Keyboard Presents the Evolution of Electronic Dance Music
Peter Kirn (Editor)
Paperback - 256 pages (November 2011)
From roots in '70s New York disco and '80s Detroit techno to today's international, mainstream explosion of such genres as house, trance, and dubstep, electronic dance music has reshaped the popular musical landscape. This book digs deep through the archives of "Keyboard" magazine to unearth the insider history of the art and technology of the EDM movement, written as it happened. We hear from the artists who defined the genre (Jean Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Deadmau5, BT, Kraftwerk, and more). Revisit the most significant synths, beatboxes, and musical tools that made the music possible, through the eyes of those who first played them. Learn the history, then the expert techniques behind the music, so you can apply the same craft to your own music and mixes.
Keyboard Presents Synth Gods
Ernie Rideout (Editor)
Paperback - 256 pages (January 2011)
From the pages of Keyboard magazine, Keyboard Presents Synth Gods spotlights artists who did much more than just play synthesizers: they changed the course of music history and inspired generations. Featuring in-depth profiles of leading synthesists such as Jan Hammer, Wendy Carlos, Rick Wakeman, and Stevie Wonder, this book delves into how these new, untested boxes of circuitry captured the imagination of these legendary artists. Read about the design of some of the most famous synthesizers ever made, models from masterminds such as Dr. Robert Moog, Dave Smith, and Ray Kurzweil. Get the details on what made them sound unique, what timeless music was created on them, and how you can re-create some of these sounds using synths you already have!
Electronic and Experimental Music: Technology, Music, and Culture
Thom Holmes
Paperback 3rd edition - 480 pages (April 2008)
Electronic and Experimental Music: Technology, Music, and Culture provides a thorough treatment of the relevant history behind the marriage of technology and music that has led to the state of electronic music today. Beginning with an early history of electronic music before 1945, the book outlines key composers, inventions, and concepts, ranging from Edgard Varèse to Brian Eno; musique concrète to turntablism; and compositional techniques used in both analog and digital synthesis.
Electronic and Computer Music
Peter Manning
Paperback 3rd edition - 496 pages (January 2004)
In this revised and expanded third edition of the classic text on the history and evolution of electronic and computer music, Peter Manning provides the definitive account of the medium from its birth to the present day. After explaining the antecedents of electronic music from the turn of the century to the Second World War, Manning discusses the emergence of early "classical" studios of the 1950s. He goes on to chronicle the upsurge of creative activity during the 1960s and 70s in the analog domain, as well as with live electronic music and the early use of electronics in rock and pop music. This edition contains new information about software innovations, digital media and the essential features of digital and audio control, the MIDI synthesizer and its many derivatives, and the evolution of computer workstations and multimedia personal computers. Manning offers a critical perspective of the medium both in terms of its musical output and the philosophical and technical features that have shaped its growth. Emphasizing the functional characteristics of emerging technologies and their influence on the creative development of the medium, Manning covers key developments in both commercial and the non-commercial sectors to provide readers with the most comprehensive resource available on this ever-evolving subject.
Vintage Synthesizers: Pioneering Designers, Groundbreaking Instruments, Collecting Tips, Mutants of Technology
Mark Vail
Paperback 2nd edition - 336 pages (April 2000)
This new edition is the ultimate exploration of the upstart instruments — and their unique analog growls and screams — that paved the way over the last four decades for today's fast-paced electronic music world. Explores the development of the modern synthesizer from 1962 on, with in-depth interviews with pioneering designers Bob Moog and Alan R. Pearlman of Moog Music and ARP Instruments fame. These and other designers reveal their initial ideas, reflect on their hits and misses, and discuss how star performers have used their creations. Histories of groundbreaking instruments examine modular, analog & digital synths and samplers, plus more unusual instruments like the Mellotron. Noted synthesist Keith Emerson and composer Wendy Carlos ("Switched-On Bach") offer musical insights and performance techniques. Includes fully updated pricing and production info, and more than 200 photos and a stunning color section.
Electro Shock! Groundbreakers of Synth Music
Greg Rule
Paperback - 248 pages (April 1999)
This compelling book explores the innovative performers of the past three decades who have used synthesizers to create new music that inspired and influenced the masses. The book treats fans to conversations with some of the biggest electronic hitmakers since the '70s: Chemical Brothers, Trent Reznor, Aphex Twin, and others. Each profile spotlights the artist's most prized electronic gear with a photo, historical details, and specifications. Includes an essential electronica listening guide and 50 black & white photos.
Electric Sound: The Past and Promise of Electronic Music
Joel Chadabe
Paperback - 370 pages (November 1996)
With a truly global perspective, this vivid and readable narrative provides a comprehensive overview of the history ofelectronic music. The author draws upon his combined experience as composer, performer, researcher, entrepreneur, and teacher toprovide insight into every aspect of electronic music, including the musicitself, the instruments, and the businessinterviews . Based on more than 150 interviews with leaders in the field, this book allows readers to understand how and why the musicians, engineers and businessmen did what they did to develop the modern synthesizer to its current state.