His latest book, Supernatural Strategies for Making a Rock ’n’ Roll Group: A How-To Guide, promises to reveal the inside scoop on forming a band, “empowering” the reader to “tour the world, and record so as to create a myth which might define a generation, inspire a movement You might even perform at the All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival if you play your cards right.” Svenonius should know: he’s done all that, and yes, he’s also harmonizing with The Byrds here, updating their sardonic note about rock bands’ constricted prospects. What’s a youngster with a USB Stratocaster to do?Īsk Ian Svenonius, a DIY rock musician who has had an influential 25 year career. By now that song has been covered countless times, “jangle-pop” is a well-worn (not to say worn-out) genre, and there’s 70-years worth of rock back-catalog to reckon with, along with scores of Retromaniacs who have repurposed every flicker of rock ’n’ roll flame.

Tambourine Man,” the sodden, slightly subversive Bob Dylan folk song, into a jangly pop tune delivered with a crooked smile. After all, they had already made their fortune by transforming “Mr. In 1967, The Byrds could afford to be gently cynical about the tainted prospect of pop acclaim (“with your hair swung right / and your pants too tight / It’s gonna be alright,” they sang, mocking The Monkees, in “So You Want to Be a Rock ’n’ Roll Star”). His 2007 offering, The Psychic Soviet, was issued through Drag City.COURAGE TO TODAY’S aspiring rock star.

The paperback collection will be Svenonius' second book release through Akashic, though his third published anthology. It adds that 'no one is left unscathed, and more than a few will be left scratching their heads even as they laugh.' While Svenonius' Supernatural Strategies was a comically focused how-to that delivered its advice by channelling rock stars from beyond the grave (i.e., Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones), Svenonius targets on Censorship Now!! seem to be more widespread.Īccording to a product listing, the author will discuss 'IKEA, Apple, the weather, the gentrification of punk by indie rock, Marion Barry, the film Heathers, Christian pornography, vampires, hoarding, the role of sugar in empire-building, how to properly tip at restaurants, the return of the hat in men's fashion, and other highly topical matters.' Given the cheerful title of Censorship Now!!, his third essays collection lands November 3 through Akashic Books. Three years on from delivering the the satirical, séance-style Supernatural Strategies for Making a Rock 'n' Roll Group: a How-To Guide, Chain and the Gang vocalist and culture critic Ian Svenonius has announced plans for his next book.

Ian svenonius supernatural