Hungry Beat: The Scottish Independent Pop Underground Movement (1977-1984)

Hungry Beat is a book that tells the story of two maverick Scottish independent music labels, Fast Product and Postcard, and their role in the emergence of Scottish post-punk. It is based on interviews for Grant McPhee's film Big Gold Dream and offers a comprehensive overview of one of the most important periods of Scottish cultural output.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The story of Hungry Beat revolves around a brief era when the short-circuiting of the music industry seemed feasible. However, the times were indeed luminous, as was the music created by these artists. Many of the songs and players remain, and here they share their stories and reflect on their experiences.

Ian Rankin, the author of Hungry Beat, emphasizes the immense cultural contribution made by two maverick Scottish independent music labels, Fast Product and Postcard. Bob Last and Hilary Morrison, operating in Edinburgh, along with Alan Horne and Edwyn Collins in Glasgow, played a pivotal role in fostering a newfound confidence in being Scottish within the realm of pop music and the arts in general in Scotland. Their unwavering independent spirit and their commitment to quality and intelligence left an indelible mark on everything they accomplished. Moreover, their involvement in the emergence of regional independent labels and cultural agitators, such as Rough Trade, Factory, and Zoo, further solidified their impact on the music industry.

Hungry Beat serves as a comprehensive oral history of these labels and the Scottish post-punk period. Spanning from 1977 to 1984, the book begins with the Subway Sect and the Slits' performance on the White Riot tour in Edinburgh. It then takes us through the journey of Bob Last, who guided the Human League from experimental electronic artists on Fast Product to their triumphant number one single in the UK and USA, "Don't You Want Me." The book is largely built upon interviews conducted for Grant McPhee's film, Big Gold Dream, featuring Last, Hilary Morrison, Paul Morley, and members of The Human League, Scars, The Mekons, Fire Engines, Josef K, Aztec Camera, The Go-Betweens, and The Bluebells.

Hungry Beat offers a comprehensive overview of one of the most significant periods of Scottish cultural output and the two labels that revolutionized the landscape of British music. It sheds light on the creative processes, musical influences, and the cultural significance of these labels during a transformative era in the music industry. Through the narratives of the artists, producers, and industry insiders, Hungry Beat provides a deep insight into the rich tapestry of Scottish music and its enduring legacy.

Weight: 704g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399600248