Review: The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low by Rob Miller

 

Genre: Memoir

Description:

“Rob Miller arrived in Chicago wanting to escape the music industry. In short order, he co-founded a trailblazing record label revered for its artist-first approach and punk take on country, roots, and so much else. Miller’s gonzo memoir follows a music fan’s odyssey through a singular account of Bloodshot Records, the Chicago scene, and thirty years as part of a community sustaining independent artists and businesses. Hilarious and hundred-proof, The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low delivers a warm-hearted yet clear-eyed account of loving and living music on the edge, in the trenches, and without apologies.”

Author:

Born and raised in the Detroit metro, Rob Miller eventually fled to Chicago, he thought to escape the music business he was involved with in Michigan. That didn’t exactly work out as he landed in Chicago and eventually got convinced to partner with a couple others to form Bloodshot Records, an independent record label.

Appraisal:

If you’re into music and the music business in any way, you’re likely to enjoy this book. If you’re a fan of Americana music (or if you prefer to call it “alternative country” or “insurgent country” as Bloodshot Records, the label cofounded by the author of this book, called it) that’s even more likely. I enjoyed this not only for the insight it gave me into the music business done with a love of music rather than a love of money being the primary motivation, but the author’s sense of humor kept me engaged even more. A great read.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 85-90,000 words