Demystifying The Cue: Thoughts and strategies for creating competitive Film and TV music in today’s new media world

The author has some good suggestions and tips, but like most of these how-to music production books, the moral of the story is listen to a lot of music, work really hard at your craft and don’t give up. There is one chapter that actually shows how to produce a tension que but other than that no real practical advice besides the above mentioned morale boosting stuff. The author has produced tons of stuff and in the forward actually says how his friends were questioning why he’d share his secrets. Well he never does so not sure why he wrote that bit. He just worked really hard at learning and producing each genre. So do you buy the book? Yes because breaking into this business is difficult and we need all the help we can get. Including books that just keep us going. I’d say this did that for me.

Thanks

Let me start by saying that I know the author personally. I know of his successes and have had many conversations with him about the very thing he discusses in this book. But that's not the reason I recommend this book or rate it so highly, in fact, its the first book of it's kind that I know of that discusses writing music for media from a personal, nuts and bolts approach. And by nuts and bolts I don't mean technical nuts and bolts (EQ, reverb, etc.). No by nuts and bolts I mean, how to approach the writing, now to analyze other cues to get ideas, clear definition of terms that are often thrown about casually but never really defined. Also, how to deal with what is a very wacky and difficult business with rejection being a daily occurrence. There's just nothing out there until now that covers this topic in a down to earth way. Dean is one of us and he speaks from deep experience. If you want to dig deep into the business and craft of writing for modern media, then this book is a must read.

Enjoyed the easy read, because I'm a musician. It held my interest without sending me elsewhere too many times. I did, however, expect it to be mostly about The Cue. There was info about scheduling, habits and Dean's life too.

Great writer, this is such an easy read. Dean clearly has an enormous amount of experience in the music industry, so having his perspective is 100% worth the purchase, it's a no brainer. His writing style gets my gears churning in how I can apply the advice in my own unique situation, areas I can improve on, gets me thinking outside of my tunnel vision in ways, or lack of experience in untapped places I wouldn't have considered. The book isn't entirely focused on cues, if anything it's the all-encompassing ingredients to become successful in the industry. A good dose of humor and humility is in the book too, which I love, it's a fun read. Thank you Dean for your candid and informative contribution to us folks who aren't quite as far along as you!

Dean has been there and done that. Good to get advice from people who have

I loved this book. I gained insight and encouragement.

This book is succinct and entertaining at the same time. As a music writer aspiring to commercial success in tv/film, I absorb his wisdom and detailed tips of the trade with ease. Dean is a wonderful storyteller too and uses comparisons in daily life to the art of great music production with natural ease and humor. Love this book!

Superb. A specific, exceptionally useful book for it's target audience.Dean helps other people( seeking to work in his chosen field) to avoid rookie mistakes and to ultimately do a better job!!

Just great insights. Very useful for me. ☺

This is essential reading for any musician/producer looking for success with their music in film, tv and new media. Common sense throughout.

Ich liebe das Buch! Der Verfasser ist nicht nur ein erfolgreicher Experte auf seinem Gebiet, er versteht es auch, Dinge verständlich zu erklären. Sein Humor, der auf jeder Seite durchscheint, macht das Lesen zum Vergnügen. Vielen Dank!

Exactly what I wanted out of this book. Great insight and advice. Dean's ability to use stories based on events from his life to articulate his points is clever and entertaining. There is no other book like it.