James Moore recently updated and published the Expanded Edition of his book Your Band Is A Virus (affiliate link).
Middle Tennessee Music was mentioned in this version so James was generous enough to share a copy for my reading pleasure.
Mr. Moore is an independent music promoter and runs the website Independent Music Promotions where he shares helpful information and resources for promoting your music online.
Your Band Is A Virus is definitely the ultimate music marketing guide as the cover suggests. From front to back, this is one of the most thorough books on indie music marketing I have read since discovering Bob Baker of the Buzz Factor in 2007.
James lays the foundation every indie, diy band needs to survive in the digital age. On top of that, you will walk away from this read with new philosophies that will change your attitude and empower you to take your music to the next level.
from the Introduction – by James Moore:
Welcome to “Your Band is a Virus – Expanded Edition”. If you are reading this for the first time, or perhaps if you read the original edition, it means you’ve decided to take a chance on a different kind of music marketing book, or e-book. Why is it different? An industry mogul or pundit did not write this book. I am an independent promoter, and I am always learning. The goal of the “Your Band Is a Virus” series is to share what has worked for me after much trial and error. If you take even a portion of the advice in this book to heart, it could save you years of wasted time.
The idea behind the title “Your Band Is a Virus” is a mindset. If you can turn on that mindset and get inspired, yet neutral, about promoting your band, you are on the right track and this will help you with the work that’s ahead.
If pouring out all of his knowledge on the subject isn’t enough, James closes the book with a long list of links to helpful resources as well as a series of interviews with the likes of:
- Crystal Lee of Vandala Concepts
- Justin Wayne, host of the Justin Wayne Show
- Jim Hughes of WAP Publishing
- Katie O’Halloran of www.ithinkiloveit.com and EMI Publishing
- Andy Gesner of Hip Video Promo
- Stuart Epps, producer/engineer who has worked with Led Zeppelin, Elton John, George Harrison, Bill Wyman, Oasis, Twisted Sister, and many more classic bands
Every topic related to music promotion in the digital age is covered in this book.
Building a website, discovering music blogs, the different types of marketing, video promo, crowd funding, performing rights organizations and licensing, networking strategies, and podcasts have chapters dedicated to each subject.
Whether you are a songwriter, artist, musician, label rep, publicist, or actively gigging with your band – Your Band Is A Virus is the road map you need.
It is the most up-to-date, thorough, and relevant book on independent music promotion I have yet to read.
Even if our website had not been mentioned in this book, I would still think the same thing about it. I needed this book years ago.
Go grab your copy or dig into James’ knowledge by visiting his website.