📖 Overview
Get More Fans: The DIY Guide to the New Music Business provides musicians with strategies and tactics for building an audience in the digital age. The book delivers a comprehensive roadmap for independent artists to promote their music and develop sustainable careers.
Author Jesse Cannon draws from his experience as a producer, engineer, and marketing consultant to outline modern music promotion techniques. The text covers social media marketing, streaming platforms, content creation, email lists, and other tools available to independent musicians.
The book includes case studies and interviews with industry professionals who have succeeded in the current music landscape. Cannon breaks down complex topics into actionable steps while addressing both the creative and business aspects of music promotion.
This guide reflects the democratization of the music industry and empowers artists to take control of their careers through direct-to-fan relationships. The work stands as a practical manual for musicians navigating an evolving industry where traditional gatekeepers hold less influence.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise the book's comprehensive coverage of modern music marketing tactics and DIY promotion strategies. Many musicians noted its practical advice on social media, streaming, and building a fanbase. Multiple reviews highlight the detailed breakdown of music industry economics and revenue streams.
Common criticisms include:
- Information becomes outdated quickly, especially platform-specific advice
- Too focused on rock/metal genres
- Some sections feel repetitive
- Could be more concise
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 4.13/5 (156 ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (168 ratings)
From reader reviews:
"Offers actionable steps rather than just theory" - Amazon reviewer
"Changed how I approach promoting my music" - Goodreads user
"Could have been shorter but the information is solid" - Goodreads user
The book resonates most with independent musicians looking to handle their own marketing and promotion, while established artists or those seeking label deals find less value.
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Six-Figure Musician by David Hooper The text focuses on methods for generating income through multiple revenue streams in the music business without relying on record labels.
Music 4.0: A Survival Guide for Making Music in the Internet Age by Bobby Owsinski The book details music production, distribution, and promotion strategies for the current digital marketplace and social media landscape.
All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman The book examines contracts, royalties, publishing, and music industry legal structures from a professional perspective.
Music Marketing for the DIY Musician by Bobby Borg This manual outlines step-by-step strategies for building a fanbase, creating marketing plans, and developing a brand in today's music industry.
Six-Figure Musician by David Hooper The text focuses on methods for generating income through multiple revenue streams in the music business without relying on record labels.
Music 4.0: A Survival Guide for Making Music in the Internet Age by Bobby Owsinski The book details music production, distribution, and promotion strategies for the current digital marketplace and social media landscape.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎵 Jesse Cannon has produced and mixed over 1,000 records, working with prominent artists like Animal Collective, The Misfits, and Brand New
📚 The book draws from over 100 interviews with music industry professionals, including managers, label executives, and successful independent artists
💡 Cannon emphasizes that successful artists typically spend 50% of their time creating music and 50% marketing it, contrary to what many musicians expect
🎸 The author runs Musformation.com, which has become one of the most visited music industry advice websites since its launch in 2008
💻 The book was updated in 2018 to include strategies for modern streaming platforms and social media marketing, making it twice the size of its original 2012 release