Do The Devil’s Work For Him: How To Make It In The Music Industry (And Stay In It) [Book Review]

“Do The Devil’s Work From Him” is a straightforward no-nonsense beginner’s guide to getting started in a long lasting career in the music business. Authored by two individuals who have worked their way through the ranks of this cut-throat business, Amy Sciarretto and Rick Florino offer practical advice for those individuals interested in working in any facet of the music industry.

Written in a very casual tone, the book begins with advice on how to secure, what I would call the staple of the business, the internship. I have been in the industry, in various capacities, for the past twenty years and this chapter brought back memories of my first internship at The Hit Factory New York, one of the preeminent studios in the country at the time.

The book goes on to address many different topics under the music business umbrella including internship etiquette, networking, writing and the importance of culling and maintaining relationships with people you meet in the business.

The chapter entitled, “Start Your Own Business; Label, Magazine, Etc.” was very interesting and provided solid, practical advice for starting and growing a record label and a magazine. Sciarretto and Florino offer expert advice to the reader with their combined experience working at magazines, record companies and film studios.

Closing out the book is a chapter titled, “Close Encounters Of The Metal Kind. (Our Personal Experiences In This Crazy World With A Modicum Of Professional Decorum.)” In this chapter, the authors recount some of their favorite and most memorable celebrity interviews. Among Sciarretto’s favorites are Glenn Danzig, Lars Ulrich (Metallica) and Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed). Florino’s highlight list includes artists such as Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society), Dino (Fear Factory) and Munky (Korn).

“Do The Devil’s Work For Him” is chock full of useful advise from two music industry success stories. It is a must-have for those just beginning there journey into the wild and unpredictable industry that is the music business. It truly is a cutthroat business and advice from two people who have actually made long lasting careers within its confines is truly priceless.  [ END ]

Written by: Amy Sciarretto & Rick Florino
Format/Length: Paperback, 140 pages.
Publisher: McCarren Publishing (June 26, 2009)
Language: English