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.
"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"―DJ Paulette
"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"―Rebecca Boulton, Manager of New Order
Audrey Golden is a writer with a focus on music, culture, cinema and politics. She loves punk and post-punk and holds a Ph.D. in literary studies from the University of Virginia.
Oblong Books in Rhinebeck is a fully wheelchair accessible space with on-site van accessible parking. Microphones and speakers will be used at this event. If you have specific questions about the space or how an event can be made more accessible to you, please do not hesitate to contact us: info@oblongbooks.com.
