How To Make It in the New Music Business: Practical Tips on Building a Loyal Following and Making a Living as a Musician (Second Edition)

I've been a professional musician since 1986 and have a shelf full of self-help books pertaining to the arts and how to survive within the field. It's a constantly evolving industry and there's not one hard fast rule to making a buck.Ari has distilled all the principles one would need to get a good head start within the creative industry. The book is geared towards musicians, but the principles apply globally towards how to use social media.I'm not even finished with it, but the knowledge presented is so spot-on I have no problem recommending it highly at the halfway mark.I will be gifting this book to several people this holiday season.

I have been a fan of Ari for his blogs and his presentation at music conferences. I wanted support him by buying his book. But so far, I am very disappointed because he doesn’t really share detailed steps to do things , he is pitching more of his online courses. I would think for the price I paid for the book And how long the book is, it should include more than Motivational speeches about how to do things.

This book covers so many arenas of the industry, no wonder this second edition is even bigger. Since I read the first edition, I went through this one and post-it-noted the crap out of it for all the pieces I missed on my first go around (plenty, I missed plenty). Sometimes he says "should's" and shares his takes on particular rules he believes in, so you can ignore those if you disagree - I personally appreciate how he adds his perspectives like that, because it helps me shape my own beliefs.If anyone shows negativity towards this book, it's probably because they don't have the perspective yet of what "making it" really means: there are no secrets, it's lots of hard work and chipping away at a big picture. Ari, and this particular book, is an asset to music careers that really understand that. Highly recommend.

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!

My music partner and I have copies of the first edition, and they are bookmarked up all over the place! When the second edition was announced, I ordered two copies immediately. We live by this book! I can't wait to get into it and see what all the updates are. BTW we are jazz musicians. Thanks Ari!!!

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).

THE MUSICIAN'S ESSENTIAL BOOK!!! Omg , I was screaming. I'm a known composer, Ghost writer, with many Nda's so I can't say who I wrote too, but I have to say if you need a book to become a musician professionally it is this one. This book is extremely honest to the point that it hurts, but that's the music in a nutshell, every single way to make money is detailed here. you can also get a audio book for a easy read but I suggest physical because if not you will miss important URL's , advices and trust me this man has teached me so much new things I have to find out who he is. Nevertheless, buy it if you are a musician.

This is THE book on the new music business. No one has dove into the research like Ari, translating it all into an easy to digest format for the DIY musician and industry veteran alike. I cannot recommend this book enough. Get reading and start WORKING!

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.

Just finished the new edition of the book. Literally read every single word; even the ameri-centric sections on college touring (different to the UK system; I’ve used Ari’s blueprint and apply it to our situation over here)Brilliant. All the lessons I’ve learned in music over the last few years distilled into succinct, simple language... and so many more that I havent learnt yet. Wish every musician read this, and have got a couple of friends to buy copies.

It seems to me that Ari Herstand, with the 2nd edition of his book on the new music business, has written a guide which is as near to being "comprehensive" as possible (at this point in time, for an ever-changing industry). The level of detail, and the amount of ground it covers is hugely impressive. Indispensable.

Great book packed with so much useful information on how to connect and with people to get your music heard as well as ways to make a career in music

As MD of an award-winning digital marketing agency, transitioning to full time singer/songwriter/co-director of my band Delta Skies this book lays out what you need to consider to earn an income from your music. It's the most comprehensive and up-to-date breakdown of royalties, sync, touring, sponsorship, marketing and merchandising I've found told by a musician's perspective. Will be getting for all my musician friends!