Zen and the Art of Producing Paperback – July 1, 2012

An excellent and well-written collection of everything one should know in order to begin producing bands and music, and an awesome read even if you have been in the music industry for years, and think you know what you’re doing! Mixerman (Eric Sarafin) is one of the most knowledgeable people in the business, and he’s got the resume to back it up. His personality alone – which he sprinkles throughout the book – is reason enough on its own to read this, as well as his other publications – which go hand-in-hand with this book. I could not find a better book (or series of books) currently in existence, when it comes to producing music, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just becoming interested. This book (and all of his books) are great even if you are just writing or playing music, and the knowledge, insights, and information contained within the series are absolutely priceless. You would be hard pressed to find a better or more entertaining book series which provides so much essential information, delivered in a to-the-point no-B.S. fashion. Highly recommended and equally appreciated! Be sure and read his other books for the full experience!

Real world advice from a real world producer. I have gained tons of insight and realise I have listened to too much misinformation on the ineternet from people who have never proven themselves to know what they are talking about. This my 3rd book by Mixerman, on to the 4th, Zen and the art of mixing, and yes I have paid for all of them.

This is the companion book to "Zen and the Art of Mixing" in which Mixerman discusses the necessities of audio production. (Note to the hip-hop community - if you want a book about "makin' beatz" look elsewhere 'cause this ain't it.) This is a book about record production in the traditional sense, from dealing with labels and studios (or in the absence of a real label, nowadays) to working with a budget to the psychology of dealing with musicians to get the best performance out of them (and much, much more). As with ZATAOM, this book gives you invaluable information that previously you could only learn by working under a top producer in a professional studio situation. Everything in this book is spot on and I know of nowhere else that it's available, not in book form and certainly not at any "audio school".Mixerman isn't some self proclaimed "Audio Expert" who makes his real living selling room treatment, pimping gear, or writing magazine articles - he's an award winning audio engineer/producer with gold records on his wall for acts like Ben Harper, Pharcyde, and The Barenaked Ladies, to name just a few. He's the real deal.And he writes in a readable, entertaining style that makes this book a good read in addition to information that anyone with the ambition of a recording career needs to know.

I read the previous book, Zen and the Art of Mixing, and loved it/learned a lot. Great stuff. I bought this one early on and enjoyed it immensely. He says early on that he probably should have titled it something like "Zen and the Art of Producing Bands" b/c that's what it's about. Either way, great book and I really learned a lot of vicarious lessons.One thing that I did find odd - he's deliberately chosen "her" as the default pronoun throughout the book. Everything is "If the recordist wants to make it 0db, let her" or "Don't let the manager do that - tell her no", etc. It's just weird and each time I read "her" it just seems forced and takes me out of the stream of reading that I'm in. It's not that "her" is incorrect nor am I trying to be sexist; it just comes across as a deliberate "writing technique" instead of just flowing inline with the book.

This is the third book by MIxerman I've read. I am not new to recording and music production. Zen and the Art of Producing lays it out. The writing flows and is succinct. Much of what is spoken about can be used a reference for later especially the budgeting section. I would recommend this book as well as Zen and the Art of Recording and The Musician's Survival Guide to a Killer Record to neophytes and pro's.

Zen and the Art of Producing is probably the best book I've ever come across on the topic of music production (I've read quite a few). With his witty, signature style more matured than ever, Mixerman takes the reader on a journey through the process of producing a record, complete with all of the "under-the-hood" thought processes and potential trappings that present themselves along the way. It, at once, teaches you limitless creativity and practical boundaries. And that is to say nothing of the treasure trove of leadership guidance presented on these pages. I would give this book a 10/10 for the provided leadership lessons alone.Simply put, if you're interested in producing recorded music, there is no book I've ever come across that I would more highly recommend!

the 3 books this guy has written are fantastic. He's been in the trenches a long time and he tells it like it is.If you play, record, mix or produce in any capacity, you'll get much more than entertainment here. You'll swear he's been standing behind you at some of your own sessions. And you may be interested to find that some of your own preferred production methods are fully relatable to Mixerman's best practices.A very important read, far and away the best I've ever come across.Read all three of his books and come to know what he knows about making records, and everything that goes with it.

A very Artist way production book. More art related then button and frequency. It’s a form of Art, not technically stuff. Love it.

Having read 'Zen and the Art of Mixing' by Mixerman I expected at the least an entertaining read but also an informative one. I was not disappointed. Mixerman's years of experience allow him to give practical advice, but this is not mundane step by step 'how to' type instructions, it is much more than that. This book provides an in depth and interesting view of the practicalities and philosophies involved in producing music in the modern industry. I don't expect to ever produce more than my own personal home studio projects but value the insights that this enjoyable book has given me.

i was informed by the person i bought this book for that he has read some of it and enjoying it so far and would recommend it to people in the music industry

Not a bad book for a mad mixer!

Until I read this book, I didn't know what exactly a music producer does. The reading brings a broad and clear perspective on the process of music production, not only on the technical side, but also on how to assume the role of a professional producer and deal with musicians. I gained years of experience with this reading, which was also very enjoyable.

I think MIXERMAN's approach to producing is not only valuable for (aspiring) producers.He gives insides to different recording processes and NOT ONLY the producer's approach.No matter if you are a band-member, recording engineer, manager, producer, mixer - I doubt that you will finish the book WITHOUT learning something new. This book was my first read by Mixerman and inspired me to order his complete series. I love his humour and signature style.It is often said that you learn the most when beginning in the music business by having an internship. In my opinion Mixerman's books feel like having an internship with him ;-)