DREAM MACHINES: Electronic Music in Britain from Doctor Who to Acid House

Join author Matthew Collin, Graham Massey of 808 State and 'Sonic Enchantress' Caro C for an expansive and illuminating account of the development of electronic music in the UK, encompassing Dr Who to Acid House.

Dream Machines tracks the music’s evolution from early avant-garde experiments after World War Two through psychedelia, art-rock and synth-pop to electronic dance music, sampling and the techno era. As well as profiling the sonic futurists who pioneered new styles, it documents the scenes and underground movements that built Britain’s thrillingly diverse electronic music culture in its formative decades.

Based on interviews with key players and a wealth of in-depth research, Dream Machines explores genres as diverse as space rock, electro-pop, ambient, dub, industrial music, prog, electro, hip-hop, hi-NRG and house, highlighting how developments in British electronic music were shaped by changes in society as well as technological advances.

We have two ticket options available: * Event Only and *Event with Discounted Book Combo deal - books will be available for collection at the Festival.

Our event will be followed by a dedicated signing event with Matthew. RRP books will also be available for purchase on the day.

About the Author:

Matthew Collin is the author of Altered State, Rave On and other critically-acclaimed books on music and popular culture. He has worked as editor for i-D, the Time Out website, The Big Issue and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, and as a foreign correspondent for the BBC, Al Jazeera and Agence France-Presse. He has written for newspapers and magazines including The Guardian, The Observer, The Wire, Mojo and Mixmag, and has a monthly electronic music show on Mutant Radio. His other books are This is Serbia Calling, The Time of the Rebels and Pop Grenade

Joining Matthew....

Graham Massey is a founding member of UK electronic originals 808 State and a leading figure in adventurous music-making in Manchester for more than four decades. He was previously a member of Factory Records jazz-punk band Biting Tongues, and currently plays with experimental group Toolshed and hosts a show on Reform Radio.

Caro C is a “sonic enchantress” (BBC Radio 3) and “one-woman electronic avalanche” (BBC Introducing) - a kind of outsider electronica artist who creates music and sound for film, theatre, dance, and works in podcast production, including for Sound On Sound magazine. Caro is the instigator and project manager of electronic music charity Delia Derbyshire Day, and was UK researcher on ‘Sisters with Transistors’, a feature documentary about women pioneers of experimental electronic music.

Caro C photo credit: Shirlaine Forrest

Host or Publisher Louder Than Words Festival