One Step Closer, Jeff Blue
One Step Closer, Jeff Blue
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
Club: $9.99

One Step Closer
From Xero to #1: Becoming Linkin Park

Author: Jeff Blue

Narrator: Jeff Blue

Unabridged: 6 hr 29 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 03/09/2021


Synopsis

The dramatic story of the unlikely partnership that led to Hybrid Theory, the biggest-selling debut album of the twenty-first century.

From the unique perspective of the executive who discovered them, One Step Closer reveals how Brad Delson's college internship was a catalyst for a group of young musical visionaries, led by Mike Shinoda, which gave rise to a band that survived countless rejections, exceeded everyone's expectations but their own, and became the voice of a generation.

This against-all-odds story chronicles the early days of Linkin Park, from their first demo and Whisky a Go Go performance as Xero, through their tireless efforts to perfect their iconic sound and the discovery of Chester Bennington. Jeff Blue was there when no one else believed—first as their publisher, then as their A and R guy. This is his memoir of that incredible journey.

Riveting and inspiring, One Step Closer is a testament to perseverance, as well as a detailed behind-the-scenes account of the building of a dream and what it takes to make it.

About Jeff Blue

Jeff Blue is a multi-platinum A&R executive, producer, songwriter, music publisher, attorney, journalist, and manager whose acts have collectively sold over one-hundred million albums. He has been A&R at Warner Brothers, RCA, Interscope, Atlantic, Virgin, Jive Records, and Zomba Music.

He received a BMI Songwriter Award in 2008, a Hollywood Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, and a Music Influencer of the Year Award in 2017. As a songwriter, he has been signed to Universal Music, Warner Chappell, Zomba, and BMG Music Publishing. His articles have been published in Billboard and HITS, and he has lectured internationally. In addition to Linkin Park, he's worked with Macy Gray, Limp Bizkit, Korn, Daniel Powter, the Last Goodnight, Hoobastank, Better Than Ezra, DJ Ashba, and cosupervised Aaliyah's Queen of the Damned soundtrack. He lives in Los Angeles where he received his undergraduate degree at UCLA, and law degree from Loyola Law School.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Xan on January 16, 2023

This is a subject so dear to my heart, it's impossible to be objective but I genuinely loved the way this book was written. Instead of a dry, factual narrative Jeff Blue wrote a story, complete with dialogue and description that brought everyone mentioned to life as true characters in an incredible......more

Goodreads review by Matthew on January 11, 2021

Being a musician, you face quite a few challenges, hurdles and every other setback that you could possibly think about while trying to chase a dream. Jeff really puts it out there with the up's & downs and does not sugarcoat one bit. This is a book for anyone with interests in what it's like being a......more

Goodreads review by Todor on November 11, 2023

Sugarcoated as hell, filled with clichés and at times - cringe-inducing. This isn't a book about Linkin Park, it's about some dude named Jeff who's trying to cash in on nostalgia and Chester's death. He's a name-dropper who presents himself as the band's brave leader and protector when in reality al......more

Goodreads review by John on December 30, 2020

Great read! I thoroughly enjoyed "One Step Closer," an emotionally charged page-turner about Jeff Blue, a young music executive pursuing his passion for music and developing a revolutionary band in the process. To me, it was a fascinating insider’s view into the music business, highlighting setbacks......more

Goodreads review by Monnizewolff on November 02, 2021

This book was such an easy and fun read filled with dialogue and detailed memories. Jeff did a great job allowing us into his world and giving us a glimpse of the music industry from his side of fame. I finished the book wanting more, and being so inspired by the characters I fell in love with throu......more