The Definitive Guide to the Best Books for Electronic Music Producers: A Must-Read List

Music production is both an art and a science, and those who seek to become masters of this craft need to learn the technicalities of sound engineering while nurturing their artistic creativity. The right set of books can serve as a valuable resource for music producers on their journey toward mastering their craft.

Whether you are a beginner just starting or an experienced producer looking to take your game to the next level, certain must-read books cover everything from the basics of mixing and mastering to the intricacies of electronic music production. In this comprehensive guide, we have compiled a list of the top books for music producers that are guaranteed to make you a better engineer and artist. Here is a list of 10 books for electronic music producers:

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

With a focus on providing practical solutions for common challenges faced by electronic music producers, this book is an invaluable resource for those seeking to improve their skills. It offers a range of techniques and strategies for beginners to generate new ideas, overcoming creative blocks, and completing tracks.

Collaborating with others is also discussed as a means of expanding your knowledge and experience in the field. The book includes numerous examples and exercises to guide you through the application of these methods to your music creation process.

2.      The Art of Ghost Production: How to Create Music for the Biggest Names in EDM by Roy Wilkenfeld

This is a master class on ghost production for electronic dance music. It teaches you how to create music for different genres and styles, such as house, techno, dubstep, and drum & bass. It also shows you how to use popular software tools, such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and more. It also includes tips and tricks from some of the top ghost producers in the scene to help you understand how to become a ghost producer.

3.      Handmade Electronic Music by Nicolas Collins

This title serves as a guide to making your electronic instruments and devices using everyday materials and tools. It teaches you how to hack, modify, and circuit-bend existing devices, such as radios, toys, and keyboards, as well as how to build your circuits, sensors, microphones, and speakers. It also introduces you to the basics of sound synthesis, sampling, and processing.

4.      The Secrets of Dance Music Production by David Felton

Do you want to produce dance music in any genre, be it house, techno, dubstep, or drum & bass? If so, then this book is the ultimate guide for you. It offers comprehensive coverage of everything you need to know, starting from the basics of sound design and synthesis to sampling and sequencing, and then delving into mixing, mastering, and promotion. Additionally, it includes exclusive tutorials, tips, and tricks from some of the most accomplished dance music producers around the world.

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

The popular 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.

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

Looking to enhance your skills in electronic music production? Look no further than this book! With 25 tips for improving your mixing techniques, you’ll learn the ins and outs of key topics such as EQ, compression, reverb, delay, stereo imaging, automation, and more.

Not only will you gain an understanding of each principle, but you’ll also dive into genre-specific examples to see how you can apply what you’ve learned to different styles of electronic music. Take your production skills to new heights with this must-have guide!

7.      The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook by Bobby Owsinski

This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at mixing, covering both contemporary best practices and proven techniques. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced producer, this book is sure to take your skills to new heights.

It explains the mixing process in easy-to-understand lessons and shows you how to mix different styles, arrange tracks, use EQ, reverb, layering, and more. It also features interviews with some of the world’s best mixers.

8.      Step By Step Mixing: How to Create Great Mixes Using Only 5 Plug-ins by Björgvin Benediktsson

This book is a practical guide to mixing that teaches you how to create great mixes using only five basic plug-ins: EQ, compression, reverb, delay, and saturation. It shows you how to use these plug-ins effectively on every instrument and vocal track in your mix. It also includes exercises and checklists to help you practice your skills.

9.      Music Theory for Computer Musicians by Michael Hewitt

This book is a course on music theory designed specifically for computer musicians. 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.  The Producer’s Guide to Workflow & Creativity by Sam Matla

If you’re an electronic music producer, you’ll want to check out this book! It’s packed with practical and creative tips to help you overcome the most common challenges faced in the field. With insights on everything from optimizing your workflow to developing your signature sound, this resource is a must-have for producers of all skill levels.

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.

Conclusion

Any producer who is aspiring to create their electronic music will find these books invaluable. They contain the essential knowledge and insight needed to become a successful producer, from comprehensive mixing and mastering techniques to creative tips for developing your sound. With the right tools and resources, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals in no time!