Booklist (September 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 1))
Grades 7-10. This sometimes clever, rarely earnest guide for aspiring rockers features a rundown of various bandmate types (The Tortured Poet, The Guitar/Drum/Other Hero); tips for coming up with a killer band name (Do: Choose something that is obviously pronounced. Don't: Mizspell wordz in yur band's name. That's for doucherock.); and even a helpful section on the ins-and-outs of touring. True, there's not a whole lot on how to make your band, well, good. But really, it's not that type of book. It leans further toward the funny in its blend of humor and how-to, with admonitions like, If you're about to see a band, and they're a bunch of fat dudes with beards, prepare to be DESTROYED. Awesomely. Yes, of course, there will be teens who cry out that just about the least punk rock thing you could possibly do is to read a book about how to be punk rock. But others will find a lot to laugh about and maybe even a little to learn in this irreverent guide.
Kirkus Review (August 15, 2008)
In a breezy but firm tone, Nichols dispenses his message of what being in a self-made band is all about--definitely not a gig for conceited poseurs craving audience adoration. Pulling no punches, the author warns, "In the underground music scene, you'll be carrying your own equipment." Practical recommendations about promoting, organizing and touring mingle with advice that moves quickly from copyrighting music to building websites and selling original T-shirts along with other merchandise. The author knows his turf; many segments are anecdotal, but he also seems to be looking back with a degree of nostalgia, which results in a few hiccups. MySpace is briefly mentioned as a promotional tool but equal attention is given to paper flyers, and the how-to-pack-a-van section fails to mention including a laptop. The slim volume's most worthwhile advice zeroes in on organizing setups, knowing the guy running the soundboard and courtesy to other bands. Geared to musicians with a passion for shredding, the work's coolest message is, "You came to rock, so ROCK!" (Nonfiction. YA)
School Library Journal (December 1, 2008)
Gr 8 Up-From the first steps of forming a band through going on tour, Punk Rock Etiquette provides how-to advice on aspects of the indie and underground music scene. Nichols's narrative has a "been there and done that" tone and borders on the cheesy, as it at times tries too hard to use teen slang, but his advice is valuable even beyond the rock environment. Suggestions are offered for silk screening posters and T-shirts, designing Web pages, and using social networking sites to help create a brand, all of which could apply as easily to poetry-slam hosts and other creative groups as to rockers. For would-be performers, the author provides sage advice on recording and tips on touring, from what vehicles to use to what to pack. Parents and advisors should be aware that tour tips include sleeping in cars while traveling cross country or staying at the homes of strangers, practices that seem unsafe, particularly for teens. In areas where many students are hoping to make their way in the music world, however, the good advice is valuable and will appeal to a broad audience. The illustrations, spread throughout, are most successful in the comic of one band's road trip in the middle of the book. In other places, the animal characters are so cute that it is hard to tell if Nichols is being ironic, which would appeal to his audience, or if he felt that the cuteness would gel with the punk rock style.-Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
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