'Any old fool can do it': Max Kerman is pulling back the curtain on the music industry

26:12Max Kerman is reclaiming the term “try hard”

Arkells frontman Max Kerman thinks that people make the music industry seem more complicated and out of reach than it actually is. That's why he's just published his first book, Try Hard: Creative Work in Progress, which is a compilation of his best advice on how to survive and thrive as a musician. He hopes it'll help dispel the common myths and misconceptions about what it takes to do what he does.

"People ask me in just daily conversations … 'How did you start writing songs in the first place?'" Kerman says in an interview with Q's Tom Power. "They think there's this mystical thing that happens because, you know, that's what people think of artists in some cases. But when I pull back the curtain, people immediately go, 'Oh, OK.' And I really love this idea that any old fool can do it."

Since forming in 2006, the band has released platinum-selling singles and albums. They've also picked up multiple Junos — in fact, they hold the record for the most wins in the group of the year category. But Kerman says their success is more about tenacity than pure talent. He thinks being a "try hard" can be creatively rewarding.

"I don't think Arkells are better songwriters than some of our peers that aren't in bands anymore," Kerman says. "I don't think we're better performers. I really don't. I think we've just found a way to keep the energy alive.

Kerman doesn't want to be negative or lose motivation. He just wants to learn more and move forward. That's why he decided to write Try Hard as a guide, not a memoir — a format that he says often features "a lot of complaining."

"That's not interesting to me," Kerman says. "What's interesting to me is like, oh, what can I take from those experiences? How could I do better next time? How can I be a better listener? How can keep momentum alive within the band? So, I wanted to write a book that was reflecting on just things I picked up along the way, like little lessons."

The full interview with Max Kerman is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power. He also talks about what he learned from watching Bruce Springsteen perform live. Listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

Interview with Max Kerman produced by Ben Edwards.