Book: How To NOT Make It In The Pop World - John Barrow
The misconceptions surrounding the workings of the pop industry are many and varied; one misguided belief chief among them is that if you've strutted your stuff on Top of the Pops you must be rolling in it! Nothing could be further from the truth. I am living proof of that. I am one of those unfortunate journeymen of pop, always on the periphery, never quite hitting the pay dirt. ... Throughout my misguided quest for unlimited world wide fame and fortune, I have strutted my stuff with two bands on Top of the Pops. During twenty-five years in the fairyland that is the pop world, I can point to over forty record releases. I have also worked/recorded for many major and independent record labels and signed megabucks recording/publishing deals associating with world-name pop icons and producers. There is NO Lamborghini in my driveway.
John Barrow has worked with names like Iggy Pop, Boy George, The Bueatiful South and The Clash, and his band The Swinging Laurels did pretty ok in the 70's/80's. How come we've never heard of him?! Well, firstly because he plays the saxophone and people tend to remember the hot singer or guitarist. Don't deny it, you know it's true! Secondly because most of us were very little back in those days, or maybe not even born at all. And thirdly because John was never fortunate enough to see any of the bands he played in scoring a big hit. You see, back in those days, there was no internet to promote yourself on. No YouTube or MySpace to show your videos and songs, or messageboards to spam. Promoting meant getting out there and play the shittiest bars with an audience of ten, hopefully getting one or two of them interested. If they weren't all friends and relatives you had summoned to at least have some people in there. If you worked hard, maybe someone from a label would notice you, but as you find out when you read Barrow's book, it's also a case of being at the right place at the right time, knowing the right people and saying yes to the right offers.
Barrow's 'diary of an almost has-been' is the story of his quest to make a living in the music industry. How he did that is documented in his book, along with lots of anekdotes - usually involving his bandmates, girls, and tours. It's a great insight in the business, and I am sure that everyone who has ever done anything in music can relate to his stories and feelings. It may take a few chapters before you're really into it, but Barrow's style is easy to follow and his way of discribing the events makes it feel as though you were there with him. You feel his frustration when yet another 'done deal' falls through, when a single drops on the charts and when bandmates leave. This is not a bitter tale of regrets though! Barrow remains remarkably upbeat throughout it all, living off virtually nothing, but doing what he loves.
Verdict: An interesting read for everyone who likes music. It gives you an insight in how record companies work, how deals are (not) made and the life of bands that are starting out. But most of all it's just a fun read, and I definitely recommend this book!
You can buy this book here.