What is Music Book Club?
Music Book Club is a social community, live author events hub, a newsletter/magazine and a support group for my self-published music books. We’re starting with a robust calendar of live Zoom calls with authors we’re featuring. The conversation series begins on Jan. 28 with Dan Charnas and his NYT Best Seller Dilla Time.
Why did you start Music Book Club, Tamara Palmer?
I conceived Music Book Club as a way to build a community around people who love to read about music. I also wanted to form a support group around the music books and zines I intend to write, crowdfund and publish in 2024 and beyond. The first major project will be a book about Bay Area rap music, and is being produced independently after I rejected an exploitative book contract from a major publisher. (Seriously, you’d be offended on my behalf if I broke down how crazy this offer was — I know I can do better with the help of this community I am building from the ground up.)
It’s quite true to the DIY, independent ethos of the Bay Area rap world to undertake this project as a way to develop a readership for my future book, and other books about music that I’d like to publish under the Music Book Club umbrella. I have a lot more ideas I’d like to explore, too. For example, my first published book, Country Fried Soul: Adventures in Dirty South Hip-Hop turns 20 in 2005, so I’d like to commemorate that anniversary with new work. And as a professional DJ, I have continued interest in writing about DJing and electronic music. I look forward to seeing what develops with your input.
How does Music Book Club make money?
We will receive 10% commission through books purchased through our affiliate store on Bookshop.org (for physical books; an affiliate store for ebooks and audiobooks is coming soon), through paid monthly/yearly subscriptions and via founding memberships. We may also make a fee from sponsorships, events and merchandise. Your financial support is much appreciated, but not required, to be in Music Book Club.
How are books selected?
Music Book Club begins with my personal picks and will grow to include recommendations from members of the community.
What is the difference between free subscriptions, paid subscriptions and founding memberships?
The content is free to consume, and paid members get additional perks. Paid subscribers at all levels can comment and participate in discussions. Yearly subscribers and founding members also get one printed Music Book Club zine per year (release date TBA) with their name in it, and founding members get the first original Music Book Club book (release date TBA). Monthly subscribers get to vote on books from a provided list.
Do I have to read the books?
Absolutely not — we don’t want anyone to feel like they have homework here unless they want to participate. No pressure, lurkers are also most welcome! We are a place where you can hear and learn from authors of music books as well as our original editorial content with music book news, recommendations, DJ mixes and playlists.
Do I have to buy the books?
Nope! I encourage you to flex your library card — here’s an article I wrote for CNET a few years back that will help you learn how to check out titles to your iPhone, Android or tablet with the Libby app.
However, if you do decide to buy a book that you see here on Music Book Club and you make your purchase through our affiliate store on Bookshop.org (for physical books), We will receive 10% commission on each title. You will also be supporting an independent bookstore instead of Amazon, and that feels good!
What are the upcoming Music Book Club events?
We are starting strong! Consult the Music Book Events Calendar for the most updated information on live events.
Will there be a listening aspect to Music Book Club?
Yes! Our producer Carly Eiseman is also the creator of 1 Album A Day Art, a listening project where she chooses relevant records for daily listening based upon weekly themes. All of our events will have coordinated listening days or even weeks to inspire readers to get more familiar with all the artists and music scenes we’re featuring. Tamara is also a professional DJ and will be sharing exclusive, thematic mixes that correlate with our content.
Who designed the cute Music Book Club logo?
Music Book Club logo was designed by Richard Alexander Caraballo.
Hi Tamara, late to the party and missed season 1 but glad to be on board.