I've decided a topic for my first book, and I hear it's easy to e-publish. I just want to make sure I don't step on anyone's toes, legally--so I was hoping for some advice from people who've been there... or "here" rather, trying to figure out the line.

I've read it's ok to use brand names brief, in passing, yes? Something like, "My Nike shoes," or "I ordered a Pepsi."

My book is going to be about a band, so there will be some music references which concern me. I've realized it would be a bad idea to quote existing lyrics, so I'm creating my own lyrics inspired by my favorite songs. However, would it be OK to say, "I sang my favorite Beatles' song" and not reference which? Leave it up to the reader's imagination?