Overview

'Cognitive Dissident is an evocative, often sad, but properly fascinating story' Bob Stanley, Saint Etienne Cognitive Dissident may begin in the music biography tradition, but it quickly becomes something deeper. Borne out of years of conversation and collaboration between Matt Johnson (the creative force behind THE THE) and writer Jason Wood (Executive Director at the BFI), it expands into a work that is philosophical, cultural, and socio-political in scope. The story traces Johnson's childhood growing up above one of East London's most famous pubs, his early international success in music, followed by his sudden disappearance for decades. Then in 2017, The Inertia Variations project brought about an extraordinary creative rebirth, leading to THE THE's return: The Comeback Special World Tour, live album and film, the release of Ensoulment - their first new album in 25 years - and the acclaimed Ensouled World Tour. Along the way, it illuminates Johnson's evolution from the post-punk DIY scene to his many collaborations with producers, musicians, and cultural icons, as well as the influence of literature, art, and cinema that has always shaped his vision. Through these conversations with Matt Johnson - a working-class auto-didact who achieved success and ultimately career control on his own terms - this book by extension is also a meditation on family, friendship, creativity, conservation, gentrification, geopolitics, love and loss. 'Matt Johnson will always be the intrepid London boy with a music soul & and the man of many worlds with a writer's heart' Johnny Marr

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9781915841650

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Reviews

'From the first page, Cognitive Dissident drew me in with its warm, engaging and intimate view into the life of the thoughtful, self-taught visionary who has captured the hearts and minds of multiple generations through his deep passion for music, film and politics. I was completely captivated and enchanted by the rich and detailed stories from Matt’s life which provided so much insight into the creativity and influences which shaped the incredibly talented artist who I have long admired'.— Cheryl Waters, KEXP 'Matt Johnson will always be the intrepid London boy with a music soul & and the man of many worlds with a writer’s heart'. —Johnny Marr 'Matt Johnson is not only one of the greatest songwriters this septic isle has ever produced, but he’s also an astute commentator and storyteller. I so enjoyed devouring this journey through Matt’s intriguing past'. —Marc Riley, BBC 'Matt Johnson was instrumental for me finding my voice as a writer'. —Trent Reznor 'Cognitive Dissident is an evocative, often sad, but properly fascinating story'. —Bob Stanley, Saint Etienne

'Cognitive Dissident is an evocative, often sad, but properly fascinating story' -- Bob Stanley, Saint Etienne 'From the first page, Cognitive Dissident drew me in with its warm, engaging and intimate view into the life of the thoughtful, self-taught visionary who has captured the hearts and minds of multiple generations through his deep passion for music, film and politics. I was completely captivated and enchanted by the rich and detailed stories from Matt's life which provided so much insight into the creativity and influences which shaped the incredibly talented artist who I have long admired.'-- Cheryl Waters, KEXP --Marc Riley 'Matt Johnson is not only one of the greatest songwriters this septic isle has ever produced, but he's also an astute commentator and storyteller. I so enjoyed devouring this journey through Matt's intriguing past.-- Marc Riley, BBC--David Edwards 'Matt Johnson was instrumental for me finding my voice as a writer' --Trent Reznor 'Matt Johnson will always be the intrepid London boy with a music soul & and the man of many worlds with a writer's heart.' -- Johnny Marr--Bob Stanley

'From the first page, Cognitive Dissident drew me in with its warm, engaging and intimate view into the life of the thoughtful, self-taught visionary who has captured the hearts and minds of multiple generations through his deep passion for music, film and politics. I was completely captivated and enchanted by the rich and detailed stories from Matt's life which provided so much insight into the creativity and influences which shaped the incredibly talented artist who I have long admired'. -Cheryl Waters, KEXP'Powerful, engaging read'. -MOJO 'Matt Johnson will always be the intrepid London boy with a music soul & and the man of many worlds with a writer's heart'. -Johnny Marr 'Matt Johnson is not only one of the greatest songwriters this septic isle has ever produced, but he's also an astute commentator and storyteller. I so enjoyed devouring this journey through Matt's intriguing past'. -Marc Riley, BBC 'Matt Johnson was instrumental for me finding my voice as a writer'. -Trent Reznor 'Cognitive Dissident is an evocative, often sad, but properly fascinating story'. -Bob Stanley, Saint Etienne

Author Information

Matt Johnson is an English singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and only constant member of his band The The. He is also a film soundtrack composer, publisher, broadcaster, conservationist, and local activist. Matt is based in East London. Jason Wood is Executive Director of Public Programmes and Audiences at BFI (British Film Institute). His other books include 100 American Independent Films, Nick Broomfield: Documenting Icons, The Faber Book of Mexican Cinema, 100 Road Movies and 100 American Independent Films.

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