Many of my readers know that I have worked in the film and music industry a number of years. As a result, I have met many A-listers, both musicians and actors. One of my favorite moments are when I get to film Rockin Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters. It is always an exciting show. He has been at it a while, performed in front or Presidents, recorded with Bob Dylan, Simon Garfunkel and many, many more. This industry is and can be brutal. With that said, if you are a musician or performing artist who wants to get ahead, you might be interested in "You are the Influencer," by Renee Meriste. He has years of experience in this industry and his book provides a wonderful insight. Take a look at the book, and then meet the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK
What makes the entertainment industry so amazing? Influencers, Dream builders...
Dream builders are a unique type of a human being.
They manage the fulfillment of an artists’ dreams, nothing more, nothing less. Achieving this “modest” goal is an incredible thing.A nd to be clear, managers have been around as long as the first song was heard -- Even Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had a manager - his mother. Once just a “Mom” there are now business managers, lawyers, designers, publishers, marketers and PR people, all a part of the dream building team. “You Are The Influencer” Is a new book by industry expert Renee Meriste. The book takes a reader on a short, data infused hyper lesson of the dos and don’ts of the music business....and really any business. Renee brings over 25 years of global music industry experience into the pages of this fact driven, fast paced read. Once a singer in a punk band, he then guided careers and became the oversight person at a billion dollar media industry accounting firm. He still spends time guiding artists and enjoys giving lectures on the industry in the United States and Europe.
Tell your readers a
little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to
school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
Born and raised in Estonia. Last 14 years
lived in Los Angeles, California
What inspired you to
author this book?
To share my knowledge and experiences.
Everything is possible and you just need to do it!
Where did you get the
inspiration for your book’s cover?
As legendary A&R Tom Zutaut wrote in
the foreword,
"An
excellent read, and a great insight into many aspects of the Music industry.
Well done Renee Meriste, you are the influencer. " Adi Healey - Plan B
Art - Music - Creative Industry
Who has been the most
significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
Wow, very hard to answer. I like too many
to name just few.
What were your
struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
Always wanted to add and change, but in
one moment, you just have to say, “It’s done now!”
Tell your readers about your book.
What makes the entertainment industry so
amazing? Influencers, Dream builders...
Dream builders are a unique type of a
human being. They manage the fulfillment of an artists’ dreams, nothing more,
nothing less. Achieving this “modest” goal is an incredible thing. And to be
clear, managers have been around as long as the first song was heard -- even
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had a manager - his mother. Once just a “Mom,” there
are now business managers, lawyers, designers, publishers, marketers, and PR
people, all a part of the dream building team. “You Are The Influencer” is a
new book by industry expert Renee Meriste. The book takes a reader on a short,
data-infused hyper lesson of the dos and don’ts of the music business....and
really any business. Renee brings over 25 years of global music industry experience into the pages
of this fact-driven, fast-paced read. Once a singer in a punk band, he then
guided careers and became the oversight person at a billion-dollar media
industry accounting firm. He still spends time guiding artists and enjoys
giving lectures on the industry in the United States and Europe.
“The beauty of the music business is that
every dream is possible with hard work and perseverance! Renee is a great
example of that - born under Soviet occupation, and then following his dreams
to travel with his music career all over the world. I once asked him how he did
it and he told me...’Everything is possible in life; you always have to dream
big no matter where you are and how old you are.’ He continued by saying to me
to ‘Remember, you have to get along with the janitor and the President of the
record label to succeed.’ Good advice. Read this book, then follow your dreams,
with all that you can learn by the words of Renee in these pages, as he speaks to
you... and remember, the music business is special, takes a certain mindset and
mentality... and lastly, dream big as Renee, and I have for everything in life
is possible! Enjoy! And don’t forget, Renee is crazy, crazy enough to believe
he can change the world. So when you finish this book, you might be a little
crazy too. Like Renee, crazy enough to believe you too can change the world. If
this scares you, put this book down and get back to your normal life."
Who is your target audience, and why?
Everyone who wants to make things happen.
You can do it, just believe in yourself and make a plan!
What do you consider your greatest
success in life?
Happiness is the greatest success in
life. There will always be obstacles, but the key is to be happy.
What one unique thing sets you apart from
other writers in your genre?
I try to write as short as possible and
no matter where you open the book you can read and learn.
EARLY REVIEWS ON THE BOOK
"I found Renee's book
an invaluable primer in understanding many facets of today's music business.
Straightforward, thorough, and easy to read." Jimmy Steal” -
WTMX 101.9-F
"I just love it. An
amazing book with broad coverage and some rock n roll stories thrown in for
good measure. Well done Renee" Princess Maha - BIMM Business School London
"Renee's
book is brilliant in its focussed approach to succeeding in the music biz and
is relevant in any part of the world. Importantly, it's very simply written
without industry jargon and that's very helpful." Mandar Thakur -
Time Music
"Renee's book is a
rarity --one about the music industry that is concise but comprehensive,
detailed but easily understood, and in short an excellent guide for folks
trying to "make it" in the 21st century music business. Fueled by his
first-hand, extensive, and practical experience in Europe, Asia, and the US in
a variety of areas -- including labels, marketing, and touring -- Renee has
filled You Are the Influencer with sound and solid career advice for the novice
and veteran alike, and the result is a must-have book for anyone trying to
navigate the turbulent waters of the modern music industry. Highly
recommended." Jeff Izzo - California State University Northridge
"The book
opened up a new perspective for me on how to build a strong team. It also
opened up the very nature of the manager and the fundamentals of working as a
manager. Highly recommended reading for all the leaders, not only in the
entertainment business, but every leader." Raul Markus – Attorney
“This book is amazing.
Why? Because it uses the best ever guide to being a leader and how to build a
team . Also, as a way to teach us how to treat each other." Juri Koll -
Fine Arts Film Festival
FOLLOW THE AUTHOR
