In a recent issue of Future Music Magazine, I came across a positive review for the book, Complete Music Producer: Essential Skills To Become A Success by Anth Gaskill and David Ridley. While I usually pass on technical production guides, I found this to contain motivational techniques to producing better and higher quality music, something rarely found in electronic music literature. I gave it a read and have taken away a number of useful techniques to develop those skills one rarely considers when attempting a career in music production

The book is very comprehensive covering a wide range of topics including foundations for success, creating your sound, success in the music business, and your path to the future. From music theory basics to specific vitamin supplements to improve focus and concentration, this is not your typical producer success guide. While it does cover some common areas such as gear and DAW selection, its broad lifestyle based approach is refreshing to read, in a sea of literature that commonly producer more of the same.

The book comes with a companion website with a members area that contains a number of challenges that are described throughout the book. Additionally, the authors are associated with the Lost In Musik blog. Lost In Musik contains loads of information on topics ranging from studio production tutoring and advice, production packages for musicians, sound engineering and audio design services, music-based education lectures, and mentoring. The blog run by Darzh Liebek and Dark Room Robot are a must read, as is Gaskill and Ridley’s book!