Product Description

In this prime collection of first-hand interviews, 37 of the world's top record producers share their creative secrets and hit-making techniques - from the practical to the artistic. George Martin reveals the technical and musical challenges of working with The Beatles, while Phil Ramone, producer for such artists as Billy Joel, discusses studio wall treatments. Offering real-world advice on everything from mics to mixing to coaching a nervous singer, producers interviewed include Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin), Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys), Alan Parsons (Pink Floyd) and more.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #74175 in Books
• Published on: 2000-10-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Review
"Insightful overviews of the creative and technical process of sound recording." -- Steve Vai, guitarist

"The producers featured have made key contributions...music-business professionals and fans alike should find their observations invaluable." -- Billboard, November 11, 2000

About the Author
Howard Massey, a veteran journalist and record producer/engineer, has worked with Elvis Costello, Roy Buchanan, Kraftwerk, Thomas Dolby, and other major artists at such world-class studios as Electric Lady and Trident. Formerly technology editor of Musician, he has written for Billboard, Keyboard, Guitar World and Electronic Musician, plus ten books on music technology. He currently is a contributing editor for EQ and reviews editor of Surround Professional. He also serves as consultant and technical writer for Sony, Korg, and other leading audio manufacturers.

Customer Reviews

Very interesting book!
If you're interested in how modern music is made and recorded, this book gives a great deal of insight into the process. With individual interviews, and roundtable discussions, with the top producers in the music world, it provides great information on procedures.

I'd like to add...
I'd like to add this comment to the other reviews. Reading this book gave me a much better insight into all the things a good producer does. The last section is a round-table discussion that includes what to look for in a producer, and some ways to quickly decide if it's the right person for you. If you're considering using a producer to help your recording project, this can help you find the right fit, and/or avoid an expensive and frustrating mistake. If you're the DIY sort, the book lets you know what you have to do to produce yourself, and why it pulls you away from being the artist. If you're a would-be producer, it lets you know what standards an experienced client will expect you to meet.

Great minds that influenced the world of recording.
This is a great book for hearing the people that have brought you the music that moves you. The timeless stuff. Talk about the creative process but also the business of music. Which is truly the bridge between creativity and commerce. A great read for those thinking about a career in the music business at the creative level. But also for tjhose who just love music and wan to know a little more about the technical creative side.