When the Music Hits

Bloomsbury editor Oliver cues up The Devil Wears Prada for the music industry in her incisive debut. South Bronx native Billie Grand, 24, dreams of a job in A&R, spotting talent and using her position to lift up the voices of other Black people. When she finally lands a coveted assistant position at Lit Music Productions in Manhattan, it’s far from what she’d imagined. Not only is she underappreciated and overworked, but her suggestions are ignored, and she’s pressed instead to give Black validation to mediocre white talent. After catching an opening set by singer Samirah, she knows right away that she’s found the kind of artist she wants to represent. She keeps in touch with Samirah and her manager, holding out hope that she’ll soon be able to sign her own clients. As Samirah and other artists of color are insulted with lowball offers from Lit, Billie tries to determine whether it’s possible to change the industry from the inside, or if she’s becoming part of the problem. Oliver adroitly tackles ethical issues about capitalism and race, and conveys an infectious passion for music. Pop fans ought to snatch this up. Agent: Angeline Rodriguez, WME. (June)