Written by: Abbie Alonzo
In need of a good, musically-driven read for your next rainy day in? How about your next favorite bedtime read? Nothing beats reading the words of artists you look up to and immersing yourself in their world. Look no further as we share our favorite music books with you! 📕
Published in what can be considered the prime 5 Seconds of Summer era, this 2014 autobiography will re-invite you back into the time of flannels and ripped skinny jeans. This book depicts the things that got each of the members into music, how they began as a band, as well as exclusive pictures and Q&A style prompts answered by each member individually. The casual feel is very indicative of 5SOS’ laid-back, authentic personalities. Hey, Let’s Make a Band! opens with the band discussing their passion for music, their inspirations, and how they met. It then leads into their incredible rise to fame on YouTube. They then began further venturing into writing and recording their own music, as they got recognized posting covers of songs like “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus and “I Miss You” by blink-182. This would lead to them being the opening act for One Direction on two full-length world tours in 2013 and 2014. The level of fame they achieved at such young ages is astounding, and it is fascinating to read about it from their own perspectives. They discuss how the fans were really the ones who helped their careers skyrocket, and they are eternally grateful. ☀️
2014 was the year for band autobiographies! After you have finished Hey, Let’s Make a Band!, consider grabbing Who We Are: Our Official Autobiography by 5 Seconds of Summer’s 2014 counterpart, One Direction. This nostalgic autobiography tells the story of the five young men we know and love, being thrown into the spotlight and becoming an overnight success. The members of the band explain how they handled the transition from small town boys to global sensations in this captivating, authentic story. The book also presents the reader with never-before-seen photos, drawings, and bits about their songwriting process. Who We Are shines a light on these young men doing what they love and being vulnerable in sharing their stories with the world. ❤️
The beautiful, talented icon graced us with a visual book less than a year ago. Billie Eilish’s self-titled book is full of whimsy, as the reader is allowed to take a look at the superstar’s life before she was a household name. The book features hundreds of photos that are perfectly put together to create a divine arrangement of the singer’s most candid moments. This book showcases the close relationships between Billie and her family, as well as portrays her early and growing passion for music. Billie explained how she did not want to bombard the reader with words, but rather show them photos that will provide a unique, visual experience. After
all, a picture is worth 1,000 words! 📸
If you want to expand your knowledge of the classics, look no further. Paul McCartney and Barry Miles came together in the 90’s to create a biography about Paul’s life. Many Years From Now is made up of hundreds of hours of interviews over roughly five years and documents Paul’s timeline from the formation of The Beatles to their breakup in 1970. He shares about songs and their backstories, giving readers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. Seeing that Paul and The Beatles are icons who influence much of the music that is absolutely legendary, it is beneficial to learn about where it all started! This read is intriguing and will make you feel like you are looking through the lens of Paul McCartney in 1960. 🎶
First Step 2 Forever: My Story is a first-hand account of Justin Bieber’s early growth and success. Written when Justin was only sixteen-years-old, this is a personable yet well written book that lets you into his world (get it? lol). It is articulated well and shines light on what a genuine person he is! He shares stories about loving music since he was little to being discovered on YouTube and being mentored by Usher. Justin highlights how members of his family have been his biggest supporters, and if it were not for them and his fans, he would not have made it. The book also contains a lot of exclusive photography of Justin, his friends, his family and of course, his fans. Justin’s early enthusiasm for music would only grow as time went on. Having seen Justin in the spotlight for over twelve years now, this is a sentimental, wholesome read by a talented young man who had no idea what the world would have in store for him. ✨
These books evoke such pride and nostalgia for our favorite artists. Reading about their journeys to the top makes us so happy and excited for them and those who will come after. Hearing the stories of these influential artists is so inspiring and we cannot wait to read the book of the next big artist! 📖
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