I wanted to share two absolutely essential books that every musician should read, whether you're aiming for stardom or just want to make a living in music.
The first book I highly recommend is "How to Make It in the New Music Business" by Ari Herstad. Ari isn't just an amazing musician - he's done incredible work for the music community, including helping defeat the AB5 bill in California which would have created tax complications for musicians hiring other musicians. His book is comprehensive yet easy to read, unlike some industry books written by lawyers. It covers practical, hands-on material from stage presence to dealing with sound technicians, complete with valuable stories from his experience and other seasoned musicians.
The second must-read is "Making Money with Music" by Randy Cherkow and Jason Friehan. These authors are known for their contributions to platforms like CD Baby and Disc Makers. While this book is a bit more detailed and business-oriented than Ari's, it provides an excellent step-by-step game plan. I find these books complement each other perfectly - I'd suggest reading Ari's book first for a great overview, then diving into this one for more detailed strategies.
Having spent nearly 40 years in the music business myself, I still picked up valuable tips from both books. They cover everything from recording and booking to promotion, marketing, and online presence. In today's industry, there's really no excuse for musicians to be taken advantage of - not when resources like these are available. Both books are regularly updated and include helpful website references.
Whether you're a musician or just working in the industry, these books will exponentially improve your understanding of the music business. They'll help you speak the language of producers, booking agents, and other industry professionals, ultimately helping you navigate your music career more successfully.
