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

Hungry Beat is a documentary film 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. The film is based on interviews for Grant McPhee's Big Gold Dream film and offers a comprehensive overview of one of the most important periods of Scottish cultural output.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
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, in his book, 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, were followed by Alan Horne and Edwyn Collins in Glasgow. Their unwavering independent spirit and their role in the emergence of regional independent labels and cultural agitators, such as Rough Trade, Factory, and Zoo, left an indelible mark of quality and intelligence on everything they achieved.

Hungry Beat serves as a comprehensive oral history of these labels and the Scottish post-punk period. Spanning from 1977 to 1984, the book is based on extensive interviews conducted for Grant McPhee's film, Big Gold Dream. Interviews with 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 provide a thorough overview of one of the most significant periods of Scottish cultural output and the two labels that revolutionized the landscape of British music.

The impact of Fast Product and Postcard extended beyond their musical contributions. They played a crucial role in fostering a sense of confidence and pride in being Scottish in the realm of pop music and the arts in general. Their independent spirit and determination to challenge the established norms set the stage for a new wave of artists and labels to emerge.

The book delves into the backgrounds, influences, and creative processes of the artists associated with these labels. It sheds light on the challenges they faced, the struggles they endured, and the triumphs they achieved. Through their stories, Hungry Beat captures the essence of the vibrant Scottish music scene during the post-punk era, highlighting the contributions of these two maverick labels and the enduring legacy they left behind.

In conclusion, Hungry Beat is a testament to the power of independent music and the cultural significance of two maverick Scottish labels. It serves as a valuable resource for music enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Scottish music and its impact on the global music scene.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399600255