Pop Babylon

Why do some pop acts soar while others vanish? Why do record labels spend more to promote women than men, and how much does getting to the top really depend on who you know? Imogen Edwards-Jones, working with an anonymous insider, examines the hidden workings of one of the most closed-off corners of the entertainment world. The industry is portrayed as one where cash carries the most weight, image often counts for more than substance, and drug use is routine. The book follows a single year in the life of a newly formed boy band. Along the way it profiles the notoriously difficult female stars, the most extreme fans who hang around musicians, and the many behind-the-scenes staff who make their fortunes from the business. It is aimed at anyone curious about what it actually takes to reach the top of the charts.