Navigating the complexities of the music industry can be daunting for any musician. This book serves as an essential guide, providing invaluable insights and strategies tailored for the current music business. It covers everything from understanding royalties to setting and achieving career goals, making it a must-read for anyone looking to succeed in today's dynamic industry.

Buy Link:

Purchase How to Make It in the New Music Business on Amazon

Read Other Books for Musicians

Rating:

4.7/5 — A must-read for independent musicians looking to thrive in the new music business landscape.

Overview:

How to Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand is an essential guide for independent musicians looking to navigate today’s rapidly changing music industry. With real-world examples, practical advice, and step-by-step strategies, Herstand breaks down how artists can build sustainable music careers without relying on major labels, focusing on making it in the music industry by setting realistic goals and understanding personal definitions of success. The book covers everything from releasing music, marketing, and touring, to understanding revenue streams and networking in the digital age.

Understanding the New Music Business:

The music industry has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, and understanding the new music business is crucial for any artist aiming for success. Gone are the days when the only path to stardom was through a major record label. Today, the rise of streaming platforms, social media, and the DIY music movement has democratized the industry, allowing independent artists to carve out their own paths. Ari Herstand’s book, How to Make It in the New Music Business, serves as an indispensable and comprehensive manual for navigating this new landscape. By understanding the current state of the music industry, artists can make informed decisions about their careers and take control of their own success. Whether you’re a young musician just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to adapt, this book provides the tools you need to thrive in the modern music business.

Key Takeaways:

1. Major Themes:

• Independent Music Career Strategies: Herstand focuses on how musicians can thrive independently, emphasizing self-reliance, creativity, and resourcefulness.
• DIY Marketing and Promotion: Learn how to effectively market your music using social media, email lists, and fan engagement techniques.
• Revenue Streams for Musicians: Detailed breakdowns of various revenue streams, including streaming, live performances, merch sales, sync licensing, and more.

2. Practical Applications for Musicians:

• Building a Fanbase: Step-by-step instructions on how to grow and engage your fanbase using digital platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Touring and Live Performances: Herstand offers advice on how to book, promote, and manage successful tours, even on a budget.
• Monetizing Your Music: Learn how to diversify your income through multiple revenue streams, ensuring a steady income as an independent artist.
• In-Depth Exercises Based: The book includes in-depth exercises based on its practical applications, serving as a personal accountability tool to ensure a thorough understanding and application of the concepts presented.

3. Memorable Quotes or Sections:

• “In the new music business, success isn’t defined by major label deals or chart-topping hits, but by building a career that is financially and creatively sustainable.”
• The chapter on social media marketing is particularly useful, offering actionable steps to help artists increase visibility and connect with their audience.
• Reading Ari's book teaches aspiring musicians about the realities of the music industry, emphasizing its practical insights and comprehensive approach.

Music Industry Insights:

The music industry is a labyrinth of ever-changing trends and challenges, and staying up-to-date is essential for any artist looking to make it. From the meteoric rise of independent artists to the transformative impact of streaming on album sales, there are myriad factors to consider. Ari Herstand’s book offers a treasure trove of insights into the music industry, including practical tips on building a loyal following, making a living as a musician, and navigating the industry’s often turbulent waters. By staying informed and adapting to the latest trends, artists can stay ahead of the curve and achieve their goals. This music industry book is not just a guide; it’s a roadmap to a successful music career in the ever-evolving world of music.

Networking and Collaboration:

In the music industry, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Networking and collaboration are key components of success, and Ari Herstand’s book emphasizes this with gusto. Building relationships with other musicians, industry professionals, and fans can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable learning experiences, and keep you connected to the latest trends. Herstand provides actionable tips on how to build a strong network and collaborate effectively, from attending industry events to leveraging social media. By fostering a robust network and working with others, artists can elevate their careers and achieve their goals. Remember, in the music business, collaboration isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity.

Staying Focused and Motivated:

The path to a successful music career is fraught with challenges, and staying focused and motivated is essential. Ari Herstand’s book offers a wealth of practical advice on how to maintain your drive, even when the going gets tough. Setting realistic goals, treating your career like a business, and finding a mentor are just a few of the strategies Herstand recommends. He also emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and having a support system to keep you on track. By staying focused and motivated, artists can overcome obstacles and continue to push forward, ensuring that their passion for music translates into a sustainable and successful career.

Strengths of the Book:

• Real-World Examples: Herstand provides personal anecdotes and case studies from other independent artists, making the book a fun and informative read that is both relatable and practical.
• Up-to-Date Information: The book reflects the current state of the music industry, especially regarding the role of streaming services, social media, and digital marketing.
• Actionable Advice: Each chapter ends with specific steps musicians can take, making it a hands-on guide for artists ready to apply what they’ve learned.

Critiques or Areas for Improvement:

• Overwhelming for Beginners: While the book covers a lot of ground, beginners may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information. However, it’s a great resource to revisit at different stages of an artist’s career.
• US-Centric Focus: The book primarily addresses the US music market, so international musicians may need to adapt the advice to their local industries.
• Adoption by Music Schools: Many music schools might adopt this book as a resource to inspire aspiring musicians to take control of their careers and thrive in the music industry.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is ideal for independent musicians, DIY artists, and music entrepreneurs who want to build sustainable careers in the modern music industry. It’s especially useful for those who are self-releasing music and looking to maximize their impact without the backing of a major label. The Companion Workbook acts as a personal accountability partner, helping users stay organized and motivated with in-depth exercises designed to guide and support their music careers.

Final Thoughts:

How to Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand is a comprehensive guide for artists who want to take control of their music careers. With its actionable advice, real-world examples, and focus on independent success, it’s an invaluable resource for navigating the complexities of today’s music industry, especially as record companies no longer hold the same gatekeeping power they once did.

Buy Link:

Purchase How to Make It in the New Music Business on Amazon

Read Other Books for Musicians

FAQ

1. What is How to Make It in the New Music Business about?

The book is a step-by-step guide for independent musicians to build sustainable careers in the modern music industry. It covers topics like marketing, revenue streams, touring, and growing a fanbase. The writing style employs a witty and wise tone, making complex information about the music business both entertaining and accessible.

2. Who is this book best suited for?

This book is perfect for independent musicians, DIY artists, and music entrepreneurs looking to grow their careers without relying on major labels. It’s particularly useful for those wanting to self-release music and maximize their impact.

3. Does this book cover how to monetize music?

Yes, the book offers detailed breakdowns of various revenue streams, including streaming, live performances, merchandise sales, sync licensing, and more, helping musicians diversify their income.

4. How does the book help with marketing and promotion?

Herstand provides actionable strategies for using social media, email lists, and fan engagement techniques to promote music. He offers advice on how to build and maintain a dedicated fanbase using digital platforms.

5. Is this book relevant for musicians outside the US?

While much of the advice is applicable globally, the book focuses primarily on the US music market. International readers may need to adapt some strategies to fit their local music industries.

‍