5 Books Every Music Producer Should Read, And Then Read Again
“The sure sign of an amateur is he has a million plans and they all start tomorrow.” ― Steven Pressfield, Turning Pro
I read to decompress, to gain perspective and to sort through my own bullshit. And after a few weeks solid of 12 hour studio days, generally speaking, there is enough bullshit to go around.
When I choose which books to read, I'm looking for principals that are transferrable from one domain to another. I enjoy psychology and sociology books, because they underpin how our minds work, and how are minds work together. I read philosophy or biographies because they challenge my thinking, and push me to approach problems in new light. I delve into books about art and the creative process, in order to find nuggets of thematic significance that can be applied to widely differing fields of inquiry. My interest lies in the acquisition of meta skills; the abilities that if internalized, will make everything else easier and more effective.
That said, here are a few books that have had substantial impact on my approach as a music producer. These are books that I have found to be invaluable for one reason another; books of actionable wisdom that can be directly or indirectly applied to the studio and creative process.
I read to decompress, to gain perspective and to sort through my own bullshit. And after a few weeks solid of 12 hour studio days, generally speaking, there is enough bullshit to go around.
When I choose which books to read, I'm looking for principals that are transferrable from one domain to another. I enjoy psychology and sociology books, because they underpin how our minds work, and how are minds work together. I read philosophy or biographies because they challenge my thinking, and push me to approach problems in new light. I delve into books about art and the creative process, in order to find nuggets of thematic significance that can be applied to widely differing fields of inquiry. My interest lies in the acquisition of meta skills; the abilities that if internalized, will make everything else easier and more effective.
That said, here are a few books that have had substantial impact on my approach as a music producer. These are books that I have found to be invaluable for one reason another; books of actionable wisdom that can be directly or indirectly applied to the studio and creative process.
1. The Creative Habit – Twyla Tharpe
“You may wonder which came first: the skill or the hard work. But that's a moot point. The Zen master cleans his own studio. So should you.”
“You may wonder which came first: the skill or the hard work. But that's a moot point. The Zen master cleans his own studio. So should you.”
Personally speaking, this book has been instrumental in finding and sticking with a routine that actually promotes creativity, in a non-destructive way.
Twyla Tharpe is a choreographer and dancer, but her writing about the creative process illustrates common pitfalls and best practices that any artist, in any creative field can apply. Her approach to discipline, work / life balance and inspiration is methodical and direct. I read this book years ago, and still hold firm to several of the creative tenants contained within.
This is a relatively quick and extremely potent book, and I can’t recommend it highly enough to music producers of all shapes, sizes, ages, and experience levels.
2. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
“Most enjoyable activities are not natural; they demand an effort that initially one is reluctant to make. But once the interaction starts to provide feedback to the person's skills, it usually begins to be intrinsically rewarding.” ― Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
Flow is a no-nonsense collection of scientific observations around the subject of optimal human state.
Written by one of the most highly regarded psychologists and thinkers of the last century, Flow is a swandive, the first of it’s kind, into the why and how of ego-transcending work.
2. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
“Most enjoyable activities are not natural; they demand an effort that initially one is reluctant to make. But once the interaction starts to provide feedback to the person's skills, it usually begins to be intrinsically rewarding.” ― Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
Flow is a no-nonsense collection of scientific observations around the subject of optimal human state.
Written by one of the most highly regarded psychologists and thinkers of the last century, Flow is a swandive, the first of it’s kind, into the why and how of ego-transcending work.
This is a dense read with a ton of applicable info. If you're ready for a crash course on the ins and outs of deep work, this book is for you.
As music producers, for better or worse, part of our job description is "glorified babysitter". Speaking from experience on the front lines, I've found that it helps to have a base foundation in the principals of psychology and social behavior.
As music producers, for better or worse, part of our job description is "glorified babysitter". Speaking from experience on the front lines, I've found that it helps to have a base foundation in the principals of psychology and social behavior.
For my money, there is no better source for that knowledge than “Flow”.
3. The War Of Art – Steven Pressfield
“The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome.” ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art
Steven Pressfield is a legend – before writing modern classics like 'The Legend Of Bagger Vance' and 'Gates of Fire', he lived in a door-less shack near a remote rural highway, with nothing but a typewriter. In addition to his iconic works of fiction, he’s penned a series of books on the trials of being an artist, and more importantly, a professional.
The War Of Art is highly regarded as a go-to resource for overcoming the resistance to meaningful work that is inherent in us all. It is a starkly no-bs read; a meditation on what it takes to be an artist, and a professional.
“The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome.” ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art
Steven Pressfield is a legend – before writing modern classics like 'The Legend Of Bagger Vance' and 'Gates of Fire', he lived in a door-less shack near a remote rural highway, with nothing but a typewriter. In addition to his iconic works of fiction, he’s penned a series of books on the trials of being an artist, and more importantly, a professional.
The War Of Art is highly regarded as a go-to resource for overcoming the resistance to meaningful work that is inherent in us all. It is a starkly no-bs read; a meditation on what it takes to be an artist, and a professional.
4. Turning Pro – Steven Pressfield
“The amateur dreads becoming who she really is because she fears that this new person will be judged by others as "different." The tribe will declare us "weird" or "queer" or "crazy." The tribe will reject us. Here's the truth: the tribe doesn't give a shit. There is no tribe. That gang or posse that we imagine is sustaining us by the bonds we share is in fact a conglomeration of individuals who are just as fucked up as we are and just as terrified. Each individual is so caught up in his own bullshit that he doesn't have two seconds to worry about yours or mine, or to reject or diminish us because of it. When we truly understand that the tribe doesn't give a damn, we're free. There is no tribe, and there never was. Our lives are entirely up to us.” ― Steven Pressfield, Turning Pro
If I could only recommend one book on this list, it would be Pressfield's razor-edged follow up to 'The War of Art'. It deepens the message of it's predecessor, illuminating it's core precepts with sobering candor.
This book changed the way I conduct my business, and the way I conduct myself.
It’s a short read, and so worthwhile that I won’t spoil it here. Check out 'Turning Pro' when you’ve hit a wall and are truly ready to level-up.
5. The Obstacle Is the Way – Ryan Holliday
“The only guarantee, ever, is that things will go wrong. The only thing we can use to mitigate this is anticipation. Because the only variable we control completely is ourselves.” ― Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage
I keep coming back to “The Obstacle Is the Way”, and it rarely, if ever let’s me down. It’s another short but exhilarating read that has already become a cult classic amongst NFL players for it’s gritty approach to work, significance and meaning.
If you have the slightest inclination towards Stoicism, or are in dire need of perspective (as we so often are), pick up this book. I sincerely doubt you will be disappointed.
I keep coming back to “The Obstacle Is the Way”, and it rarely, if ever let’s me down. It’s another short but exhilarating read that has already become a cult classic amongst NFL players for it’s gritty approach to work, significance and meaning.
If you have the slightest inclination towards Stoicism, or are in dire need of perspective (as we so often are), pick up this book. I sincerely doubt you will be disappointed.
There you have it. My top 5 books for Music Producers. I hope you enjoy!
Did I miss anything? Hit me up if so! I’d love to hear from you – producersbrain@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Producers Brain