Enjoy the Summer alternative festival season with tales of the journey others made to get there. ‘Songs in the key of Fife’ adds another vital layer to Scottish music heritage. This new book by Vic Galloway is released August 1st.
Scotland has a rich musical heritage and in recent years Fife has more than punched above its weight. If the music documentary ANYONE CAN PLAY GUITAR brought the Oxford music scene into genuine context, then the book SONGS IN THE KEY OF FIFE will bring you on a journey as close as you’ll get to the heart of the Fife music scene.
I’m speculating of course but it’s not that much of a leap of faith when the author is a well-respected DJ for whom discussing the arts is part of his livelihood. The promo for the book outlines the basic premise – “This story provides an in-depth look at a unique collective of musicians from the East Neuk of Fife. It includes exclusive interviews with all the key players of the Fence Collective – from the multi-million selling KT Tunstall to Mercury Music Prize 2011 nominee King Creosote.”
As I’ve not read the book yet this isn’t your usual preview piece. What I can tell you is that if the author has put half of the passion into this book that he does into his music-themed broadcasting career then expect it to be highly entertaining and a must-read for all music fans.
I don’t say that lightly. There’s plenty of radio DJs working for national stations whose egos could give Bono a run for his money. I suppose if you’re a Radio1 DJ you have your ass in London kissed so much that its easy to forget your role as an arts conduit. Not as a media personality placating the docile masses.
Once you’ve bought, read and enjoyed Songs in the key of Fife, there’s plenty more where that came from. If you visit louderthanwar.com you’ll find an article discussing the Top 20 books about punk rock. From that list I’d have to say ‘Our Band Could Be Your Life’ by Michael Azerrad is my favourite. I love that book so much.
If there’s any music themed books you love and would like to share that with others, feel free to spread the church of noise gospel in the comments section below.
ORDER ‘SONGS IN THE KEY OF FIFE’ FROM AMAZON NOW
GET SIGNED COPIES FROM VIC AT EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
Official “Songs in the Key of Fife” East Neuk launch w/ Fence Collective (Sat 21 Sept)
To celebrate Vic’s achievement we are honoured here at Cambo, to host the official “Songs in the Key of Fife” East Neuk launch.
Vic will be hosting an exclusive, one of a kind evening of book readings and Fence music starring King Creosote, Withered hand and friends. There will also be Q&A sessions with Vic and the artists.
Ticket holders will receive a free LIMITED EDITION “Songs in the Key of Fife” pint glass at the entry, and signed copies of the book will be available at a £3 discount.
Tickets are avaliable from the Cambo office, open 9-5 Mon-Sat.
