Punk Rock Etiquette: The Ultimate How-to Guide for DIY, Punk, Indie, and Underground Bands (review)

In this mix of humorous interpretation and nonfiction how-to, readers who feel they are destined to rock will learn everything they need to know about how to make that dream happen. Everything from choosing bandmates who will be tolerable on long road trips to understanding what merchandise is worth selling to tips about how to book gigs is explored in this trim, content-rich volume (perfectly sized for stuffing into a gig bag). There are also a few unexpected gems such as the nicely detailed and accessible silk-screening instructions, or the sarcastic but extremely useful insider tips from a former owner of a studio about how to maximize a band’s time there. Frequent changes in the always informal format and font, a snarky and direct narrative voice, and intentionally simple illustrations all emphasize how very punk rock the book itself is, too edgy to play by traditional nonfiction rules. Nichols effortlessly balances subtle lessons about respect (for bandmates, the music, and fans) and responsibility with enough witty asides and unlikely suggestions that even the most hardcore punk rockers will likely absorb at least a few pointers about how to bridge the gaps between the adults in power in the music industry and themselves (or they will at least get tips about how to circumvent “the man” and go it alone). A resource list, glossary, and index are included, though even readers who are certain they just need one fact or definition will likely be sucked into reading the whole entertaining volume cover to cover. Final illustrations not seen.