Factory Records has become the stuff of legend. The histories of the label have been told from many perspectives, from visual catalogues and memoirs to exhibitions. Yet no in-depth history has ever been told from the perspectives of the women who were integral to Factory’s cultural significance.
The untold history of Factory Records is one of women’s work at nearly every turn: recording music, playing live gigs, running the label behind the scenes, managing and promoting bands, designing record sleeves, making films and music videos, pioneering sound technology, DJing, and running one of the most chaotic clubs on the planet, The Haçienda.
Told entirely in their voices and featuring contributions from Gillian Gilbert, Gina Birch, Cath Carroll, Penny Henry and over fifty more interviewees, I THOUGHT I HEARD YOU SPEAK is an oral history that reveals the true cultural reach of the label and its staying power in the twenty-first century.
The untold history of Factory Records is one of women’s work at nearly every turn: recording music, playing live gigs, running the label behind the scenes, managing and promoting bands, designing record sleeves, making films and music videos, pioneering sound technology, DJing, and running one of the most chaotic clubs on the planet, The Haçienda.
Told entirely in their voices and featuring contributions from Gillian Gilbert, Gina Birch, Cath Carroll, Penny Henry and over fifty more interviewees, I THOUGHT I HEARD YOU SPEAK is an oral history that reveals the true cultural reach of the label and its staying power in the twenty-first century.
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Reviews
I was really pleased to talk to Audrey about my memories of working with New Order and Factory Records. I think it's really important that the story of Factory Records includes and recognises the contribution of several women right from the start to the legacy that continues today'
In an industry that primarily dismisses or conveniently forgets the vast contributions of women, I am delighted that this book exists. Bravo Audrey Golden. Thank you for bearing witness
An important book on the women pivoting around the Factory/Manchester scene
The book I've been waiting for my entire adult life. A wonderful and fresh retelling of a time and a place that has never been significantly seen or heard from the perspective of women. Unfolding like a detective story bringing forth all the complex evidence, these fascinating, insightful, fun testimonies of what it was like to be connected to Factory are beautifully woven together. The range and power of the unleashed individual voices takes on a collective strength, becoming a fantastic roar: we were there all along and we will not be forgotten
In the past, the mantra has often been to mythologise, printing the legend rather than the truth. This is why Audrey Golden's I Thought I Heard You Speak: Women At Factory Records had to be written to readdresses the imbalance. In years to come, it will be looked upon as one of the most important books written about the Factory organisation, maybe even the final word
I Thought I Heard You Speak is not simply an essential addition to Factory Records' archive of books, films, and exhibitions, it is recommended reading. Period