Exploring the Best Books on Music Producers: Understanding the Legends

Producing great music involves a blend of art and science, and has been of great interest for many years. The process involves various elements, such as recording, mixing, engineering, and mastering. Familiarizing oneself with the pioneers of music production and their techniques can improve the quality of music produced. Irrespective of one’s level of experience in production, there is always something new to learn from the masters.

This blog post explores the best books on music producers that provide a detailed insight into their lives, methods, and contributions to music. These books are perfect for those who are just starting and want to gain a better understanding of the industry, while also offering valuable tips for more experienced producers. Below is a list of the 11 best books on music producers:

1.      The Producer’s Manual by Paul White

Encompassing all aspects from recording to editing to mixing and mastering, this book serves as a complete guide to music production. The text also provides useful pointers from prominent producers like Rick Rubin, Tony Visconti, and Brian Eno. A bonus for readers is a DVD with over 10 hours of video tutorials and audio examples.

2.      The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory by John Seabrook

This is a fascinating title that explores the history and evolution of pop music production. It reveals how hit songs are made by a network of writers, producers, and performers who collaborate across continents and genres. It also profiles some of the most influential figures in the industry, such as Max Martin, Dr. Luke, Rihanna, and Katy Perry.

3.      The Ghost Producer’s Handbook by David Felton

This book is a comprehensive guide on how to become a ghost producer in the electronic music industry. It covers everything from finding clients and negotiating deals to creating beats and delivering tracks. The book also features interviews with some of the world’s best ghost producers, such as Maarten Vorwerk, who share their secrets and advice.

4.      Behind the Glass: Top Record Producers Tell How They Craft the Hits by Howard Massey

Featuring interviews with renowned and top-performing record producers including George Martin, Phil Ramone, Quincy Jones, and Rick Rubin, this book provides readers a glimpse into how these legends work with artists, mold sound, tackle challenges, and navigate the music industry. Share in their wisdom, learn their secrets, and get inspired by their experiences.

5.      Music Production: Everything You Need to Know About Producing Music

This title by Tommy Swindali is a practical guide to music production that teaches you everything you need to know to produce your music. It covers topics such as songwriting, arranging, recording, mixing, mastering, and promoting your music. It also includes tips and advice for beginners from successful producers and artists, such as Calvin Harris, Skrillex, and Ed Sheeran.

6.      The Secrets of Dance Music Production by David Felton

Are you seeking a comprehensive guide that covers all facets of producing dance music across various genres? Then look no further than this exceptional book! It provides an all-encompassing tutorial on everything you need to know, from house and techno to dubstep and drum & bass.

Offering a diverse range of techniques from sound design to synthesis, producers can quickly master their craft. The guide delves into mixing and mastering techniques, so you can efficiently promote and distribute your work. Moreover, it provides invaluable tutorials, tips, and tricks from some of the world’s best dance music producers.

7.      The Secret Life of the American Musical by Jack Viertel

This book provides readers with fascinating insights into what makes successful musicals, and the significant role of music producers in shaping them. Throughout the pages of this book, the author offers his vast knowledge of the theater to explain how a musical gets made.

8.      Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers by Dennis DeSantis

This amazing copy is a collection of practical and creative tips for overcoming common challenges faced by electronic music producers. It covers topics such as generating ideas, breaking out creative blocks, finishing tracks, and collaborating with others. It also includes examples and exercises to help you apply the strategies to your music.

9.      Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers by J. Anthony Allen

This book is a course on music theory designed specifically for electronic music producers. It teaches you the essential concepts and skills of music theory, such as scales, chords, modes, harmony, melody, rhythm, and song structure. It also shows you how to apply them to your music using popular software tools, such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and more.

10.     Electronic Music: 25 Mixing Tips for Modern Electronic Music Production by Roy Wilkenfeld

This book is a collection of 25 mixing tips for improving your electronic music production. It covers topics such as EQ, compression, reverb, delay, stereo imaging, automation, and more. It also explains the principles behind each tip and provides examples of how to use them in different genres and styles of electronic music.

11.     Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles

The book is written by Geoff Emerick who worked as a recording engineer for the Beatles at Abbey Road Studios. He shares his firsthand experiences and stories of recording the music of the Beatles. He explains how he created the sounds on their songs and reveals their creative process in the studio. The book is a fascinating and insightful look at one of the most influential bands in music history and their recording techniques and innovations.

Final Thoughts

Music production books are extremely valuable resources for producers of any skill level. Whether one is just starting or an experienced professional, these books contain information that can aid in honing one’s craft and improving productions.

The books offer tips, tricks, and advice from internationally renowned producers and composers in the industry, in addition to extensive knowledge of music theory, mixing, mastering, and other related topics. Therefore, anyone who wants to advance their music production skills should take the time to explore these books thoroughly.