Billboard Books How to Be a Record Producer in the Digital Era

How to Be a Record Producer in the Digital Era ($18.95), by Megan Perry (meganperry.com) and from Billboard Books, covers both the technical and business sides of record producing. It has interviews with producers, studio managers, and A&R experts, along with a spirited introduction by Ron Fair, chairman of Geffen Records, about the past and future of the record industry. Coverage includes dealing with legal issues, working with labels and artists, building a clientele, managing the business, and developing a long-term career plan. You'll also find details on creating an independent recording studio.

Hal Leonard 1000 Songwriting Ideas

Lisa Aschmann's 1000 Songwriting Ideas ($18.95), from Hal Leonard (halleonard.com), is all about getting you beyond lyrical retreads, tired chord progressions, and flat melodies. The Nashville songwriter, who has more than 2,000 songs to her credit, added 500 new ideas to the 500 in the book's original edition. Each entry's a one- or two-paragraph kicker meant to jolt you out of your writer's block with something new to try — such as throwing in an oddball chord, stripping out unnecessary complexity, changing the lyrical perspective, and so on.

Focal Press Audio Wiring Guide

Recordist and technical writer John Hechtman shares his 40 years of experience building and rewiring pro and semipro installations in Audio Wiring Guide ($39.95), from Focal Press (focalpress.com). Whether your problem is trying to fix a broken cable or wire your whole studio, Hechtman and coauthor Ken Benshish show you how with step-by-step instructions and 500 illustrations that cover all common audio and multimedia connectors. For bigger projects, the book takes you through job layout, choosing the right tools, and avoiding common errors.