How To Make It in the New Music Business: Practical Tips on Building a Loyal Following and Making a Living as a Musician Hardcover – November 5, 2019

Let me give you some background on where I'm coming from first.I have read the first edition, seen Ari talk at the ASCAP expo earlier this year, attended some of his free online webinars, signed up for both classes (streaming/instagram growth and successful touring) and have been following his mailing list for a year or so now. So, here's the run down of where this book lies in what he brings to the table.If you don't know where to start, but you know you want a music career or are at least curious about what it could entail, read this book.Before reading the first edition, I knew I wanted a music career but had not a single clue on what that meant beyond the essential "write good music". This book gives you that leg up on knowing how to organize yourself to maximize your music and your potential career. It can't guarantee anything as what is "good" is far too subjective to say. But if you have the "good stuff" then you should be able to make it with enough hard work, planning and your willingness to change with the times.Ari asks you right off the bat why you are a musician. It's a great question. He also details song/album release plans, marketing, managers, shows, touring, artwork/media, and plenty of other super fine details that will make you at least know where to look IF you want more detail. The difference between the 1st and 2nd edition is quite simple, it just contains more information on what is now (when the book was finished) the most relevant guide.Now, in regards to what else Ari has, here's what I think. His free webinars are super helpful if you want the book restated/maybe elaborated on a bit. His talks at expos etc, are pretty much the book restated as well with more story/jokes (entertaining and inspiring at the least but not highly informative if you've read the book). Ari's take (his online blog) is going to be where the updated info is as the music industry changes and maybe some more details than what's in the book. His online classes? While "expensive" to most, are more than just a class by all means. He brings community. Private groups where he and other students post questions, discussions and progress from taking these courses (and he will respond where he sees the need or want to). It's all quite inspiring and worth gaining the connections from. Do you need the classes? Of course not. Hell, you don't "need" this book, but it's a nice guide for sure!

I loved the entire read from front to back. Ari has credibility and touches on all aspects of the music business and how to succeed! Depending on your direction, you just have to put the work in and that is the emphasis of this book. I'm a multi-instrumentalist/producer with my own active project studio tackling multiple facets of my career from producing/mixing to freelancing as a live player. It's the most important book that I've picked up on this topic in years. It's chock-full of ideas and inspiration and it's given me a deeper understanding on how to approach my business further. I attend Ari's webinars and I appreciate his no nonsense approach to standing up for the independent artist..we're lucky to have him in our corner.

As someone with music biz experience, a legal background and a daughter who's decided to go into the business as a recording artist, this is the most invaluable book I've read on the business today. I use it as a reference book as I assist my daughter with the business end of what she does (which is all-encompassing, there's a LOT to know, and manage), and all of the tasks involved to be successful in the music business as a DIY artist. Can't recommend it highly enough!

I've been following Ari Herstand ever since I was watching Tom Morello's Masterclass online and he mentioned to check out Ari's take. So when I heard that Ari was coming out with the 2nd edition of his book I immediately bought it and I'm about half way through the book already! It's a very easy read and VERY helpful in so many ways! He goes over everything from how to write up a BIO, to releasing an album, playing the college scene, touring, getting sponsorship, and how to really thrive in the music business. I'm a full-time musician and I find the info in this book to be VERY helpful! :)

This book was very timely for me. I am preparing to release my 6th album and Ari's book came at a perfect time. I have made my living in the arts as an actor, songwriter and musician for the past 30+ years. I only wish I had had access to this information years ago. There have been a lot of changes in the industry over the past few decades and Ari does a great job sorting it all out. The book is well written, laid out in a logical progression and filled with very practical, well researched information. I am taking notes as I go (which I highly recommend). Even though I am old enough to be his dad, I feel like Ari is one of "us" rather than some professorial guru with no real-world experience. This is not a rehash of the typical music biz advice. Let me cut to the chase. I like this book so well that I'm going to buy one for my musician son (because if I loan him mine, I'll never get it back).

Easily the best and most relevant book I've read on the music industry (from a musician's standpoint). I was hoping he'd speak more about how/where to advertise, how to get on music charts (if it matters), and tax write-offs for musicians however I understand it can be difficult to cover every-single-little-thing.

I had seen adverts for it for months and finally purchased a copy once a full time musician friend posted about it. I'm certainly grateful that I grabbed a copy! This book is the ultimate resource for any musician looking to make music their full time career. Practical and philosophical advice make for an encouraging read filled with advice and tips that you'd never think of! This book is certainly one of the BEST investments you can make as a indie musician.

Being a musician has become an all- encompassing art form, and unfortunately its no longer just about 'the tunes, man.' I've been devouring this book, it's a super clear and informative guide to your next steps as a career musician, no matter how far along you are in the process. I'll definitely be reading and re- reading this one, can't recommend it enough.PS: No, it won't make you a star.PSS: Yes, it will make you a stronger more independent artist who no longer desires to be a star.

Es un gran libro, sobre todo porque va directo al lenguaje del músico, sin tantas cosas técnicas sobre el negocio o vivir de la música, el libro está completamente destinado a como vivir de la música en EU, y también menciona UK para quienes creen que aplica a todas las áereas, el autor no ve como funciona en otros países, ya que es bajo su experiencia.

good book but much more useful for people living in the united states than european

Loved it! So much valuable information on these pages, worth every penny. Highly recommend reading it as soon as possible, I had a friend who read it and it made him re-think his whole view on music making him realize that music wasn’t something for him after all. For me it did the complete opposite and ignited my passion even more.

I can’t remember the last time I felt moved to write a review......I’ve worked in all areas of live music, recording, gigging etc for more than 35 years, I’ve worked all throughout Europe and also in L.A. & other American areas.This book contains essential information. Read that again. It is crammed withgrounded, rudimentary high quality knowledge most of which is subsequently laid out into extremely practical implementation plans.I bought my music business partner a copy for herself after reading about 20 pages.Just buy one.IanP.S. If there is any slight negative it’s that at times the content does make the possibility of living as a musician/songwriter appear as daunting task. A tab more acknowledgment of all that being musically capable can bring to others lives may have further enhanced this excellent body of work.