Not everything that inspires musicians is musical. As songwriters, we’re always hearing weird noises in public places and wanting to sample them or hearing spoken phrases that seem ready-made for a huge chorus or lovely harmony.
Books about music and the creative process can also inspire and provide humor that can remind us that having a good time is one of music’s highest goals. Here are five books on music that you’ve got to read. Find a half an hour in your day, and take a trip to the library.
1. The Daily Adventures of Mixerman by Mixerman
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Producer Eric Sarafin, aka Mixerman, started an incognito blog to vent about his never-ending, frustrating recording gig with a big-time band. This diatribe became a cult favorite in the industry and, eventually, a book. Without naming any of the musicians or his recording partners by name, Mixerman chronicles the outrageous antics and ridiculous level of entitlement displayed by these rock stars and the industry flacks in their entourage.
He also offers a window into the life of a working recording pro, a steady diet of helpful hints about producing a good record, and constant laughs from his colorful misadventures and clear, likeable writing style. Half action-adventure, half cautionary tale, this saga should be on the bookshelf of anyone who does studio work on either side of the board.
2. The Worst Rock n' Roll Records of All Time by Jimmy Guterman and Owen O’Donnell
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These guys have an encyclopedic knowledge of bad music, and they’re sure to reveal some unknown gems that are so bad, you’ll have to hear them to believe them. They don’t spare big stars, either, calling huge artists like Paul McCartney and Paul Simon on the carpet for some of their dumber artistic moves. They really, really hate Billy Joel.
The writing style in this book is snarky but hilarious, the rock criticism is biting, and the writers’ conclusions are sure to engender heated debate between any two musicians who read the book. And isn’t that what a top 50 list is for?
3. How Music Works by David Byrne
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Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is one of the brainiest people in music and a certifiable weirdo. Like kindred spirit Julian Cope in the UK, Byrne would look equally at home freaking out onstage or giving a TED talk wearing a bowtie. This book is Byrne’s extended TED talk on the process of making music: how it affects people, how to make it, and how it evolved in the first place. An ambitious and practical exploration of our favorite activity.
4. Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad
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Easily the best title in the history of the rock book, Azerrad’s masterpiece follows underground artists you’ve all heard of as they struggle to survive, refuse to sell out, or try to make deals with the devil called Major Label.
5. Hard Art, DC 1979 by Lucian Perkins and Alex MacKaye
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This is a photo book that captures live punk shows in DC in the moments before people heard of this scene, or these bands. Lucian Perkins' work has won a Pulitzer, and his gritty, perfectly timed images will show you why. This book will make you want to grab a mic and slide across the stage like Bruce Springsteen… if he were punk rock.
Looking to add more books to your summer reading list?
- 5 Books Every Indie Hip-Hop Artist Should Read
- The 10 Best Music Books of 2015 and 2016 (So Far)
- 5 Must-Read Music Business Books for Indie Musicians
- 6 Books Every DIY Musician Should Read This Summer
Jesse Sterling Harrison is an author, recording artist, and part-time farmer. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, three daughters, and a herd of ducks.
