How They Make it

American Nile Rodgers (b. 1952) is a Grammy-winning guitarist, songwriter, and producer with whom everyone would like to collaborate. He has the golden touch of Midas, producing some of the most iconic songs of the last 40 years for artists like Diana Ross, Duran Duran, Sister Sledge, Madonna, David Bowie, Daft Punk and Avicii. In 1976, Rodgers formed Chic with Bernard Edwards, whose disco song Le Freak was a giant hit. Chic still works under Rodgers and also releases new music.

In the last decade, no industry has been through as much upheaval and turmoil as the music industry. If you're looking for quick fame and instant success, you're in the wrong field. It's now a democratic DIY business, and any guide to success in these new waters must be told by someone who's already survived them.