Totally Wired: The Rise and Fall of the Music Press

The book Totally Wired explores the evolution of the music press, tracing its rise from humble beginnings to the 2000s, focusing on developments from the 1950s to the 2000s. It highlights the stories of individual magazines, punk-rock publications, feminist and Riot Grrrl zines, and media by and for people of color. It also discusses the role played by writers like Lester Bangs, Charles Shaar Murray, and Nick Kent in the development of the careers of artists like David Bowie, the Clash, and Led Zeppelin.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Totally Wired is a captivating and introspective journey through the evolution of the music press, encompassing both sides of the Atlantic. Spanning nearly a century, this vibrant creative hub has nurtured a multitude of writers, publishers, photographers, designers, and musicians, pushing the boundaries of journalistic excellence and exerting a profound influence on the realms of film, media, and popular culture.

The book delves into the transformative developments from the 1950s to the 2000s, a period marked by the emergence of rock 'n' roll, mod, the Summer of Love, glam, punk, pop, reggae, dance music, R&B, and hip-hop. Author Paul Gorman takes readers on a captivating journey, exploring the stories of individual magazines as they emerged from their Tin Pan Alley origins and the countercultural foundations of Rolling Stone and the underground press.

Gorman delves into the vibrant 1970s era, highlighting the heyday of publications such as NME, Melody Maker, and Sounds, as well as punk-rock outlets like Sniffin Glue and Temporary Hoarding. He also traces the emergence of dedicated monthlies like Q, The Face, and Mojo, as well as dance-culture independents like Boys Own and Jockey Slut. The book also shines a light on feminist and Riot Grrrl zines like Ben Is Dead and Girlfrenzy, alongside the rise of media by and for people of color, from Black Music and Black Echoes in the 1970s to The Source, Vibe, and XXL in the 1990s.

Throughout the book, Gorman vividly evokes the kaleidoscopic visual identities of the music press, showcasing rare and legendary magazine artwork that adds depth and richness to the narrative. He also discusses the significant role played by influential writers like Lester Bangs, Charles Shaar Murray, and Nick Kent in shaping the careers of iconic artists such as David Bowie, the Clash, and Led Zeppelin.

Totally Wired is a comprehensive and captivating exploration of the music press, offering a profound insight into the cultural and societal shifts that have shaped the music industry over the past century. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of journalism and the profound impact it has on the world of music.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500297469