As we welcome the new year, learn more about electronic music, its different genres, history, culture, iconic clubs, DJs, and lots more from the hoard of books we’ve compiled. Here are some released and unreleased books you can add to your TBR now!
A Quick Ting On: Grime
Penned by journalist, rapper, and youth worker Franklyn Addo comes ‘A Quick Ting On: Grime’ published by Jacaranda Books. The London-based award-winning publisher and bookseller brings to you a book recounting the history of UK grime. It also includes its present, influence, and future, as it talks about the cultural impact of the genre in the UK. A Quick Ting On series also includes a book on Afro beats.
Rave New World: Confessions Of A Raving Reporter
Mixmag’s “raving reporter” Kirk Field has penned a book for ravers. It takes readers behind the scenes on a thrilling journey of club culture in the 20th century. “Told through a mixture of vivid first-person narrative, surreal insider anecdotes and incisive social commentary, this honest, hilarious and uncensored postcard of hedonism will appeal to anyone who’s ever put their hands in the air like they just don’t care,” reads the description of the book published by Nine Eight Books. ‘Rave New World: Confessions Of A Raving Reporter’ documents the ‘90s rave culture and includes anecdotes and cameos of Boy George, Genesis P-Orridge, Her Majesty the Queen, Diego Maradona, and more. Kirk Field is a dance music journalist whose work has appeared in Mixmag, NME, and DJ Mag.
Berghain Nights: A Journey Through Techno And Berlin Club Culture
Liam Cagney is writing a book titled ‘Berghain Nights: A Journey Through Techno And Berlin Club Culture’ exploring the nightlife culture and techno scene in Berlin. Slated for a 2025 release from independent publisher Reaktion, the book will take a look at the city through various personal accounts. The Berlin-based Irish writer’s forthcoming book will include interviews with some major techno DJs and artists from the scene.
“From kinky parties in the labyrinthine KitKat Club to the gloom of Tresor’s basement, from the verdant garden of Buttons to the psychedelic lab of Cocktail d’Amore, Berghain Nights not only captures the excitement of Berlin club culture; it asks how techno in a club context allows people to strip away layers of inherited hang-ups to access a realer self,” reads the synopsis of the book.
“I’ve a book coming out with Reaktion in 2025 on techno and clubbing. Literary writing about music I guess you’d say. The weird as weird rather than the weird as tamed. Techno as the art of nowhere. Berghain as immersive artwork. A vindication of the rights of freaks. People finding themselves and losing themselves and finding themselves again behind the sofa along with some loose change. Thanks to the people who’ve supported and especially to @pva_journal, @tolkajournal and @holyshow.ie for spurring me on,” Cagney announced via Instagram.
Where We Come From: Rap, Home And Hope In Modern Britain
‘Where We Come From: Rap, Home And Hope In Modern Britain’ delves into the inception and success of UK rap and grime. Writer and journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom travels through the UK and shares the stories of artists from across the country.
“In this groundbreaking social history, journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom travels the country to paint a compelling portrait of the dawn, boom and subsequent blossoming of UK rap and grime. Taking us from the heart of south London to the West Midlands and South Wales, he explores how a history of migration and an enduring spirit of resistance have shaped the current realities of these linked communities and the music they produce. These sounds have become vessels for the marginalised, carrying Black and working-class stories into the light,” reads the summary of the book on Faber.
“Vividly depicted and compassionately told, Where We Come From weaves together intimate stories of resilience, courage and loss, as well as a shared music culture that gave refuge and purpose to those in search of belonging. Ekpoudom offers a rich chronicle of rap, identity, place and, above all, the social and human condition in modern Britain.” ‘Where We Came From: Rap, Home And Hope In Modern Britain’ published by Faber arrives this January.
fabric 25th Birthday: The Book
White Rabbit Books is publishing a book documenting the history of the iconic fabric London since it opened in 1999 to the famed nightclub it is today. Author and journalist Joe Muggs will offer written material for the book. fabric has also invited the public to share the memories and experiences they have had at the venue for the book. Touted as “London’s home for electronic music,” fabric will mark 25 years of the venue with the release of the book.
“Ever since we opened in 1999, you – our dancers and our community – have played such an important part in our history. To mark the big occasion, we are working on a very special project with White Rabbit, and we’d love you to be part of it,” stated fabric.
DJ MAG’s 100 of the World’s Best DJs and 100 of the World’s Best Clubs
Limited-edition hardback books celebrating DJs and club culture are now available with free shipping in the UK. Printed on heavyweight paper stock, DJ Mag’s remarkable photography will fill you with awe. It features the biggest names in music, from Honey Dijon and Armin van Buuren to Charlotte de Witte, and words from their award-winning journalists. With these books, you can get access to DJ Mag’s 31-year archive!
Strange Things Are Happening
Strange Things Are Happening’ is a book following Richard Norris’ punk years and his creation of the country’s first acid house album, ‘Jack The Tab.’ The memoir, which is scheduled for an April 2024 release, will take readers through the many adventures of Norris’ life, including the iconic raves and parties across the world.
“It’s been a blast travelling down the sonic rabbit hole I first dived headlong into as a teenager. There are anecdotes and tall tales aplenty here – many strange things happened, and continue to do so – yet, first and foremost, I wanted to create and deliver an engaging piece of writing,” said the London-based DJ/producer, author, musician, and sound engineer.
“A tribute to the power of creativity, collaboration, and community within music. Writing this memoir has given me a greater insight into why I do what I do, why I continue to do it, and why I always will. Hopefully, that spirit of curiosity and creativity will rub off on and inspire anyone who reads it.”
Never Alone 1997-2004, Raving In Europe
‘Never Alone 1997-2004, Raving In Europe’ captures the rave scenes in Europe in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s with marvelous photos from photographers Cheyenne Clementi and Valentina Morandi. With pictures spread across 226 A4 pages, it will take you back in time to when ravers traveled to parties in Lisbon, Prague, Marseille, and more. ‘Never Alone 1997-2004, Raving In Europe’ came out in November 2023 from Union Editions.
You May Also Like:
TFword in Conversation With BCee
Highest-Attended Music Festivals of 2023
Grime Meets DnB With P Money and Whiney
