Ari’s Take is a music business education and artist advocacy company focusing on empowering musicians to have successful careers in the New Music Business.

📣 Brand new THIRD EDITION of the best-seller, How to Make It in the New Music Business, OUT NOW! Purchase here: book.aristake.com 📘

The “music industry bible” by Ari Herstand has been widely adopted by music schools and universities across the world, inspiring tens of thousands of musicians to stop waiting around for that big break and take matters into their own hands.


Ari's Take

Artists inspire those who are willing to open up and challenge their states of being.

2 years ago | [YT] | 30

Ari's Take

Defining your artist aesthetic is crucial. It’s the first glimpse into your world.

2 years ago | [YT] | 36

Ari's Take

Don't try to guilt your audience into buying your merch. Doesn't work. Don’t make your audience feel bad for you. It removes the mystique and coolness factor. You can say “Pick up a t-shirt and help us get to the next city.” That offers an emotional appeal in a positive light.

2 years ago | [YT] | 50

Ari's Take

Everyone has a great story, but most don’t realize it. People love to educate their friends about their favorite new band’s backstory. You have to come up with the most interesting aspect of your project and communicate that so your fans have something to latch onto.

2 years ago | [YT] | 34

Ari's Take

Never underestimate the power of a compliment (or a critique) to an artist. Choose your words very carefully. They could legitimately effect the course of their life. Be gentle yet genuine. Encouraging yet authentic.

2 years ago | [YT] | 53

Ari's Take

No digital message or phone call can replace the electrifying experience of a physical encounter. Get out into the world. Meet people. Support your scene. Play live. Exist in the physical world.

2 years ago | [YT] | 40

Ari's Take

When you make business decisions, don’t merely think about how they are going to affect your bottom line this year. Think about how many lifelong fans it will bring you and how these fans will support your bottom line over the course of your entire career.

2 years ago | [YT] | 55

Ari's Take

The purpose of a music video is to enhance the song. Not distract from it.

2 years ago | [YT] | 31

Ari's Take

Your image is almost as important as your sound. People have stronger visual memories than sonic ones. If you look lame onstage, half of your audience will think that you sound lame. And that's what they will remember.

2 years ago | [YT] | 50

Ari's Take

You’d be surprised at how many musicians have a very difficult time talking about their own music. Pick two or three artists people say you sound like and use that. "David Bowie meets Bob Dylan." "If Janis Joplin got into a bar fight with Sly and the Family Stone."

2 years ago | [YT] | 27