Product Description

This is a guide for those interested in record production and the problems faced by the modern day record producer. It includes a rundown on the different types of producers available, what they are likely to earn and the relationship they have with artists and record labels.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1910728 in Books
• Published on: 1998-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 228 pages

Review
'This book takes you through pretty much everything you need to know about the industry. So, a useful guide for anyone voluntarily plunging into this shark infested world.' Mail on Sunday

About the Author
Author Richard Burgess knows all there is to know about the elusive art of music production. He has produced hit singles and albums for artists such as Spandau Ballet, Adam Ant, Kim Wilde, Living in a Box, King and Colonel Abrahams. He is also a hit songwriter, session drummer and an acknowledged expert on multimedia.

Customer Reviews

A Guide in the true sense of the word
In his book, Burgess manage to chart a safe route through the pitfalls of a career in the recording industry, and I suppose that everyone with a little knowledge about the inner workings of this multi-billion bucks machine knows that this is no easy task. Right from the very beggining, he offers a guided tour to the shortcomings that this rough road presents, offering sensible comments that are often illustrated with real-life examples. Dealing with ego-bloated artists, or taking care of the (often overlooked) legal aspects of the trade or simply getting a great session to tape, this book will simply not leave you without an answer.

Very Sound Contribution (haha my god that was cheesy)
I found this book to be extremely enlightening in the area of production aesthetics and most notably, psychology. The value of the author's experience in the industry is clearly displayed through excellent, eclectic quotes and lucid insights gained from years of exposures to visionaries such as himself. I only have two minor complaints--firstly, as a producer Burgess knows that the cover should function as an inductive summary or foreshadowing of the contents within, yet the cover of this book implies more of an engineering (or even digital) focus than the book really puts forth. Secondly, the perspectives on technology and its influence on production methods seem a little dumbed down or underdeveloped, and ruefully, a bit too optimistic about the role of the traditional producer as the lead broker of both sonic sensibility and understanding of the arts of songwriting and recording. This may be a bias on my part as I am involved primary in electronic music. And were the demise of the production/recording infrastructure to slowly take place at the hands of the internet, it would certainly occur as a result of the inflexiblity of the record companies and not the valiant efforts of its agents of production. Not to detract from the indispensibility of the book--as an entirely self taught musician and engineer (of which he speaks in the book,) I found this tome to be a vastly useful resource for gaining perspectives from people who very well may be the last generation of highly social, full life cycle production wizards. I highly recommend this book, because where it is good, it is great. He constantly quotes Steve Albini. Need I say more?

Best book on the subject of record production
If record production is the career for you then this is the book you're looking for. This is not one persons subjective view on the art, but rather an intelligent overview of the various styles of record production backed by hundreds of quotes from many of the worlds greatest producers.

Richard saves the would-be record producer from tripping over themselves for years by providing a very comprehesive insight into this interesting profession. This is by no means a book on the glamour of the industry, but a practical guide that will leave you knowing whether you've got what it takes or don't think it's for you. Short of handing you a production deal, Richard has given you as much information to get a producer started that can be found between the covers of a book.

I would highly recommend this book to anybody considering record production. Kudos to Richard Burgess.