Performing Popular Music

"Cashman and Garrido’s accessible book provides an absolutely first rate overview of all things related to the global live music industry. Based on their own extensive experience and interviews with live music stakeholders, the authors take the reader on a progressive journey through a multitude of factors related to this overlooked industry, ranging from experiencing live performance, to ‘types’ of performance, to advice on rehearsal and practice, to contracts and logistics, to earning a living from and monetising the industry. Written in jargon free language and crammed full of useful advice, the book is an ideal starting point for both the undergraduate student or any practitioner interested in musical performance Although not a research text in the traditional sense, the book does provide many areas for consideration, such as methods of stage communication, attracting audiences, rehearsal methodologies, stage showmanship and the mechanics of ‘experience’, all of which are fascinating points of discussion and analysis. I would imagine this book would be a really useful course text for all institutions teaching popular music performance and I certainly recommend it."

—Paul Carr, Professor of Popular Music, University of South Wales

"Never has the value of an engaged performance become more evident than during the social isolation enforced on much of the world during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Musicians quickly adapted where they could to the online environment, where the virtual barrier of the computer screen meant that knowledge and skill in creating an evocative and affective performance were never more crucial. And while the live music industry itself struggled, understanding the workings of the industry and knowing how to monetise performances became all the more essential. The release of Cashman and Garrido’s overview of the live music industry and how to successfully navigate it predates the pandemic by only months, and it is testament to the book's thoroughness and breadth that it is as relevant to the live music industry now as it was then, if not more. Covering topics from performance and stagecraft, from preparation to delivery, technology and the business of music, it is packed with useful and accessible information for not only the aspiring contemporary music student, but any music practitioner seeking to hone their skillset. I highly recommend it as a set text for any higher education institution in which popular music performance is studied."

—Donna Weston, Associate Professor and Head of Popular Music, Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, Australia

"Written in a relaxed, informal manner and drawing upon the experiences of the authors and a number of industry professionals, the book not only explores the mindsets of popular musicians when it comes to creating successful performances, but also those of jazz and classical musicians too. Touching upon areas such as individual and group rehearsal techniques, constructing dynamically effective setlists, engaging a band manager and navigating the various roles of musicians within ensembles, the various challenges and necessary skillsets are all outlined very well. ... The last chapter of the book could be considered compulsory reading for those looking to undertake a career in music. Those who are finding their feet in the industry will find this book informative and insightful, whilst those with more experience will enjoy the philosophical and psychological nuggets of wisdom with regard to live performance."

—Jenna Doyle, IASPM Journal