So you're in a band. You have instruments and band members (or maybe it's just you), and at least one song ready to be recorded. You want people to hear your music (preferably people outside of your immediate family) and maybe even buy your record (once you put it out). Need help figuring out what to do next?
Check out The Indie Band Survival Guide: the complete manual for the do-it-yourself musician, by Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan. Why might you listen to their advice? As the lead members of Beatnik Turtle, they've played live, produced eighteen albums, written music for television, films and comedy shows and licensed music to ABC Family, all 100% indie (without a label).
In the introduction, Chertkow and Feehan promise a "practical how-to manual to get your music heard, distributed, sold, booked, promoted and seen," all without being backed by a major record label. Among other things, the straightforward guide thoroughly covers everything you need to know about: establishing and maintaining a network, building a brand, claiming a presence on the web (on MySpace and beyond!), recording and mastering your albums and protecting your creative rights. You'll learn how to choose the color scheme of your website and what type of license you need to protect your content in specifc situations (i.e. whether you need either a Synchronization License or a Videogram License).
If you happen to be a teenager, you can practice the skills you've learned from The Indie Band Survival Guide locally. Record and master tracks then book shows at the Redmond Old Fire House. Promote your band and play a show in Seattle @ The Vera Project .
Don't forget about the library once you're famous.
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