school. Only a few are going to be the best in college. Then it's to the real world. There's a bunch of the best in college. The pros, sports or music, only take a few.

From then on it's talent, luck, and a whole bunch of drive and dedication. You have to be careful to mix work (more work than you can imagine), love, family. You have to find the right spouse who shares your dream, or you wind up with a lot of divorces.

As my daughter Victoria Matlock (currently on tour with the musical WICKED) says, 'It's not something you want to do, it's something you have to do.'

And somewhere along the way you need a break. Something's got to separate you from the other hundreds of players. This book tells what happened to get the careers of forty one music acts rolling.

Good Luck!

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Product Description:
Everyone comes from somewhere: How They Made It is a savvy insider's tale that traces the career trajectories of a cross section of top selling recording artists, puncturing the mythologies of the music business to reveal the truths within. Hard work and persistence are the common themes, dispelling the notion of "overnight success." Artists covered include Jim Brickman, Green Day, Norah Jones, Maroon5, John Mayer, Alanis Morissette, OutKast, Rufus Wainright and Lee Ann Womack.

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Confessions of a Record Producer: 10th Anniversary Edition, Revised and Updated (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book takes you through almost every aspect of the music industry.He tells you of scams of entertainment lawyers to dirty tricks by the big labels. At the same time he opens your eyes to just how successful you have to be to make money of your recordings (more than you think).A must readfor people even considering a career in the music industry.All this isdone with a sense of humor and language you can understand.Complete withreal life examples.Great book.

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I Believe in Music: Hardcover (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a well written history of the Roland company that gives you a unique viewpoint into the commercial development of electronic musical instruments in the late 20th century. I was surprised to find that a large portion of the book is devoted to offering guidance for those in the music business. It looks like great advice, and it comes from an extremely succesful man, but I skipped a good 100 pages devoted to business structure, management, marketing, etc. that isn't really my focus.

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Published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Roland Corporation, this is the inspiring and heartfelt memoir of Ikutaro Kakehashi, a pioneering figure in electronic music instruments and the company's visionary founder. From war-torn Japan to his first watch repair business to the dawn of and subsequent enormous leaps of electronic musical instruments, Kakehashi's story is sometimes wry, sometimes touching, always wise. Through it all, Kakehashi has believed in music above else: his first priority has always been an unwavering passion for expanding the potential for artistic expression. Everyone from music aficionados to those looking for time-tested business savvy will enjoy his unique story. The book features fantastic photos throughout, including an 8-page full-color section.Ikutaro Kakehashi founded the Roland Corporation in 1972. He lives in Hosoe-cho, Hamamatsu City, Japan.Robert Olsen worked for 25 years in the international music trade before switching careers to become a college instructor and free-lance author. He lives in Northbrook, IL.

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2009 Musician's Atlas Review

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(More customer reviews)Was disappointing to order this, only to find absolutely no listings whatsoever for Hawaii or Alaska. Not sure why clubs in these states would be excluded, although it's tough to drive a bus to either state. Still, why exclude the radio stations in those states. Mail and telephone work just fine to get in touch with public and college radio in these two states. Excluding radio there seems lazy.

Oh well. There are many club listings for the continental 48. Each lists fundamental contact information, as well as genre, advance, capacity and sound information. There's usually a sentence or two of description about the kinds of acts wanted. Sometimes, there's a few words about merch splits. There are also listings for lawyers, press, associations, and so on.

A useful reference book.

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Product Description:
This indispensable directory for music business professionals has been completely updated for 2009, with more than 15,000 U.S. and international contacts in more than 28 categories. These include club talent buyers, college and festival bookers, commercial and college radio programmers, promoters and publicists, film and TV music supervisors, distributors, marketing services, and other essential contacts. Highlights of this 10th edition include more than 800 new performance opportunities, song contests, CD compilation contacts, and e-commerce services.

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Succeeding in Music: Music Pro Guides Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of the best books out there for learning about the music business and how to structure your business so that it can be profitable and sustain long-term stability. More importantly, it's written in "plain language" that most readers will surely appreciate. I've read tons of books about various aspects of the music business, and none quite GET TO THE POINT the way John Stiernberg does in "Succeeding in Music". As an upcoming "musical entrepreneur", I'm making sure any of the acts I work with have read this book and are well-versed in the fundamentals laid out therein. There are a lot of talented people out there who want to work in the music business, I firmly believe those that plan, and follow the advice in this book, are on the right path to turning that talent and ambition into a profitable enterprise. Reading this book is probably one of the best things you can do for your career, whether you're just starting out, still waiting for your "big break", or in your "re-tooling phase". EXCELLENT RESOURCE!

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Product Description:
Written for both musicians and musical entrepreneurs, this updated and revised, user-friendly guide spells out the fundamentals of business, finance, and marketing for the music world. Author John Stiernberg provides an in-depth look at what it takes to become a success in music in the 21st century, with insights culled from his years of experience working in the entertainment industry. You'll learn how to take a strategic approach to all aspects of the music business, from product development and pricing to surviving the industry's notoriously competitive environment. This practical guide is written in an accessible style that will give you a real head start in planning your success, while helping you avoid failures. Whether you're starting or strengthening your music career, you'll see why you need a business plan - and how to put yours into action. Includes a CD-ROM with checklists, resources, and templates for planning and managing your career and more!

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$30 Music School (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is a great read. I'm a musician with the attention span of a bird, and I read $30 Music School in a day. Believe me. That's saying a lot. I've read a load of music business-related books, and none of them quite measure up to the experience of reading this one.
It's written with a style I can relate to with loads of humor and no-bull lessons. It's like chewing the fat about every aspect of what it means to be a musician with a friend of yours. Hell...I even had a great time reading about how to shop for and tune a drumset - and I'm a guitarist. (The chapters about internet promotion and songwriting basics are especially enlightening!)
If you're on a "mission from God" to take your music to a new level, you probably just landed here for a reason.
This book is exactly what the title says.

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Product Description:
"Making art your full-time job is a full-time job." If you're ready to take on this job, then you're ready to follow the advice that you'll find inside $30 Music School. Do-it-Yourself recording, distribution, and promotion have made it easier than ever to make a living making music. Learn how to thrive in this new business model. $30 Music School is for people who want to be musicians, not just look like musicians. It's all about cutting through the star-system garbage and getting to the heart of art, and making great music that can reach the world on no budget. No matter what type of music moves you-rock, Alternative, Metal, Punk, Hip Hop, Country, Jazz or Salsa-you can take this book and put it to work for you. Go one-on-one with musicians who have made music their life. Use their advice and learn from their experiences. Find out what it takes to create both realistic goals as well as a map to reach them.

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Music Copyright for the New Millenium (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)Music Copyright For The New Millennium is an extremely useful reference for anyone involved in the music industry. The book's author, David Moser, writes in a very easy to understand style and provides many examples and tips to illustrate how copyright law really applies to real life situations. It also clears up many of the common misconceptions musicians have about registering copyrights, co-ownership of songs, etc. The last chapter which covers the most currently controversial issues involving copyright and the use of music on Internet is especially informative. If this book existed when I started my career in the music industry, I would have been much more knowledgeable and avoided many problems.

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The 21st century promises to be the greatest period of growth in musical expression the world has ever known, as new technologies have made it easier and less costly to produce and distribute creative works on a worldwide basis. Copyright law and the ownership of intellectual property will continue to be the lifeblood of the music industry and the source from which the income of musicians will be derived. This book will give you a thorough understanding of copyright law as it applies specifically to music. In an easy-to-understand style, it explains the relevant provisions of U.S. copyright law and demonstrates how they are used in the music industry. From the Statute of Anne in the early 18th century to recent lawsuits against MP3-swapping services, this is the most comprehensive guide to music copyright ever created.David J. Moser is an entertainment attorney who primarily represents music industry clients. He is also a professor in the Recording Industry program at Middle Tennessee State University, where he teaches courses in copyright law and music publishing. In addition, Moser has written articles on entertainment law for numerous publications, including Billboard and Entertainment Law and Finance. He lives in Nashville and is a member of the Copyright Society of the United States, the Tennessee Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.

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1000 Songwriting Ideas (Hal Leonard Music Pro Guides) Review

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(More customer reviews)A lot of it is fluff/filler.

I counted the music theory-related songwriting ideas, and there are a total of 82 ideas. The other 918 ideas are "contemporary" ideas such as "What's the song that would go best with a ten-gallon hat?" and "Write a song about angels."

Ok, well... no.

I'm from the alternative school of thought, when it comes to songwriting. I grew up on the Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Dinosaur Jr., Pumpkins, etc (the 90s). Music with edge, with soul, with staying power (like certain stuff from the 60s and 70s-- Beatles, Nick Drake, and Sabbath).

What I dislike most are books from Nashville/contemporary songwriters, who write top 40 "hits" for pop artists (most of which go unheard for the most part).

I have nothing against Ms. Aschmann as a songwriter (I've never heard her music) but the ideas are just... fluffy. That's the best way I can describe it. Don't get me wrong, there ARE gems to be found inside this book, but they are few and far-between.

A lot of these ideas are lyric or story-related. I think Rikky Rooksby's book "Lyrics" is a better option if you're stuck for lyric or story ideas.

Oh, here's another problem I have with this book - a lot of her ideas aren't clearly explained. In one idea, she talks about a guitar tuning called "Taro Patch." I had to look it up on google and wikipedia to find out that it's simply an open-G tuning. Also, a lot of the songs she cites, I have never heard them, ever. Cheesy titles that seem like they're in the public domain, musically. I listen to A LOT of different music, from 40's jazz to metal and everything in between, and I just couldn't even bother to look up the songs she mentioned or what they sounded like.

I've said it before in several songwriting book reviews -- check out Rikky Rooksby's songwriting series, especially How To Write Songs On Guitar.

This is a great effort from Ms. Aschmann, but it just falls a bit short. In all honesty, I think this book of ideas would have been better suited for a website, free for all to read and utilize.

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Going Pro: Developing a Professional Career in the Music Industry (Musicians Institute Press) Review

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(More customer reviews)i got the book in a decent amount of time. price was ok. i dont agree with everything he states in the book mostly about if you have a bandmember with a boyfriend/girlfriend, or husband/wife replace them. i understand what hes saying, but that is a stupid reason to fire a band member. but whatever im just starting the book

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This handy guide provides everything you need to know to go pro, including information about personal managers, music attorneys, business managers and booking agents, record companies, AandR, publishing, songwriting, demo tapes and press kits, self-promotion, and much more. A must for all musicians!

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Hey, That's My Music!: Music Supervision, Licensing and Content Acquisition (Hal Leonard Music Pro Guides) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are a musician and you know much of anything about music licensing--if you belong to BMI or other PRO and know what they do; if you know what kind of license you need to record a cover song and put it on a CD--then this book is way too basic for you. I'm quite disappointed because the book is padded with forms that are readily available on line, and with Q&As of the usual type you hear at music conferences (Lots of gossip and name-dropping), but it really lacks the nuts-and-bolts of exactly how to get your music placed and sold.

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This book is everything a musician, filmmaker, or content user needs to know about placing music into film, TV, games, and commercials. Created for musicians and music supervisors, this comprehensive compendium of real-life licensing and music placement examples will lead the musician, writer, or potential content acquirer down the path of music rights do's and don'ts. Music licensing and rights terms are defined as well as detailed description on the clearance process. Culled from numerous speaking engagements and twenty-five years in the music industry, veteran music executive Brooke Wentz brings to light her thoughts on current rights issues and how we are moving closer to a copyright cartel. This book reveals the secrets to content acquisition and the innuendos involved for securing music, one of the most complex and always changing IP's to lock down.

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Succeeding in Music - A Business Workbook for Performers, Songwriters and Agents Book/CD-ROM (Succeeding in Music: A Business Workbook for Performers, Songwriters) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was browsing through Border Books one day in the music section, seeing the usual how to get a record deal books and happened to spy John's book decided to check it out.
It seemed to be a book that seemed to straddle the business side of music but also in a way that musicians could understand and use.
I have used lots of business plan books and marketing books and even went to S.C.O.R.E., but never found someone knowledgable in business who knew much about the music business. "Succeeding in Music" seemed to fill that gap offering hard core business advice, goal setting that made sense and an understanding of what us music business people need to understand and do.
I am not quite through with the book, but, it has helped me wrap my mind around what I need to do to restart my music business career and stay in it.
Now, if only John had a goal setting/tracking software that went with the book (Mac and Windows please) then we would be really on to something.
Good work!
Keith

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Product Description:
Written for both musicians and musical entrepreneurs, this user-friendly guide spells out the fundamentals of business, finance and marketing for the music world. YouÃ-ll learn how to take a strategic approach to all aspects of doing business in music, from product development and pricing to surviving the industryÃ-s renowned competitive environment. Whether youÃ-re starting or strengthening your music career, youÃ-ll see why you need a business plan - and how to put yours into action. Features a foreword by John McEuen, founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and also includes a CD-ROM with checklists, resources and templates for planning and managing your career.

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