Rich Redmond, drummer for superstar Jason Aldean, provides a shot of inspiration for those interested in jump-starting a music career. Filled with practical advice, stories of how Redmond did it himself, and insights from a chorus of other musicians, this is the ultimate behind-the-scenes and fun-to-read book looking at the country music industry.

Rich Redmond, drummer for superstar Jason Aldean, provides a shot of inspiration for those interested in jump-starting a music career.

Any successful musician will tell you the most common question asked of them is, “What does it take to make it?” Rich Redmond is no different. He moved to Nashville more than twenty-five years ago with his drums, a cat, and a vision, and he’s made his dreams come true. Over one too many lattes, he decided to put all of his advice in one place.

Making It in Country Music is filled with practical advice, stories of how Redmond did it himself, and insights from a chorus of other musicians. This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes and fun-to-read book looking at the country music industry and music careers.

Redmond takes you on a tour of Nashville and many other country music meccas: from the massive stadiums to the honky-tonks and the wide variety of jobs that make the industry go. You’ll learn the various skill sets needed to become successful in the industry as well as predictions for the future of country music among many other things. There is no better guide to the country music business than Redmond with his unique blend of encouragement, detailed advice, humor, and experience.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Dream On: Aspirations
2. You Can’t Always Get What You Want: Realistic Goals
3. Walk This Way: Planning and Preparation
4. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Kansas May Not Be Best
5. Sympathy for the Devil: Understanding the Music Industry
6. Rikki Don’t Lose That Number: Social Media and Networking
7. Any Way You Want It: The Law of Attraction
8. Comfortably Numb: Be Careful of the Dark Side
9. With a Little Help from My Friends: Pay It Forward
10. Don’t Stop Believin’: The Future of Country Music

Appendix

Notes

Index

About the Authors