Making It in Country Music is a combination of a memoir and a guide to the country music business, providing readers with behind-the-scenes information and life lessons. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Any successful musician will tell you the most common question asked of them is, “What does it take to make it?” It’s no different for me. My (un)healthy coffee habit is financed in part by people asking to sit with me over a cup in Nashville or LA, or in any of the venues we play nationwide every year. Over one too many lattes, I decided to sit down and put all my advice in one place. I spend a lot of my time helping musicians make it to the next level in all sorts of ways.

The ever-evolving country music business that has been mostly confined to Nashville but is expanding rapidly, especially post-pandemic. In the book, we address the toll taken by the pandemic and what expectations and predictions we have found for the future of country musicians—which will apply to much of the entertainment industry.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I’ve worked hard to be able to pivot with the needs of the industry that keeps me busy even when I’m not on tour. I moved to Nashville about twenty-five years ago with my drums, a cat, and a vision, and I’ve made those dreams come true. For almost twenty years, I have played on some of the world’s biggest stages with country superstar Jason Aldean. But that’s only part of my experience. My deep involvement in the music business has really promoted a long career, not just the single aspect of being an “entertainer.” And that’s what I want to be able to share with anybody who wants to create a long-lasting mark in the industry. You have to be part of the community and do your part to maintain tradition, even while blazing new paths. We hope that this book will find those people who want to make their mark in country music and that it will provide guidance and reassurance that entertainment is still crucial to the nation’s psyche.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?

I wish someone had said, “Hey kid…it’s all about relationships!” I learned that in my later years, but my early years were all about one thing…practice! Human beings make the world turn and you just can’t have enough professional relationships.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

Many country music “how-to” books focus on the Nashville side of the business, and a good deal of them are aimed at songwriters or are memoirs of people who have been successful in different aspects of country music. This book is a true insider’s guide; there are many interesting facts and stories from other successful country musicians, and even from some up-and-coming artists, who can provide a sense of what things are like before you “make it.” But you can love this book even if you aren’t considering a career in music. If you are interested in country music and find the behind-the-scenes workings fascinating, you’ll love the details of all the different kinds of jobs in the industry and the tour of places and people who are important in the history of country music. Along with practical advice, I provide many of my own experiences to learn from, as well as stories, advice, and predictions from other well-known musicians and professionals in the country music industry. This is a behind-the-scenes book that’s fun to read, as well as informational.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter: @RichRedmond @jendellazanna | Facebook: richredmond, JenDellaZanna | Website: richredmond.com, jen-dellazanna.com