If you are an electronic music producer, or aspire to be one, you might be interested in reading some books that can help you improve your skills, knowledge, and creativity. There are many books out there that cover various aspects of electronic music production, from the technical to the artistic, and from the beginner to the advanced level. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of 10 books that we think are essential for any electronic music producer. These books will teach you how to:
- Generate new ideas and overcome creative blocks
- Create music for different genres and styles
- Make your own electronic instruments and devices
- Master the tools and techniques of sound design, synthesis, sampling, sequencing, mixing, and mastering
- Promote your music and build your fan base
Here are the 10 books that we recommend for electronic music producers:
- Creative solutions for electronic music production: This book offers techniques and strategies for generating new ideas, overcoming creative blocks, and completing tracks. It also discusses the benefits of collaborating with others. Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers
- Ghost production for electronic dance music: This book 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. Ghost Production for Electronic Dance Music
- Handmade electronic music: This book teaches you how to make your own electronic instruments and devices using everyday materials and tools. It shows you how to hack, modify, and circuit-bend existing devices, such as radios, toys, and keyboards, as well as how to build your own circuits, sensors, microphones, and speakers. It also introduces you to the basics of sound synthesis, sampling, and processing. Handmade Electronic Music: The Art of Hardware Hacking
- Dance music manual: This book is the ultimate guide to producing dance music in any genre, be it house, techno, dubstep, or drum & bass. 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. It also includes exclusive tutorials, tips, and tricks from some of the most accomplished dance music producers around the world. Dance Music Manual: Tools, Toys, and Techniques
- Making music: This book is a collection of 74 creative strategies for electronic music producers. It covers topics such as problems of beginning, problems of progressing, problems of finishing, problems with musical elements, problems with workflow, problems with self-doubt, problems with listening habits, and more. Each strategy is accompanied by a practical example and a suggested exercise. Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers
- The secrets of dance music production: This book is a comprehensive guide to producing dance music in any genre or style. It covers topics such as drums, basslines, leads, mastering, and more. It also features interviews with some of the biggest names in dance music production, such as Calvin Harris, Deadmau5, and more. The Secrets of Dance Music Production
- Music theory for computer musicians: This book teaches you the fundamentals of music theory that are relevant for computer musicians. It also shows you how to apply musical concepts to your own music using various software tools and examples. Music Theory for Computer Musicians
- The producer’s manual: This book is a complete guide to recording and mixing in the modern studio environment. It covers topics such as acoustics, microphones, recording techniques, and more. The Producer’s Manual: All You Need to Get Pro Recordings and Mixes in the Project Studio
- How to make it in the new music business: This book teaches you how to succeed in the modern music industry as an independent artist or producer. It also features case studies and insights from some of the most influential artists and entrepreneurs in the music business, such as Chance the Rapper, Amanda Palmer, Porter Robinson, and more. How To Make It in the New Music Business: Practical Tips on Building a Loyal Following and Making a Living as a Musician
- The art of mixing: This book teaches you how to create professional-sounding mixes using visual representations of sound. It shows you how to use concepts such as frequency, panning, volume, dynamics, EQ, and more to create a balanced and harmonious mix. It also explains how to mix different genres and styles of music, such as rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, and more. The Art of Mixing: A Visual Guide to Recording, Engineering, and Production
We hope you find these books useful and inspiring for your electronic music production journey. Remember that music is a creative art form so take advice with a grain of salt. Practice makes perfect! Happy reading and happy producing.