This Is What It Sounds Like

A legendary record-producer-turned-brain-scientist unveils the deep-seated reasons behind the music you love, presenting an enlightening contrast to the monotonous recommendations of streaming algorithms. This Is What It Sounds Like delves into the intricate relationship between music, emotion, and the brain, promising a transformative reading experience.

Renowned for his extraordinary insights, Daniel Levitin, author of This Is Your Brain on Music, terms the book "an instant classic." This Is What It Sounds Like offers a compelling journey into the heart of music science and its ethereal connection to our soul. It also tells the inspiring story of Dr Susan Rogers, a musical pioneer who ascended from her early days as an audio technician in L.A. to the esteemed position of Prince's chief engineer for Purple Rain, eventually becoming one of the most successful female record producers in history.

Currently an award-winning professor of cognitive neuroscience, Dr. Susan Rogers grants readers privileged access to the behind-the-scenes world of record production. She not only elucidates the concept of 'listener profiles,' unique to every individual, but also illustrates how being musical extends beyond merely creating sound—it involves active, mindful listening. Her insightful narrative encourages readers to reflect on the tracks that shape their lives, fostering deeper musical self-awareness.

With its lively and illuminating prose, this book is poised to revitalize your playlists, fortify your connection to artists, and revolutionise your listening habits. This Is What It Sounds Like is more than a book; it's a gateway to understanding how profoundly music influences your identity and emotional landscape.

Commended by the Times Literary Supplement as "superb... this book can show you how to be a better listener," the book offers a perfect blend of captivating studio anecdotes and fascinating neuroscience. Alan Light, author of Let's Go Crazy: Prince and the Making of Purple Rain, calls it "a provocative blend of studio stories and fascinating neuroscience," and Kate Hutchinson praises its energetic and insightful narrative, deeming it "a crucial addition to the canon of music must-reads."

Dive into This Is What It Sounds Like and embark on an unforgettable exploration of your auditory self, guided by one of the most innovative and insightful voices in music and cognitive science today.