Postcards from Scotland: Scottish Independent Music 1983-1995

By Grant McPhee

By 1983, many of Scotland’s post-punk bands had broken up or moved south to chase the major labels in London. That vacuum was filled by an influx of young musicians who were determined to remake the scene in their own image.

In this compelling and dynamic oral history, Grant McPhee chronicles the radical transformation of Scotland’s independent music scene from 1983-1995. Including archival photos and drawing from over 100 interviews with the key players of the time, Grant McPhee allows them to set the scene in their own words; including the Cocteau Twins, Shop Assistants, Teenage Fanclub, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream and many more.

Postcards from Scotland is the definitive story of the radicals, misfits and experimentalists who made independent music what it is today.

"A truly deep dive. Like the best rock and roll, not everyone will get this. And thank God for that." John Niven

"An enjoyable ride through independent Scottish music of the era, and it will send you scurrying back to record, so many of which still sound refreshing and fearless" Shindig 4****

"This is a brilliant account of one of the most fruitful periods of Scotland's musical heritage. The cast list is longer than Norman Blake's hair circa 1992. Devour!" Marc Riley

"Enthrals... Creates something historically solid from a butterfly box of Scottish pop" Outside Left

"As close to an essential read as I can imagine." Product Magazine

"It is a joy to follow the scene building under its own steam... a true taste of independence" Classic Rock

"Compelling and dynamic oral history. The characters come to life on the printed page." Louder Than War

"McPhee's investigation into individual bands, labels, record shops, distributors and studios is impressive." Record Collector,  4****

"The definitive account of a seminal period in pop history. A labour of love, it's sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet tribute." The Big Issue

Publication Date: 20.06.2024
ISBN: 9781913172473
Extent: 496 pages
Format: Hardback

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