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How To Make It in the New Music Business: Practical Tips on Building a Loyal Following and Making a Living as a Musician Hardcover – January 17, 2023

4.7 out of 5 stars (230)

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Now Magazine: “Top 5 Music Business Books”

Hailed as an “indispensable” guide (
Forbes), How to Make It in the New Music Business returns in a significantly revised and expanded third edition.

How to Make It in the New Music Business, since its first publication in 2016, has become the go-to resource for musicians eager to make a living in a turbulent industry. Widely adopted by ambitious individuals and music schools across the world and considered “the best how-to book of its kind” (Music Connection), this essential work has inspired tens of thousands of aspiring artists to stop waiting around for that “big break” and take matters into their own hands. In this highly anticipated new edition, Ari Herstand reveals how to build a profitable career with the many tools at our fingertips in the post-COVID era and beyond, from conquering social media and mastering the digital landscape to embracing authentic fan connection and simply learning how to persevere. This edition breaks down these phenomena and more, resulting in a timeless must-have for anyone hoping to navigate the increasingly complex yet advantageous landscape that is the modern music business.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The go-to source for navigating the industry’s dire straits. A must-read for musicians."
Billboard

From the Back Cover

Praise for Ari Herstand and How to Make It in the New Music Business:

"An indispensable and comprehensive manual on how to navigate the modern music business."
Forbes

"It's a fun and informative read for every artist out there looking to live off their creative craft. The book does a great job of explaining the process of generating royalties and crowdfunding goals, all while delivering important info in a witty and wise tone that’s comprehensive but never condescending."
―Joshua Kanter, Rolling Stone

"This is the single best book on the current music business. An absolute must-read for every musician."
―Derek Sivers, Sivers.org, founder of CD Baby

"Ari is at the front of the front. He gets it. I've read a hundred how-to-make-it-in-the-music-biz books, and this one is today's definitive, comprehensive manual."
―Jack Conte, CEO of Patreon

"Incredibly valuable. Not just for musicians, but for entrepreneurs and anyone else wanting to succeed in the music business. Ari has written the ultimate guide on how to make it in the music business. Incredibly detailed yet fun to read, this is the book that generations of musicians will rely on to build their careers."
―Philip Kaplan, founder and CEO of DistroKid

"Ari understands this space. He gives a tremendous amount of information. Anyone wanting to make music for a living should read this, period."
―Peter Hollens, 1 billion YouTube/Facebook video views

"The best ‘how to’ book of its kind. As a working artist himself, Herstand knows of what he speaks.... The book crackles with the actual experience of being a working artist. Highly recommended."
Music Connection

"There is a great divide between what the young musician thinks being a rock star is and what actually working as a musician entails. Ari fills in the blanks with his lighthearted yet blunt demeanor. He's the informed older brother most of us never got in this crazy, confusing industry."
―Andy Grammer, chart-topping singer/songwriter

"Ari Herstand is a leader in the DIY music movement and has written the perfect recipe for success."
―Patti Silverman, SF MusicTech Summit, SXSW

"There are few careers more difficult than being a professional musician, but
How to Make It in the New Music Business will absolutely increase your chances of success. Ari Herstand is a fresh, emerging authority on a music industry that is just taking shape, and a fearless tour guide in a brand-new jungle. I highly recommend this for your music career."
―Paul Resnikoff, Publisher, Digital Music News

"There are a lot of books that attempt to describe how to make and do ‘it’ in the music business. What sets Ari apart is his not only his insatiable curiosity, research and conclusions but also the fact that he is a musician that has actually done the very ‘it’ he writes about. Reading Ari’s book teaches you what the music industry actually is, not what others think it should be."
―Jeff Price, Founder of Tunecore, Audiam

"No one has ever laid out a roadmap to a successful music career in today’s world as Ari has in his book. Covering things like proper etiquette when emailing promoters to getting your songs placed in film and TV, Ari expedites the sometimes tedious process of learning what it takes to be a professional musician. If you want to take your career seriously, read this book."
―Andrew Leib, Red Light Management

"The one book I wish I had when I started doing music four years ago. It’s the new bible for musicians."
―Gospel Lee, Billboard charting hip-hop artist

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Liveright
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 17, 2023
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Third
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 656 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 132409186X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1324091868
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.74 pounds
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 1 year and up
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.4 x 1.6 x 9.6 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #31,536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars (230)

About the author

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Ari Herstand
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"The poster child of DIY Music" - Forbes

Ari Herstand is the CEO and founder of the music business education and artist advocacy company, Ari’s Take. Started in 2012 as a blog, Ari's Take has become the go-to resource for independent musicians on how to run a successful music career in the NEW music business. He is also the author of the best-selling book, How To Make It in the New Music Business which is a #1 Amazon best-seller in 4 categories and has been adopted by over 300 universities and translated into multiple languages. Herstand's well-researched, relatable, no BS approach is why so many musicians continue to trust him for advice. He offers encouragement without condescension and maintains a "we're all in it together" attitude not found elsewhere in the space.

In 2018, Herstand opened the online school Ari’s Take Academy which brings in experts in the field to teach courses on running successful careers in the new music business. ATA currently has over 5,000 students enrolled.

He is also the host of the Webby Award winning podcast, the New Music Business where he interviews innovators and experts in the music industry. Since its launch in March of 2020, over 1 million people have listened to the show.

An independent musician who has played over 1,000 shows around the country, he has performed on Ellen, has had his music featured in countless TV shows, commercials and films, and has charted in the top 10 on iTunes. He currently leads the immersive funk/soul concert experience Brassroots District.

Herstand has written for many of the top musician trade magazines and websites including Music Connection Magazine, American Songwriter, Digital Music News, Playback Magazine, CD Baby, Tunecore, Roland, Discmakers, ASCAP, Hypebot and others. He has been a featured speaker at SXSW, BBC One's Amplify, NAMM, ASCAP Music Expo, SF MusicTech, CD Baby's DIY Musician Conference, UCLA, Berklee College of Music and in music business classrooms worldwide.

Through his advocacy work, he helped draft and pass a law in California to help music professionals be able to work and operate unencumbered.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
230 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book highly informative and comprehensive, with one noting it provides valuable insights from Ari. Moreover, they consider it a great resource for serious musicians and appreciate its readability and ease of use as a reference guide. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its value in the music industry, with one customer highlighting its online tools. However, customers disagree on the book's length, and several find it expensive.
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Select to learn more

21 customers mention information quality, 20 positive, 1 negative
Customers find the book highly informative, describing it as a comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights. One customer notes it's particularly useful for start-up bands.
A complete and comprehensive guide to the new music business...Read more
Very enjoyable to read. Highly informative and important if you are pursuing a career related to music, especially more on the DIY side. Thanks Ari!Read more
Not a 5-star book. There is some decent information in here, but it could have been considerably shorter....Read more
It is a great refence book and has shown me that I CAN make a living as a musician in my local area!! 5stars!!Read more
7 customers mention music business, 7 positive, 0 negative
Customers find this book valuable for musicians, with one mentioning it's a game changer for self-managed independent artists.
This is an amazing book for someone navigating the music business or someone who is trying to keep track of the digital transformation of the biz....Read more
...But as the other reviews said, it's a very expansive and great book overall for musicians....Read more
This book is a game changer for self managed independent artists.Read more
...the very first chapter, it reminds you WHY music is a valid and legitimate career while logically and realistically encouraging you to follow your...Read more
4 customers mention readability, 4 positive, 0 negative
Customers find the book easy to read, with one mentioning its clear format.
...but this really has timely useful information written in an easy to understand format.Read more
...’ll get so much out of this one book and the best part is that it reads so easily!...Read more
Ernest advice and guide to the music business. Well written and concise....Read more
WOW! I took notes all the way through this one - it's easy to read, with a casual & accessible way of explaining the music industry....Read more
3 customers mention ease of use, 3 positive, 0 negative
Customers find the book easy to use, with one mentioning it can be used as a reference guide.
Updated and always helpful. My working musician son just turned 18 so he gets his own copy .Read more
I love that you can easily use this as a reference guide, hopping to different sections....Read more
Very insightful and handy!...Read more
3 customers mention music industry, 3 positive, 0 negative
Customers appreciate the book's approach to the music industry, with one customer noting how it simplifies the business and provides online tools to help musicians.
This book simplifies the music business, helps you set realistic goals, and gives you a list of things you can begin to do NOW....Read more
Ari tells us a lot of info on how and where to advertise. Online tools to help your music.Read more
Ernest advice and guide to the music business. Well written and concise....Read more
3 customers mention length, 2 positive, 1 negative
Customers have mixed opinions about the book's length, with some finding it very expansive while one customer considers it 10x too long.
...But as the other reviews said, it's a very expansive and great book overall for musicians....Read more
Decent Book That Is 10x Too Long...Read more
This is by far, the best expansive and more importantly- RELEVANT music business book out there!...Read more
3 customers mention value for money, 2 positive, 1 negative
Customers have mixed opinions about the book's value for money, with some finding it expensive.
...also some great outside of the box ways to advance your career and make money....Read more
...While this book is good, it’s expensive, and you should do a lot of online research first....Read more
So much valuable insight from Ari. Definitely worth it for any musician at any level who is wanting to get to the next step in their music career....Read more
“How to make it” is the dream encyclopedia!! But there’s something more critical…
5 out of 5 stars
“How to make it” is the dream encyclopedia!! But there’s something more critical…
“How to make it” is the dream encyclopedia!! But there’s something more critical… #1 - WOW! Every professional musician or one who aspires to be a professional needs this bible! It’s the perfect reference to create your personal roadmap to success. There are so many elements, from Touring to Social and mainstream media. From Streaming to insight on Music Royalties. It’s all here. (Ignore the NFT section, royalties don’t work anymore and aren’t honored, so this is out of date) #2 - What’s more important is YOU. The only possible way to “make it” is to believe in yourself, and apply yourself to your craft of writing, recording, playing, collaborating, posting, etc.. daily! Your time is your time. There are inspiring TikTok overnight success stories, but those are lottery picks. Consistently keep going, year after year. Keep striving not for success but for the love of your music craft. Then.. one day.. After a few years or dozens of years, you’ll hit YOUR GOLD record. Your place of great nirvana with your art. It may be in your small community volunteering or before the Foo Fighters take the stage at Coachella. No matter what, you’re living your dream. And this book is an great encyclopedia! NOTE: I have a friend who started a top music university. He pointed out how everyone is always looking to take money from musicians to educate them and help them succeed. While this book is good, it’s expensive, and you should do a lot of online research first. FURTHER: Ari is the expert at gaming musicians for money! His courses are very expensive. $1k+ and he’s built an industry on taking money from independent musicians at a premium level. I don’ think the value is worth his crazy prices. He has a great podcast, but don’t fall for dumping your cash in his self-enriching training. At 1/3 the cost, I would feel he is genuinely interested in helping musicians, but not with $1k plus courses. These are essentially ridiculous upsells from this book… as far as hard-working musicians are concerned!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Ernest advice and guide to the music business. Well written and concise. I felt that I was on the right path but just needs little bit of luck and a whole lot of talent.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This book, filled with hugely valuable content, and once read cover to cover is still going to be used as a reference book.... is the best in the industry. Think twice, or maybe double that if you think playing at the local venues is somehow going to lead to fame.... read this, to develop an angle, a business strategy that separates you from all the others.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    “How to make it” is the dream encyclopedia!! But there’s something more critical…

    #1 - WOW! Every professional musician or one who aspires to be a professional needs this bible! It’s the perfect reference to create your personal roadmap to success. There are so many elements, from Touring to Social and mainstream media. From Streaming to insight on Music Royalties. It’s all here. (Ignore the NFT section, royalties don’t work anymore and aren’t honored, so this is out of date)

    #2 - What’s more important is YOU. The only possible way to “make it” is to believe in yourself, and apply yourself to your craft of writing, recording, playing, collaborating, posting, etc.. daily! Your time is your time. There are inspiring TikTok overnight success stories, but those are lottery picks. Consistently keep going, year after year. Keep striving not for success but for the love of your music craft. Then.. one day.. After a few years or dozens of years, you’ll hit YOUR GOLD record. Your place of great nirvana with your art. It may be in your small community volunteering or before the Foo Fighters take the stage at Coachella. No matter what, you’re living your dream. And this book is an great encyclopedia!

    NOTE: I have a friend who started a top music university. He pointed out how everyone is always looking to take money from musicians to educate them and help them succeed. While this book is good, it’s expensive, and you should do a lot of online research first.

    FURTHER: Ari is the expert at gaming musicians for money! His courses are very expensive. $1k+ and he’s built an industry on taking money from independent musicians at a premium level. I don’ think the value is worth his crazy prices. He has a great podcast, but don’t fall for dumping your cash in his self-enriching training. At 1/3 the cost, I would feel he is genuinely interested in helping musicians, but not with $1k plus courses. These are essentially ridiculous upsells from this book… as far as hard-working musicians are concerned!
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    “How to make it” is the dream encyclopedia!! But there’s something more critical…

    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2023
    “How to make it” is the dream encyclopedia!! But there’s something more critical…

    #1 - WOW! Every professional musician or one who aspires to be a professional needs this bible! It’s the perfect reference to create your personal roadmap to success. There are so many elements, from Touring to Social and mainstream media. From Streaming to insight on Music Royalties. It’s all here. (Ignore the NFT section, royalties don’t work anymore and aren’t honored, so this is out of date)

    #2 - What’s more important is YOU. The only possible way to “make it” is to believe in yourself, and apply yourself to your craft of writing, recording, playing, collaborating, posting, etc.. daily! Your time is your time. There are inspiring TikTok overnight success stories, but those are lottery picks. Consistently keep going, year after year. Keep striving not for success but for the love of your music craft. Then.. one day.. After a few years or dozens of years, you’ll hit YOUR GOLD record. Your place of great nirvana with your art. It may be in your small community volunteering or before the Foo Fighters take the stage at Coachella. No matter what, you’re living your dream. And this book is an great encyclopedia!

    NOTE: I have a friend who started a top music university. He pointed out how everyone is always looking to take money from musicians to educate them and help them succeed. While this book is good, it’s expensive, and you should do a lot of online research first.

    FURTHER: Ari is the expert at gaming musicians for money! His courses are very expensive. $1k+ and he’s built an industry on taking money from independent musicians at a premium level. I don’ think the value is worth his crazy prices. He has a great podcast, but don’t fall for dumping your cash in his self-enriching training. At 1/3 the cost, I would feel he is genuinely interested in helping musicians, but not with $1k plus courses. These are essentially ridiculous upsells from this book… as far as hard-working musicians are concerned!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    28 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Ari tells us a lot of info on how and where to advertise. Online tools to help your music.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2023
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This is by far, the best expansive and more importantly- RELEVANT music business book out there! The music industry is constantly changing and Ari has taken the time to map out all the latest changes and trends since the last book release about 3 years ago.

    From the very first chapter, it reminds you WHY music is a valid and legitimate career while logically and realistically encouraging you to follow your dream as a musician.

    This new edition of How to Make It In The New Music Business is a great option if you’re new to Ari’s work or even if you’ve read the 1st or 2nd editions. You’ll get so much out of this one book and the best part is that it reads so easily! He makes any technical terms easy to digest and understand.

    I can’t recommend this book enough for any musician looking to make it in this modern era of music!
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    WOW! I took notes all the way through this one - it's easy to read, with a casual & accessible way of explaining the music industry. I've already recommended it to many friends & students.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Love this book. Great book if you are serious about becoming a professional musician. Make sure to buy the latest edition to keep up with the worlds ever changing latest and greatest technology, websites & apps, etc.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    My star rating is more like a 4 1/2 star than a 5 star. But as the other reviews said, it's a very expansive and great book overall for musicians. I'll leave the praise to the other reviewers, as I largely share their sentiments. But I have just a few points that this book needs to address a bit more:
    -- The book almost entirely looks down at office jobs. However, this same book expects us to also consider moving to a place like Los Angeles or NYC, which is very difficult to afford in our inflation-based housing market unless you DO have an office job. Not to mention the other expenses involved, such as resources, music staff (managers/lawyers) etc.
    -- The book also encourages unhealthy habits like working sixteen hours a day (Eminem once did this while juggling recording an album AND shooting a movie, and thought it was overwhelming. Additionally, shutting yourself in a room for that long won't let you write authentic lyrics that relate to others' personal lives) and living off the same piece of food (when your brain needs a healthy diet to even work that long).
    My point being, don't follow this book religiously and take everything at face value, but everything in the book is something to consider. There are several artists that have gone on to have very successful careers who took care of their bodies and had a good work-life balance. Don't let this book scare/overwhelm you, but of course, be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices! You've got this!
    33 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Jon Woodland
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to know to make it
    Reviewed in Canada on March 13, 2023
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    As a 59 year old Canadian musician, I'm about to release my first album; and with my daughter nonetheless. We've formed a synth duo called Waveform Mountain.

    Biggest takeaway from Ari's book: it's all about our story...

    Knowing what is unique about your own musical story and promoting it is the key to marketing yourself.

    We're working on releasing an album, and Ari's book will be instrumental in guiding us to create a successful launch, and hopefully sync placement as well.

    You'll also learn about the difference between publishing and mechanical rights and how to collect all the money you are owed, as well you'll learn how to set up a successful tour and where to start. Plus there is so much more.

    Just get the book and consume it. You'll be better off for it.
  • Daddioski
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive Intro to the ins and outs of the music business
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Super helpful overview of the music business. Definitely feels like the author knows his stuff and has created a definitive guide.
  • Marcos R Alvarez
    5.0 out of 5 stars La biblia del negocio musical actual
    Reviewed in Spain on March 13, 2023
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    En mi opinión debería ser el libro de referencia de cualquier artista que pretenda tomarse el negocio musical en serio. Cubre todos los campos, desde como enfocar el tiktok y las redes sociales a como preparar una gira o registrar tu repertorio para no dejar ningún royalty sin cobrar . Altamente recomendable.
    Report
  • James R.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A common sense approach to the modern music minefield
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    A whole lot of commonsense in one book! Bravo! The music industry really has changed, the musician has been empowered, to build his/her career on their own, and this book helps you do it.
  • Petra Singer
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not very substantial, merely scratches the surface
    Reviewed in Germany on December 13, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Contains nothing new really, all the information in the book you can find easily elsewhere on the internet, and for free. ALso, there is a bigger problem with this and other books like it: It is a perfect blueprint to do it just like anybody else tries to do it. But, as Ari says himself very often: These are not the times to follow blueprints. I rather suggest to focus on the 80/20 rule with 80% focussing on your music, and becoming "so good they can't ignore you" - ONLY THEN step up your marketing game - with a near perfect product, not before. And no, Ari, the game hasn't change nearly as much as you're trying to pretend it did. No use in marketing a substandard product, create a hype and afterwards fall hard on your snout. Although that is and always has been possible, it's just not very clever, ore useful. Ignore the advice, try and find out what works for YOU and ONLY for you. And then sit back and let others try to copy what you did - and fail. This is how it really works in the creative industry, and has been since forever ;-)