As a producer, cultivating creativity and sparking new ideas are essential. Inspirational books can be incredible resources in this journey. Packed with music theories, production techniques, and stories from artists, these books can truly enrich your experience as a producer. In this article, we’ll explore a few titles that are sure to inspire you.
The Art of Mixing - David Gibson
The Art of Mixing takes a unique visual approach to explain the mixing process. Gibson helps you understand how to spatially arrange different sound elements. You'll gain a better sense of how to adjust tracks by thinking about the position, depth, and size of sound.
You can also watch a 2-hour and 39-minute YouTube video, which is highly praised for its quirky graphics and the author's entertaining speech. He's like the Bob Ross of the music world.
Creative Quest - Questlove
“When the distraction shifts into boredom, that’s the seed of something creative,” Questlove writes in his philosophy on creativity. Creative Quest explores how The Roots drummer navigates creative processes and overcomes blocks, offering valuable insights for producers looking to stay inspired.
Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio - Mike Senior
A practical guide for creating professional mixes in a home studio. It’s packed with tips on achieving high-quality sound even without expensive equipment. If you sit somewhere between an amateur and a professional, this book fits your needs perfectly.
How Music Works - David Byrne
How Music Works by David Byrne of the band Talking Heads helps producers think creatively about how to structure music and utilize various techniques throughout the production process. Get an interior perspective on one of the world’s most celebrated musicians.
Behind the Glass - Howard Massey
This book features interviews with some of the world’s leading producers, offering insights into their methods and philosophies.
George Martin shares the technical and musical challenges he faced while working with The Beatles, and Phil Ramone, who produced for artists like Billy Joel, talks about studio wall treatments. You’ll also hear from legendary producers like Arif Mardin, Brian Wilson, Alan Parsons, and more! Isn't that fascinating?
Feeling inspired to make music? Start your creative journey with eapy today!
