Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
Whatever your level of experience, The Dance Music Manual is packed with sound advice, techniques and practical examples to help you achieve professional results. Written by a professional producer and remixer, the book is organised into three accessible sections:

Technology and theory
If youre relatively new to the technology and theory behind todays dance music, Rick Snoman discusses the basics of MIDI, synthesis and sampling, as well as music theory, effects, compression, microphone techniques and sound design.
Dance genres
This section covers techniques for producing different musical styles, including Trance, Trip Hop, Rap and House. Snoman takes a close look at the general programming principles behind drum loops, basses and leads for each genre, in addition to the programming and effects used to create the sounds.
Mixing and promotion
Snoman guides you through the art of mixing, mastering, remixing, pressing and publishing your latest masterpiece. This includes a look at how record companies operate, copyrighting your material, pressing your own records and the costs involved. Finally, guest contributors offer essential advice on DJing and how to create your own website to promote your music.

The CD provides demo tracks showing what can be achieved when applying the advice contained in the book, including examples of the quality difference before and after mixing and mastering. The CD also contains free software demos for you to download.

For even more advice and resources, check out the books official website www.dancemusicproduction.com

* Learn the art of creating original dance tracks and remixes using any music software
* Packed with examples and tips for achieving professional results and getting your music heard
* Includes a free CD-Rom with MIDI files, samples and example tracks

Rating : - I should've got this book YEARS ago!
I've been working on breakbeat & trance for two years now after doing pop and rock for years in my 20s. I thought I knew quite a bit about electronica, but my 'knowledge' has always been like a mist in my head...there was always something wrong in either my tunes or the process.

I've heard so many good things about this book...to the extent that I thought it was all hype. Weeks ago I finally decided to give it a go. And wow...now the loose ends are really coming together. The author really understands and speaks from a producer point of view, in the case of dance music production, the producer needs to take control of the whole picture and therefore his way of integrating all aspects is nothing short of a great revelation.

I was gonna wait for the new edition, but decided to give this one a read first. And I'm glad I did. I wish I had this book years ago!

THere's a reviewer saying that this book is 'basic': well, it certainly isn't for "advanced electronica producers"---because these advanced dudes are most likely working on inspirations that hace to be felt and worked, rather than essential skills this book provides. Really...if you're so advanced, why are you still looking for a 'manual'?

If you do dance music, I whole heartedly recommend that you get a copy of this book.