Melissa Deskovic, president of Vatic Media, and Bernadette Giacomazzo, president of Akasha Multimedia (www.akashamultimedia.com) in New York City, a member of the national Street Syndicate (www.thesyn.com), a professionally represented photographer through Photorazzi (www.photorazzi.com), and a major label scout for RCA (through MajorLabelScout.com), are both pleased to announce their book, Swimming With Sharks, available for purchase now at www.cafepress.com/akashamulti.

Critics of the book have already described it as well-researched, informative, and clever. The book takes a unique approach to the music business both Deskovic and Giacomazzo wrote the book with the musician in mind, spoken as both professionals and cool older sisters of the independent music guard.

Like any how-to book worth its while, Swimming with Sharks is replete with little-known facts and sound advice. It, however, also goes a step further Deskovic and Giacomazzo worked tirelessly, for months on end, collecting interviews from various music industry professionals in a variety of fields, including law, promotions, marketing, and publicity. Swimming with Sharks also boasts some never-before-seen photos taken by Giacomazzo whose professional represented photography is award-winning and published featuring goth legend Voltaire, punk rockers Suicide City (ex-Biohazard and Kittie), and rocknroll guitarist Wilson Lihn. Finally, Swimming with Sharks features snippets from Ask the Pros, a MySpace group moderated by Deskovic, in which up-and-coming bands ask the 200-plus-member cadre of professionals a variety of questions.

Swimming with Sharks also provides a rare treat for its readers: a compilation CD entitled Shark Bait, featuring 20 cuts from independent bands from a variety of genres. This CD will also be presented to various media outlets. Confirmed artists include alt-rockers Finespun (http://www.finespunmusic.com), fairy tale rockers Sky Salt (http://www.skysalt.com), and Floridas own Sentenced 2 Live (managed by Deskovic).