Between the Lines Book Discussion: The Hours are Long but the Pay is Low

The Hours are Long but the Pay is Low by Rob Miller

Chosen as a Michigan Notable Book 2026, Rob Miller will speak about his book and his experiences in Independent Music at NDL on July 21 7-8 pm. Join us at Between the Lines to discuss the book together for our July Between the Lines meeting.

“The music business is not a meritocracy: it is a crapshoot taking place in a septic tank balanced on the prow of the Titanic, a venal snake pit where innovation, creativity, and honest business practices are actively discouraged.”

Rob Miller arrived in Chicago wanting to escape the music industry. In short order, he co-founded a trailblazing record label revered for its artist-first approach and punk take on country, roots, and so much else. Miller’s gonzo memoir follows a music fan’s odyssey through a singular account of Bloodshot Records, the Chicago scene, working with such seminal artists as Neko Case, Old 97’s, Justin Townes Earle, Alejandro Escovedo, Andre “Mr Rhythm” Williams, and dozens of others, and thirty years as part of a community sustaining independent artists and businesses.

Hilarious and hundred-proof, The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low delivers a warm-hearted yet clear-eyed account of loving and living music on the edge, in the trenches, and without apologies.

Learn more about Rob Miller: https://www.robmillerwriting.com/

Michigan Notable Books is an annual program with roots stretching back to Michigan Week 1991. In 2004, the name changed from Read Michigan to Michigan Notable Books. In 2002, The Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries took over Read Michigan and Michigan Week. In October 2009, The Library of Michigan went to The Michigan Department of Education, bringing the Michigan Notable Books program with it.