[Dixielandjazz] The Indie Band Survival Guide

[Stephen G Barbone]

Those who are serious about the band business in this day and age  
might find the below, self help, book interesting. The reviewer, Ariel  
Publicity, is one of the up and coming firms that offer marketing  
services to bands.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.barbonestreet.com
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband


Book Review: The Indie Band Survival Guide

"The Indie Band Survival Guide" by Randy Chertkow and Jason Freehan is  
a book that all artists, independent or not, need to own. - 329 pages  
- $14.95




Randy & Jason are founding members of the Chicago based independent  
band Beatnik Turtle, and this book started out as their blog where  
they chronicled their personal experience releasing a whopping 18  
albums, touring, building a formidable following, and writing music  
for film and TV. This book was not motivated by money or a desire for  
fame. It came from the 12 years of experience as independent artists  
that they achieved directly by releasing albums, and as they learned  
along the way, they wrote it all down. As their lessons and  
experiences grew, so did their blog, and because of their blog a  
literary agent approached them, and they got a publishing deal.

It was very hard not to write a hundred page review of this book.  
Randy & Jason share exactly the same philosophies and opinions about  
the realities of the 'new' music business and their insights are  
striking and very important to understand to stay ahead during this  
wild west time of the music business.

The major premise of the book? It's now the sole responsibility of the  
artist to take on what an entire staff used to do, and there is a lot  
to take on. It's not the technology that will get your music listened  
to, booked, distributed, played, seen, and publicized." It's people.  
People make things happen for musicians...

Here are some highlights that struck me:

- Randy & Jason take you through the myths and realities of old-school  
music business versus the new music business, including how commercial  
radio works and why independent artists will have to spend between  
$20,000 and $100,000 to get commercial radio airplay

- Why signing to a major label makes no sense in this day and age

- Why networking is key and how it doesn't have to feel icky

- How to use your fans to help you network and get the word out about  
you

- People who have met you or seen you play live are likely to be in  
the minority of people who will listen to your music now that the  
Internet is the number one medium for music delivery

- The importance of a good website and why just having a MySpace page  
is a big mistake and how to plan it soup to nuts and how to make  
people return to your website over and over

- A complete guide to blogging and micro-blogging and the benefits

- The ins and outs of social networking

- How to create a CD, home studio versus pro studios, everything about  
CD manufacturing and merchandising with a complete bulleted list,  
which they provide so you don't even have to think. You just have to  
follow the list and get your CD released

- Copyright laws and trademark your rights to the songs and recording  
in a handy flow chart that breaks down every aspect, from sampling to  
who pays you to trademark

- Why multi-tasking is totally necessary for artists in this day and  
age and why having multiple income streams is what will make you money  
in the long run.

- The death of the big splash - The new approach for releasing albums  
is slow and steady wins the race

- How to get booked at clubs and house concerts, charity events,  
festivals, college gigs and weddings

- How to get your fans to help you get the word out

This book is an indispensable goldmine and a must-have for every  
independent musician's library. No matter what level you are at in  
your career, you need to own this fabulous book, The Indie Band  
Survival Guide.

	
Here is a free preview on their website:http://indiebandsurvivalguide.com

List is $14.95 - Get it for less than $11 below.

Amazon Link:  http://tinyurl.com/indieband