RGG June 2016 - p.12
The book starts at the beginning (I know. That
is usually the case with a book). What I mean
is, it starts with the birth of your band and
everything that entails. Then it goes on to give
tips on how to build a buzz about your band
before going on to explain the in's and out's of
getting radio airplay. Of course, there's also the
all important process of managing your band,
giving you the pro's and con's of paying a
manager or just trying to manage it all yourself.
Sooner or later, you're going to have to play a
live gig, and again, the book gives you advice
and insight into best practice.
I particularly love the quotes from famous
musicians that back up the ideas and themes
in the book. I also love the end of each chapter
because again, Emma backs up her knowledge
and expertise with examples of the successes
of national and international bands in the
sections entitled, 'It's a Long Way to the Top (If
You Wanna Rock n Roll) and 'The rest is
history'.
So you've read through the book and you're
thinking, "actually, this is all sound advice and
we really should take a leaf out of it" (excuse
the pun). Well the best leaves to take out (I
don't mean that literally. You should never
deface a book, people. EVER!) are right at the
back where Emma has included a 'Checklist for
Success'. If you haven't already absorbed
every letter and word, then this gives you an
overview and you get to tick some little boxes
too.
As a reader and an author, I do have one minor
criticism - there is some repetition. But I'm not
here to judge it in the same way I would usually
judge a book.
However, as a lead singer in a large, Soul and
Motown band, Soul'd Out UK (shameless plug.
Sorry. Not sorry), I found I could relate to a lot
of the content in 'If It Was My Band...' but at the
same time, I've gleaned information that will be
of brilliant use to us, too.
If you or your band have hit a musical interlude
in your career, or if indeed, you're just starting
out, this really is the book for you.
Review by Lucy Onions
I must start by saying that this is the first "factual" book I've
ever reviewed. As a reader, I opt for fiction every time and
as an author, the same applies. But I will try to review it as
I would do any other book. The first things that strikes you
is the front cover. It really packs a punch, thanks to Aitken-
Ballard's no-nonsense, black and white graphics. Based on
the cover alone, if I saw this in a bookshop, I would be
instantly drawn to it.
What's inside is just as "no-nonsense" as the cover. 'If It
Was My Band...' Is an informed, common sense, warts and
all book about making it in the music business and it comes
from a woman who has a wealth of knowledge in this area.
With a career spanning 25 years in the music industry,
whether it be in radio and television presenting, gig
promotion, A+R or radio plugging, Emma Scott is certainly
the woman to go to if your band needs that extra insight in
getting to the top in a such a fickle, ruthless industry.
