Colin Snow
Don't Sleep With Your Drummer is a semi-autobiographical novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author, success coach and motivational speaker Jen Sincero. The book follows 28-year-old Jenny Troanni, who decides to quit her job and pursue her dream of becoming a rock star. The novel is written in a diary format and details the ups and downs of Troanni's journey to stardom, including her experiences finding bandmates, practice space and gigs, as well as dealing with record labels and relationships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Character | Jenny Troanni |
| Age | 28 |
| Occupation | Copywriter |
| Goal | To become a rock goddess |
| To-Do List | 1. Quit her job |
| 2. Break up with her boyfriend | |
| 3. Hang out in bars to meet musicians | |
| 4. Cash in pension and buy a guitar amp | |
| 5. Team up with her best friend | |
| Band Name | 60-Foot Queenie |
| Book Format | Part diary, part crash course in rock stardom |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The dangers of trusting a record company executive
The music industry is a treacherous place, and trusting a record company executive can be a risky move for any musician. As the saying goes, "don't sleep with your drummer", it could also be said that you shouldn't get too comfortable with industry executives.
Record company executives often have their own agendas and may not always have the artist's best interests at heart. They can be manipulative and may try to take advantage of artists, especially those who are new to the industry or are naive about the business side of music.
In the book, "Don't Sleep With Your Drummer" by Jen Sincero, the protagonist, Jenny Troanni, learns this lesson the hard way. As she pursues her dream of becoming a rock star, she encounters an executive who tries to take advantage of her and her band. This executive, who is described as having a ponytail in his goatee, likely sees Jenny and her band as just another commodity to be exploited for profit.
- Contractual traps: Record deals are often complex and filled with legal jargon. Executives may try to sneak in unfair terms that favour the company, leaving the artist with little control over their music or financial earnings.
- Creative interference: Executives may try to exert control over the creative process, pressuring artists to change their sound or image to fit what they believe will sell. This can compromise the artist's vision and integrity.
- Lack of promotion: Even after signing a deal, artists may find their music is not being promoted or distributed adequately. Executives may favour other artists or projects, leaving some musicians feeling neglected and unable to reach their audience.
- Unfair financial practices: Record companies have been known to engage in questionable financial practices, such as excessive deductions for recording costs, unclear royalty calculations, and late or missing payments.
- Loss of artistic freedom: Signing with a record company may lead to a loss of creative freedom. Artists may feel pressured to conform to the company's expectations and trends to maintain support and funding.
Musicians should always seek legal advice before signing any contracts and be wary of executives who pressure them to make hasty decisions. It is important to remember that the music industry is a business, and executives will often put profits before people. By being informed and cautious, artists can protect themselves from being taken advantage of and ensure they retain control over their artistic vision and careers.
Preventing Mac Sleep Mode: Keep Your Mac Awake
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The tell-tale signs your bass player is living in your practice space
- You notice a strange, lingering smell in the room. It's almost musky, like someone has been sleeping here.
- There's a pillow and a duvet tucked away in the corner, and a half-empty packet of Oreos on the windowsill.
- Your bass player starts showing up to practice early, and always seems to be waiting for you when you arrive.
- They get overly defensive when you suggest having a band meeting at the practice space.
- You walk in on them one day, and they're wearing your hoodie and a pair of sweatpants, looking very comfortable.
- They've started keeping their spare change and phone charger in the room.
- You notice a stack of mail addressed to them, tucked away in a corner of the room.
- They've stuck a few posters on the walls, and there's a new lamp on the windowsill.
- They've changed the lock on the door, and you have to wait outside until they let you in.
Answers Await: Why Sleep When You Can Discover?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The perils of pursuing rock stardom
The Perils
One of the main dangers is the people you encounter in the music industry. In her quest for stardom, Jenny learns the hard way about the danger of trusting a record company executive. She also discovers the "ten telltale signs your bass player is living in your practice space".
Another pitfall is the potential for your band to fall apart due to interpersonal issues. In the novel, the protagonist's relationship with the drummer is a source of conflict, and she has to find a way to kick him out of the band when he refuses to leave. There is also the challenge of navigating rock-and-roll romantic relationships, as well as dealing with the distractions that come with the rock star lifestyle.
The Rewards
Despite the pitfalls, pursuing your dream of rock stardom can also bring rewards. It can be a hilarious, no-holds-barred guide through the pleasures of the music industry. It can be an empowering journey of self-discovery, where you learn to stand up for yourself and follow your passion. It can also be a chance to meet like-minded people and create something special together.
In conclusion, while there are many perils on the road to rock stardom, as depicted in "Don't Sleep With Your Drummer", there can also be unexpected benefits and pleasures along the way. It is a journey that can test your resolve, but ultimately it can also be a rewarding and enriching experience.
Uke's Guide to Staying Awake on the Subway
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The challenges of navigating rock-and-roll romantic relationships
The rock-and-roll lifestyle is not for the faint of heart, and this is especially true when it comes to romantic relationships. Navigating these relationships can be challenging, to say the least, and here are a few reasons why:
Long Hours and Late Nights
The music industry demands long hours and late nights, which can put a strain on any relationship. Musicians often spend late nights in the studio or on stage, and then there are the after-parties and social events that are just as much a part of the industry. This can lead to little time spent with one's partner, and jealousy or resentment can creep in.
Highs and Lows
The rock-and-roll world is full of highs and lows, and this can take a toll on relationships. One day you might be riding the wave of a successful album release, and the next you could be dealing with a last-minute gig cancellation. This unpredictability can make it difficult to maintain a stable relationship.
Groupies and Temptation
Groupies are a well-known part of the music industry, and they can pose a threat to even the strongest relationships. Musicians are often seen as glamorous and exciting, and groupies can be very persistent in their pursuit of them. This can lead to temptation and infidelity, which can destroy a relationship.
Creative Differences
Creative differences can also cause issues in rock-and-roll relationships. Musicians may have different ideas about their music, their image, or their career path, and these differences can lead to conflict. This is especially true if both partners are musicians, as they may have competing priorities and goals.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is unfortunately common in the music industry, and it can wreak havoc on relationships. Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to impulsive decisions, irrational behaviour, and a lack of reliability, all of which can be detrimental to a relationship.
Managing Success
Finally, even when a band does find success, it can be challenging to navigate the new dynamics and pressures that come with it. Relationships that were once casual may need to become more serious, and partners may need to take on new roles and responsibilities. This can be a difficult transition, and it can put a strain on even the strongest couples.
In conclusion, while rock-and-roll romantic relationships can be exciting and glamorous, they also come with a unique set of challenges. It takes strong communication, trust, and understanding to make them work.
Historia: The Night Owl's Guide to Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The pitfalls of the music industry
The music industry can be a tough business to navigate, and the novel "Don't Sleep With Your Drummer" by Jen Sincero highlights some of the common pitfalls. The story follows 28-year-old Jenny Troanni, who decides to pursue her dream of becoming a rock star. She quits her stable job, breaks up with her boyfriend, and embarks on a journey to form a band. While the novel is a fun and humorous read, it also offers valuable insights into the challenges of making it in the music industry.
One of the key pitfalls the novel addresses is the issue of trusting the wrong people. Jenny learns the hard way that not everyone in the industry has her best interests at heart, including a record company executive who ties a ponytail in his goatee. It's important to be cautious and discerning when forming relationships with industry professionals to avoid being taken advantage of.
Another pitfall the novel explores is the challenge of managing personal relationships within the band. Jenny discovers the "ten telltale signs your bass player is living in your practice space", highlighting the importance of setting clear boundaries and maintaining a professional dynamic with bandmates. Romantic entanglements within the band, such as sleeping with the drummer, can also lead to complications and jealousy issues, as seen in Jenny's secret relationship with the band's hot drummer, Scott.
The novel also delves into the highs and lows of the rock star lifestyle. While Jenny enjoys the perks of minor stardom, such as free tequila shots and autograph hunters, she also experiences the pressure and stress that come with the territory. This includes dealing with the public scrutiny and managing the expectations of fans and industry executives.
In addition, the novel touches on the financial risks and instability inherent in the music industry. Jenny takes a significant risk by cashing in her pension to buy a guitar amp, showcasing the financial sacrifices and investments often required to pursue a music career.
Overall, "Don't Sleep With Your Drummer" offers a satirical and entertaining look at the pitfalls of the music industry, including the challenges of trusting the right people, managing personal and professional relationships, navigating the rock star lifestyle, and dealing with financial risks. It serves as a cautionary tale and a humorous guide for anyone aspiring to make it in the music world.
Putlocker: The Ultimate Binge-Watching Companion?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The book follows 28-year-old Jenny Troanni, who decides to become the rock goddess she was always meant to be. Her to-do list includes quitting her job, breaking up with her boyfriend, hanging out in bars to meet musicians, buying a guitar amp, and teaming up with her best friend, Lucy Stover Hanover II. After auditioning musicians in Los Angeles, she finds the perfect lineup and forms the band 60-Foot Queenie. The book is a hilarious guide through the pleasures and pitfalls of the music industry, from the beginning to the bitter end.
The book is written in the format of a diary or journal, with additional notes to self, rock-and-roll truths, sex truths, and brilliant observations.
The author of the book is Jen Sincero, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and success coach. She has written several other books, including "You Are a Badass", "Badass Habits", "The Straight Girl's Guide to Sleeping with Chicks", and "Don't Sleep with Your Drummer".
