Supernatural Strategies for Making a Rock ‘n’ Roll Group

by Ian F. Svenonius

Washington, DC-based rock ‘n’ roll antihero Ian F. Svenonius provides an unparalleled and exquisitely provocative how-to guide for rock bands.

“Like its author, Supernatural Strategies is part tongue-in-cheek, part deadly serious―a satire of rock’s consumerist origins but also a thoughtful treatise on what it means to devote yourself to a collective . . . Drawing from the wisdom of rock ‘n’ roll’s most famous ghosts, Svenonius’s advice ranges from hilarious to cryptic to surprisingly useful.” ―Pitchfork

Ian F. Svenonius’s experience as an iconic underground rock musician―playing in such highly influential and revolutionary outfits as The Make-Up and The Nation of Ulysses―gives him special insight on techniques for not only starting but also surviving a rock ‘n’ roll group. Therefore, he’s written an instructional guide, which doubles as a warning device, a philosophical text, an exercise in terror, an aerobics manual, and a coloring book.

This volume features essays (and black-and-white illustrations) on everything the would-be star should know to get started, such as Sex, Drugs, Sound, Group Photo, The Van, and Manufacturing Nostalgia. Supernatural Strategies will serve as an indispensable guide for a new generation just aching to boogie.

Paperback | 200 pages | Akashic Books, Ltd. | 2013

Ian Svenonius is an American musician, notable as the singer and mouthpiece of various Washington, D.C.-based music groups including The Nation of Ulysses, The Make-Up, Weird War, and Chain and the Gang. With his projects, Svenonius has released more than 15 full-length albums and more than 20 singles, EPs, and splits. Svenonius is also a published author and an online talk show host.