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Your Music and People: creative and considerate fame
A philosophy of getting your work to the world by being creative, considerate, resourceful, and connected.
136 pages, ebook
Published June 29, 2020
About the author
Derek Sivers
56 books1,290 followersDerek Sivers is an author of philosophy and entrepreneurship, known for his surprising quotable insights and pithy succinct writing style.
Formerly a musician, programmer, TED speaker, and circus clown, he sold his first company for $22 million and gave all the money to charity.
Sivers’ books (How to Live, Hell Yeah or No, Your Music and People, Anything You Want) and newest projects are at his website: https://sive.rs/
Formerly a musician, programmer, TED speaker, and circus clown, he sold his first company for $22 million and gave all the money to charity.
Sivers’ books (How to Live, Hell Yeah or No, Your Music and People, Anything You Want) and newest projects are at his website: https://sive.rs/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 20, 2020
Short and potent! I love how digestible this book is, delivered in a series of small pieces. I took tons of notes. The gist of it is this: be a real human being, make friends, and be unique and unforgettable.
August 28, 2022
A beautiful expansion of Derek’s masterpiece “Anything You Want.”
This book is written for the perspective of someone trying to make it in the music industry but 100% of those directions can be replaced with whatever you’re creating: business, art, or otherwise.
My favorite underlying thesis from this book is that you don’t have to chase money or success; if you instead chase ways to help others, solve their problems, and keep in touch with these relationships...money and success will come as natural byproducts.
Derek Sivers has this uncanny ability to take these big bad scary things like building a business or trying to make it in a creative industry...and assures you (with evidence from his own experiences) that while it’s still tough, it’s not nearly as terrifying as you think, and it’s actually 1000x more exciting than you’d ever imagine. His positive outlook and voice is contagious.
I will buy and read anything this guy creates. 10/10.
This book is written for the perspective of someone trying to make it in the music industry but 100% of those directions can be replaced with whatever you’re creating: business, art, or otherwise.
My favorite underlying thesis from this book is that you don’t have to chase money or success; if you instead chase ways to help others, solve their problems, and keep in touch with these relationships...money and success will come as natural byproducts.
Derek Sivers has this uncanny ability to take these big bad scary things like building a business or trying to make it in a creative industry...and assures you (with evidence from his own experiences) that while it’s still tough, it’s not nearly as terrifying as you think, and it’s actually 1000x more exciting than you’d ever imagine. His positive outlook and voice is contagious.
I will buy and read anything this guy creates. 10/10.
August 3, 2020
Awesome advice about personal marketing that can fit none musicians just as well. Written in Derek Sivers' unique style.
Also, the audio version is amazing
Also, the audio version is amazing
February 20, 2021
I'm biased, but I love how Derek writes with transparency, pragmatism, and direct he is.
Also to note, he's a profound flexible thinker who'll change your views on the world with his writing.
. You can use them for every industry you would like to work in.
Also to note, he's a profound flexible thinker who'll change your views on the world with his writing.
. You can use them for every industry you would like to work in.
October 5, 2020
I'm a huge fan of Derek Sivers. His writing is succinct, powerful & memorable - Anything You Want is one of my favourite books, and one I re-read every year. Though this book is aimed at musicians seeking success, it has some brilliant pieces of wisdom that can be applied to anyone anywhere. I can't wait to get the hard copy & share a more in depth review soon. But definitely a great read!
November 2, 2020
Anyone who is seriously pursuing any type of creative endeavor that involves connecting with an audience needs to read this book.
It is written from the perspective of musicianship and the music industry but can just as easily apply to writing, acting, etc.
It is written from the perspective of musicianship and the music industry but can just as easily apply to writing, acting, etc.
March 5, 2021
It’s about music and musicians... but it’s not JUST about music. Honestly I think this is a marketing book in disguise. Very relevant to me right now, as I am approaching releasing a creative project to the world.
January 22, 2021
Don't be fooled by the title. Of course Derek comes from the music industry so that's what he will most competently refer to, but he's using that industry as a backdrop to talk about life and business, specifically the creative kind. Just like his recent "Hell Yes or No" book this is built of micro-essays which you can easily access via vanity URLs. A few of my favorites:
"Everything that seems depressing can be flipped to work in my favor." sivers.org/flipstick
"Someone sees you carrying a guitar and asks, 'What kind of music do you play?' You say, 'There's no way to describe it. You just have to check it out. We're playing next Thursday night at 11. You should come.'
Imagine reversing the situation:
You meet a man that says he's running a small business. You ask what his company does. He says, 'There's no way to describe it. You just have to check it out. We're open next Thursday for just one hour. You should come.' Would you really bother to go check out his business if he couldn't even tell you why you should? Of course not!" sivers.org/whycare
"Songwriters try to write a timeless standard that will resonate with everyone. But what good is that if nobody hears it because your music is too normal?" sivers.org/no-bullseye
"Loudly reject 99%. It signals who you are. When someone in your target 1% hears you proudly excluding the rest, they'll be drawn to you." sivers.org/exclude
"Look at the long careers of David Bowie, Miles Davis...Joni Mitchell, or Paul Simon. Each went through sharply-defined phases, treating each album as a project with a narrow focus. Be sharp as a knife, cut through the pile of apathy, and make a point. Do this every year or two, and you will have a wide variety in the long run." sivers.org/rounded
"The difference between success and failure can be as simple as keeping in touch." sivers.org/kit
"After attending over a hundred conferences in twenty years, I can tell you from experience that only about 1% of the people ever follow up. Therefore, 99% of them wasted their time and money. Please don't be in that 99%. Everything happens in the follow-up. Remember this, and you'll do well." sivers.org/conferences
"It comes down to one observation: Are your fans telling their friends? If not, then don't waste time promoting it yet. Keep working, improving, and creating, until your fans are telling their friends about you." sivers.org/purplecow
"Everything that seems depressing can be flipped to work in my favor." sivers.org/flipstick
"Someone sees you carrying a guitar and asks, 'What kind of music do you play?' You say, 'There's no way to describe it. You just have to check it out. We're playing next Thursday night at 11. You should come.'
Imagine reversing the situation:
You meet a man that says he's running a small business. You ask what his company does. He says, 'There's no way to describe it. You just have to check it out. We're open next Thursday for just one hour. You should come.' Would you really bother to go check out his business if he couldn't even tell you why you should? Of course not!" sivers.org/whycare
"Songwriters try to write a timeless standard that will resonate with everyone. But what good is that if nobody hears it because your music is too normal?" sivers.org/no-bullseye
"Loudly reject 99%. It signals who you are. When someone in your target 1% hears you proudly excluding the rest, they'll be drawn to you." sivers.org/exclude
"Look at the long careers of David Bowie, Miles Davis...Joni Mitchell, or Paul Simon. Each went through sharply-defined phases, treating each album as a project with a narrow focus. Be sharp as a knife, cut through the pile of apathy, and make a point. Do this every year or two, and you will have a wide variety in the long run." sivers.org/rounded
"The difference between success and failure can be as simple as keeping in touch." sivers.org/kit
"After attending over a hundred conferences in twenty years, I can tell you from experience that only about 1% of the people ever follow up. Therefore, 99% of them wasted their time and money. Please don't be in that 99%. Everything happens in the follow-up. Remember this, and you'll do well." sivers.org/conferences
"It comes down to one observation: Are your fans telling their friends? If not, then don't waste time promoting it yet. Keep working, improving, and creating, until your fans are telling their friends about you." sivers.org/purplecow
February 14, 2021
Good bits of advice, tailored for people in the music industry, but which also seem to apply to people working in the entertainment industry in general.
Short book, worth a read :)
Short book, worth a read :)
August 27, 2020
Derek Sivers is a professional musician, writer, and founder of CD Baby. Your Music and People isn't just for musicians, almost anyone that needs to market themselves (and who doesn't?) could benefit. I'm a Derek Sivers fan and enjoy listening to his interviews. This would have easily been four stars with a few edits. I like Derek's voice and felt like he was talking to me, but every single one of the 88 chapters had this musical interlude which, I swear, made the book an extra ten minutes and just became annoying to me. It also had this woman's voice saying Chapter X and, maybe because it seemed a little gratuitous, or there were just so many chapters, I got bored with it. Aside from that, his book was fun and inspiring. One takeaway from me - Don't be vague about what you do. Example: Hey, what kind of music do you play?
Oh, it's really unique. You should come to check it out next Thursday at 9:00 pm.
If you are a business owner and someone said...
Hey, what kind of business do you have?
Oh, it's really unique. Come check it out on Thursday for one hour.
Would you go?
Oh, it's really unique. You should come to check it out next Thursday at 9:00 pm.
If you are a business owner and someone said...
Hey, what kind of business do you have?
Oh, it's really unique. Come check it out on Thursday for one hour.
Would you go?
January 12, 2021
I am a huge fan of Sivers' work, his essays are short, to the point and always relevant.
While I am a marketing professional and not a musician, I took many important lessons away from this book, and plan on re-reading it as soon as I can process the first time.
Something I implemented after reading this is working on eliminating distractions - in a world of social media and constant push notifications this can be extremely difficult, but I like the concept of "deep vs shallow work" and want this to be a theme in my work going forward.
An excellent read and I'd highly recommend to anyone wanting a fresh perspective on productivity and success.
While I am a marketing professional and not a musician, I took many important lessons away from this book, and plan on re-reading it as soon as I can process the first time.
Something I implemented after reading this is working on eliminating distractions - in a world of social media and constant push notifications this can be extremely difficult, but I like the concept of "deep vs shallow work" and want this to be a theme in my work going forward.
An excellent read and I'd highly recommend to anyone wanting a fresh perspective on productivity and success.
January 12, 2021
Derek one of my faves. I'm not a musician but this book is so much more than music. It truly is a business book. I find his style of writing to be calming. For some reason it helps me reset and think things through. I can't recommend his books enough.
(Honestly, I read his book "Anything you want" once or twice a year!)
(Honestly, I read his book "Anything you want" once or twice a year!)
October 13, 2020
What a super refreshing read! It exposed me to possibilities that I just didn’t think of and put some of my gut feelings into words.
I especially loved how universal the advice was. Music was a great metaphor throughout the book. I found myself replacing the examples with relevant ones from my own life.
Oh and the succinctness of it all. I pretty much highlighted the entire book! Had to take breaks every few pages just to absorb things.
Now comes the hard part where I need to sit down and actually do the work.
I especially loved how universal the advice was. Music was a great metaphor throughout the book. I found myself replacing the examples with relevant ones from my own life.
Oh and the succinctness of it all. I pretty much highlighted the entire book! Had to take breaks every few pages just to absorb things.
Now comes the hard part where I need to sit down and actually do the work.
October 25, 2020
Oustanding collection of Sivers' essays. If you've read his essays on sivers.org, you know the type of deep and counterintuitive thinker he is, and how he's able to succinctly frame deep ideas.
I highly recommend to anyone in the work of creating something. The book is nominally for musicians, but I'm not a musician, and I took a lot of notes. I'ver ordered the hard cover from Derek and plan on re-reading as soon as I have it, it's that kind of book.
I highly recommend to anyone in the work of creating something. The book is nominally for musicians, but I'm not a musician, and I took a lot of notes. I'ver ordered the hard cover from Derek and plan on re-reading as soon as I have it, it's that kind of book.
July 16, 2020
Derek is back And is just as profound and concise as he was in “Anything You Want” one of my favorite and most read books.
Music and your people is for musicians but the mindful reader can easily apply this advice to all manner of artistic or creative endeavor.
Thanks again Derek for challenging and encouraging!
Music and your people is for musicians but the mindful reader can easily apply this advice to all manner of artistic or creative endeavor.
Thanks again Derek for challenging and encouraging!
November 8, 2020
Your Music and People is less about music and more about how to succeed at any artistic endeavor (including building a product.) It's a quick easy to digest read. I picked up a handful of gyms. The UFO/Hobo marketing idea was pure genius. I'd recommend this book to anyone trying to build something.
June 30, 2020
In typical Derek Sivers fashion, he gives clear advice, specific to an industry that is surprisingly applicable to many other industries.
Great ideas and thoughts. Things were said in a different enough way that they got me to think of some changes I need to make in my business planning.
Great ideas and thoughts. Things were said in a different enough way that they got me to think of some changes I need to make in my business planning.
July 27, 2020
An awesome book! All the good info compressed into only whats needed. The title says its for musicians or people working in the music industry, but everything can also be applied to other jobs/industries aswell. A great book again! Thanks so much Derek!
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July 3, 2023For anyone honing their art whether or not in the music industry, Derek offers considerate and at times contrarian advice backed by personal experience. It's hunches of intuition, connected and narrated. The advance marketing for the book and check-out experience was delightful on its own.
August 4, 2020
Not a musician, but assumed there was plenty of life/business advice for non musicians. I was correct. Good stories, good anecdotes, good ideas and good thoughts. Overall a good book and concise. An easy read. recommended.
August 9, 2020
As always, Derek’s easy to digest books on creativity and considering fame is a hit in my eyes. Straight to the point, no fluff, and some wonderful takeaways. I’m not a musician, but I bought this book knowing how I could apply everything in what I’m trying to build. Thanks Derek!
February 20, 2024
Sivers mostly takes a counterintuitive approach to marketing yourself, your product and so on. His approach is more to engage with and promote other people and in so doing help yourself.
At least that's what I got in the early stages. I found as I went on that the bitsy nature of his writing made me glaze over what could have been good advice. And there was so much advice that in spite of his telling his readers to focus on what they love doing, which is their music, I can't see how they'd come away from this book not thinking I just don't have enough time to do everything Sivers suggests.
Perhaps that's the point. We have to focus on our music/writing/art primarily, and on a few of the things Sivers discusses. If we don't, we'll burn out quickly.
I did start making notes on the book in the early stages when his suggestions seemed more doable. By the time I'd finished I'd stopped taking notes and just read to the end, feeling slightly exhausted. It may be that I'm too old to take up much of what he's suggesting. I need to stick to the simple!
At least that's what I got in the early stages. I found as I went on that the bitsy nature of his writing made me glaze over what could have been good advice. And there was so much advice that in spite of his telling his readers to focus on what they love doing, which is their music, I can't see how they'd come away from this book not thinking I just don't have enough time to do everything Sivers suggests.
Perhaps that's the point. We have to focus on our music/writing/art primarily, and on a few of the things Sivers discusses. If we don't, we'll burn out quickly.
I did start making notes on the book in the early stages when his suggestions seemed more doable. By the time I'd finished I'd stopped taking notes and just read to the end, feeling slightly exhausted. It may be that I'm too old to take up much of what he's suggesting. I need to stick to the simple!
April 3, 2024
The book I needed to read. Relevant to what we do as serious and aspiring musicians, with real-life tokens of wisdom and not at all overwrought with lofty ideas. The sections/ideas I hope will cut through some of my blocks:
- getting your music out to people is "considerate",
- describe your music to make people curious (rather than an accurate description),
- "marketing as an extension of your art", and
- the importance of maintaining and growing your relationships with ppl and your audience.
Pick up this book if you're a creative entrepreneur!
- getting your music out to people is "considerate",
- describe your music to make people curious (rather than an accurate description),
- "marketing as an extension of your art", and
- the importance of maintaining and growing your relationships with ppl and your audience.
Pick up this book if you're a creative entrepreneur!
April 16, 2024
Sivers, who has been active in the music industry for years, gives tips on how musicians can break through, but his advice is applicable to anyone engaged in creative pursuits seeking a larger audience. Despite being a small book (less than 80 pages), I had to put it down a few times. Not because it was bad, but because Sivers doesn't beat around the bush. His advice is clear, concise, and focused. That's why I needed some time each time to process and absorb it. I think I've highlighted about 30% of the entire book, so that indicates why it deserves this appreciation.
March 2, 2024
A quick, fascinating read. I took lots of notes! A sort of self-help diy music industry book that tells you stuff that both feels like secrets and common sense at the same time…but the common sense isn’t common until you learn it. The advice is occasionally contradictory but in a way that feels ok, because in the end, he’s telling you a lot of things that you need to figure out how to make work for yourself and your own needs.
March 29, 2021
I loved this book and I love Derek Sivers! He has a real skill at simplification and synthesis. It’s wonderful to read a book by an author who doesn’t waste space or words. Regardless of whether you are in the music industry or not this book has great reminders on how to build trust, care for others and make an impact.
September 5, 2021
Although I am not a musician, as a writer I still enjoyed this book as it was full of uplifting messages and inspiring stories. It only gets 4 stars rather than 5 as I like books to be books with a beginning, middle and end, an overall arc. But if you are a creative of any sort and would like a gentle kick in the proverbial, this is a great book to pick up from time to time.
July 27, 2022
Another gem from the writer - tons of wisdom broken into small, easily digestible sections. The book's subject is on how to succeed as a musician, both in terms of producing hits/good music and making it financially. The tips shared are applicable to anyone who wants to succeed in any talent-based career.
July 3, 2023
This book was a surprise, I was sure it’s a good one, but I was surprised how many good examples, explanations and perspective shifts it offered. It may have literally talked about music marketing, but the way Derek talked about marketing and how it can be applied to any field is very inspiring and awesome.
February 27, 2021
Fantastic book, filled with insights and helpful knowledge you can apply right away. While the focus is on the musicians and the music industry, the information within is helpful to anyone who is working in a creative field, writers, painters, etc.
Well-done!
Well-done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews