Canadian rock star Max Kerman explains why he wrote a memoir — and why creativity matters now more than ever

Max Kerman, the lead singer of the Canadian rock band Arkells, is not afraid to be a try-hard. In his debut memoir, Try Hard: Creative Work in Progress, Kerman offers readers an inside look into the life of a musician and breaks down the nuts and bolts of building a successful music career.

The book delves into the often-overlooked effort behind a musical career, from songwriting and show preparation to the business of marketing a band. Part memoir, part self-help book, Try Hard reveals that trying hard is often the secret to success in the music industry.

In a recent interview on The Next Chapter, Kerman discussed the inspiration behind the title of his book. He explained that he has always thought of himself as a try-hard and that, while he used to feel insecure about it, he now realizes that being enthusiastic and reaching out is key to achieving longevity in the music industry.

Kerman’s book is an attempt to pull back the curtain on the daily life of a musician. He wanted to share the practical aspects of building a career in music, from starting a band to marketing and touring. By sharing his own experiences and insights, Kerman hopes to inspire and guide young creatives who are just starting out on their own journey.

One of the key takeaways from Try Hard is the importance of finding fulfillment and growth in one’s creative pursuits. Kerman emphasizes the need to focus on making each day fruitful and solving problems in one’s creative life. By approaching each day with a sense of purpose and intention, Kerman believes that artists can achieve their goals and find success in their chosen field.

In addition to discussing his own book, Kerman also shared some recommendations for other books that have inspired him in his creative process. One of these recommendations is The Creative Act by renowned music producer Rick Rubin. Kerman praised Rubin’s philosophical insights and meditative writing style, describing the book as a “big warm hug” for creatives.

Another book that Kerman recommended is What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami. This memoir explores the impact of running on Murakami’s life and his successes and failures in writing. Kerman highlighted Murakami’s metaphor of running a marathon as a powerful analogy for the process of writing a book, emphasizing the perseverance and determination required to reach the finish line.

Overall, Max Kerman’s Try Hard offers a valuable perspective on the creative process and the dedication required to succeed in the music industry. By sharing his own experiences and recommendations, Kerman provides a roadmap for aspiring artists to follow in their own creative pursuits.