by Chris A.
– Senior Photojournalist —
Okay, you love rock n’ roll, you love going to concerts so what about working in the music industry? Is it feasible? Is it possible? How does someone in the boonies of say, Ohio, land a gig in the music business if you don’t play an instrument? The music business is multi-faceted, multi-layered and filled with a vast array of career opportunities for those interested in working under the umbrella of “the biz.” But be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart or weak willed. It’s a very “results oriented” business, meaning if you don’t really excel, you won’t survive. The truth is you can find work in the industry, the difficulty is knowing how to get your foot in the door and then learning how to survive and thrive.
That’s where Do The Devil’s Work For Him How to Make It In The Music Industry (And Stay In It) is alone worth its $22.00 price. Co-authors Amy Sciarretto and Rick Florino, have impeccable music industry resumes that give the book iron-clad credibility. Together these rock n’ roll industry insiders share their experiences in a fun, easy to read manual that’s certain to give you some eye opening things to consider if you’re leaning towards working in the music industry. Despite the books very heavy-metal sounding title, its contents apply across musical genres so you can read this this book and probably still work with Justin Beiber or Metallica.
Applying a relaxed writing style, Amy and Rick convey their experiences and insight in a way that is easy to read, easy to understand and perhaps most importantly, makes sense. Contained within the book’s 130 plus pages is a vast array of advice, tips, stories, and more than a few secrets to give you an advantage if you decide to take the plunge. Do The Devil’s Work For Him How to Make It In The Music Industry (And Stay In It) is more than a how-to book, it’s a concise blue-print, a strategy you might say, for people seriously interested in pursuing a career in the music industry.
Chapter one sets the tone and sends a very clear signal about how competitive and desired positions are in the music industry. Its title speaks volumes: Work For Free. Sounds insane doesn’t it? But its not. That’s the level of commitment people are willing to make to get a foot in the door. Do The Devil’s Work For Him How to Make It In The Music Industry (And Stay In It) is candid, honest and as you turn the pages of each of its 15 chapters you’ll start to appreciate and recognize the method to the book’s madness.
Drawing from real-life examples and situations they have encountered over their careers, the guidance the authors offer will go a long way to flattening the very considerable learning curve every wanna-be music industry new-bee will encounter. The music industry isn’t like working for a big insurance company or legal firm. In the music industry, big egos, brushes with fame and an assortment of diversions can make it a complicated tricky place to work. Sciarretto and Florino are not just “name dropping” when recounting their stories. There are important lessons to be learned when these folks discuss interactions with publicists, media people and rock stars so pay attention. Do The Devil’s Work For Him How to Make It In The Music Industry (And Stay In It) goes a long way to give readers a sense of the “protocol” or code of conduct one should follow when working in the music industry. There are rules, oh yes, there are most certainly rules.
Want to work with a a label? Want to help market a band? Want to create your own publication reviewing records and talking rock n’ roll? Do it. Do The Devil’s Work For Him How to Make It In The Music Industry (And Stay In It) offer realistic suggestions and positive ideas to help you create your own career path if you so desire. Amy and Rick are both self-made, highly respected music-industry folks who slogged it up the hard way. They are living proof that if you work hard, pay attention, be nice, grit your teeth, remember who your friends are and pay your dues, you can transform a love of music and the rock n’ roll lifestyle into a vocation. I’ve been working in the music industry for nearly l0 years photographing and interviewing the biggest bands in the world plus writing show and record reviews. I wish there had been a “how to” resource like Do The Devil’s Work For Him How to Make It In The Music Industry (And Stay In It) when I started my rock n’ roll journey. Seriously, this book will save you time, frustration, money and headaches. It’s a great guide to navigating the pitfalls and understanding the dynamics of creating a career in the music industry.
Do Devil’s Work For Him How to Make It In The Music Industry (And Stay In It) is available through Amazon.com and other fine booksellers.