Off The Charts: What I Learned From My Almost Fabulous Life In Music by Kat Goldman

Are you a musician, songwriter, or just love anything music? If yes, this book by Canadian songwriter Kat Goldman is for you.

Off The Charts is Goldman’s first book celebrating the ups and downs as well as the ins and outs as she navigates her way through the music industry as a songwriter.

“The book is packed with her funny personal experiences as a performer and it will make you laugh out loud more than once.”

The book is layered with short easy to read chapters about what Goldman has learned from her almost fabulous life in music. She is a songwriter first and foremost and she performs her own songs in high hopes that some other artist will someday sing her work. The book is packed with her funny personal experiences as a performer and it will make you laugh out loud more than once. She has a lot of great advice to give to any up-and-comer with her delightful insight and wisdom.

Goldman first states that the songwriter can be an outsider as they are looking to break into the industry. She gives real-life advice on dating a “Rock Star”, and how to handle fans and their banter. At one point she even refers to the music business as lousy but anyone working their way up the ladder in any business can surely relate to this!

It’s excellent how Goldman explains the importance of such things as the vocal warm-up can be, with comparing herself to a vocal athlete. This makes so much sense because your voice is your only tool in demonstrating one’s ability. Other charters talk about how to find your look to help you stand out. Another interesting chapter talks about showcasing any special talents but Goldman stresses the most important thing is just be you.

Some other topics Goldman addresses are the dos and don’ts for promoting your music. The CD may be obsolete now but you’ll still need a method of giving your songs for someone to listen to. Being an opening act? To tour or not to tour? And the booking agent with their dangling carrot. But, most importantly do you keep a day job? Goldman gives her thoughts and paints an excellent picture within these experiences.

One of my favourite stories Goldman shares is about how she almost became famous a few times. The thrill of being flown into another city to meet some high-profile music executive. Only to learn her look wasn’t right or that she didn’t have the right hit song?! Through all this, she still makes you laugh and smile despite a missed opportunity. Also, I enjoyed how she shares her journey of moving to a new city, going back to University and even falling in love.

As someone who isn’t a musician nor has any aspirations of being one, Goldman shares advice to her younger self which is something we can all relate to. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has ever dreamed or needs to follow their dreams. It’s a refreshing read, will keep you engaged and wanting to know more about Kat Goldman’s life.

KAT GOLDMAN is one of Canada’s most celebrated songwriters. She has made four critically acclaimed albums and her songs have been covered by Grammy-nominated band, The Duhks, and American folk hero Dar Williams, among many others. She lives in Toronto. This is her first book.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sutherland House; Illustrated edition (Feb. 9 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 170 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1989555322
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1989555323

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Shawna Butler

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Shawna is a mother and a retired athlete, coach and fitness professional. She currently works in the Beauty Industry with Drunk Elephant. In her spare time, she enjoy watching baseball, reading anything pertaining to sports, fashion, poetry and biographies. She likes to travel to anywhere warm and sunny. Shawna has a BBA from Mount Saint Vincent University and currently lives in Paradise, Newfoundland. New Instagram account @shawna.j.butler