Bookshelf
Recommended Reading
Okay, so you're into music, DJing and music production but how well do you know its history? Where do those producers dig up those records to sample? To know if you're moving forward, you've got to know what's behind you, which is why DJ Warehouse has gathered a list of recommended books to help you gain a better understanding of your passion. Stay tuned to our DJW bookshelf so you can purchase all the essential books right here from us.
Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: The History of the Disc Jockey
If you're a DJ and you don't own this book, don't worry. We won't tell anyone. Just discreetly buy it, dog ear a few of the pages and spill some coffee on it so it looks like you've had it for years. This book starts at the very beginning of the DJ's existence in the early 1900s and follows their importance throughout the twentieth century and how they changed the music industry. Authors Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton describe important musical movements from England's Northern Soul scene to the birth of disco in New York, from the sound systems of Jamaica to the scratch wars of early hip-hop in the Bronx, from Chicago house to Detroit techno to London rave. It's certainly enough to make you wish you were born in a different city in a different time. Drawing on in-depth interviews with DJs, critics, musicians, record executives, and the revellers at some of the century's most legendary parties, Last Night a DJ Saved My Life is nothing less than the life story of dance music. Totally essential.
How to DJ (Properly): The Art and Science of Playing Records
From the masterminds who brought you Last Night a DJ Saved My Life comes the ultimate how to book for anyone who has thought about DJing, including those who already think can. Playing records isn't rocket science, but there's a universe of difference between doing it and doing it well. This guide both forms an introduction for the complete novice who wants a pair of turntables for Christmas and contains enough advice and advanced instruction to be valuable to more experienced DJs. The book includes advice on a range of topics, from illustrated tutorials on mixing techniques and styles, tips on buying the right equipment and records, advice from superstar DJs, plus how to make your own tracks and how to throw the best party. If you're cocky enough to think you can't learn anything from a book like this, watch out for those young kids behind you who did.
Love Saves the Day: A History of American Dance Music Culture, 1970-1979
Disco. If all you think about is bad John Travolta impressions and tacky afro wigs when you hear that word, you really need to school yourself on one of the most important genres of dance music. This is really the bible of disco and all faithful disco heads ought to have a copy on their bedside table. Author Tim Lawrence takes you back to the 70s and carefully describes the music, DJs, clubs, and culture against the backdrop of social and economic hard times. Lawrence takes you from the birth of beat matching to disco's corporate collapse and doesn't spare any details. Very well researched, the book include in depth interviews with the decade's most important figures, excellent photography and club playlists. If you're only after some light reading this book may not be for you. But otherwise, get ready to time travel back to the days of the Loft, Gallery, Paradise Garage, and the birth of what we know as modern dance music.
Behind the Beat: Hip Hop Home Studios
Ever wondered what your favourite producer's work space looks like? Wonder no more. This is a fantastic coffee table book for the hip hop lovers, producers, photography enthusiasts, and really anyone who just likes to flip through interesting books. Behind the Beat is basically a collection of fantastic photographs that expose the creative spaces of top DJ's and music producers from the UK and US. This book is an open invitation to step into the private world of the hip hop home studio, gain insights into how these producers make their music and discover their inner workings. Featured are the studios and equipment of some of the most influential music creators working today including: DJ Premier, Madlib, J Dilla, DJ Spinna, Nextmen, DJ Shadow, DJ design, Dan the Automator, Cut Chemist and many many more.
Cover Story: Album Cover Art
Straight from the tastemakers behind the ever necessary magazine Wax Poetics, comes this fantastic book dedicated to album cover art. The top contributors behind Wax Poetics picked out 20 of their favourite albums to tell a personal story of the music and accompanying art that impacted them the most. Cover art was once an essential and important part of the package in music, which is now being moved aside due to the digital age and the MP3 take over. This book, perfect for any coffee table, celebrates this dying art and focuses on the weird and wonderful art that told just as important a story as the music that lay within. Focusing on (but not confining itself to) jazz, funk, hip hop, reggae, afro, and rock, this book is a great reminder of the visual representation behind music, while giving you some great tips on some forgotten classics.
