Postcards From Scotland :Scottish Independent Music 1983-1995
Postcards From Scotland :Scottish Independent Music 1983-1995
paperback
Published:
23 April, 2026
Description
By 1983, many of Scotland’s post-punk bands had broken up or moved south to chase the major labels in London. That vacuum was filled by an influx of young musicians who were determined to remake the scene in their own image.
In this compelling and dynamic oral history, Grant McPhee chronicles the radical transformation of Scotland’s independent music scene from 1983–1995. Including archival photos and drawing from over 100 interviews with the key players of the time, Grant McPhee allows them to set the scene in their own words; including the Cocteau Twins, Shop Assistants, Teenage Fanclub, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream and many more.
Postcards from Scotland is the definitive story of the radicals, misfits and experimentalists who made independent music what it is today.
More Details
| Type | Book |
|---|---|
| ISBN13 | 9781915841957 |
| ISBN10 | 191584195X |
| Number Of Pages | 496 |
| Item Weight | 1000 g |
| Publisher / Reseller | Omnibus Press |
| Format | paperback |
Media Reviews
'This is a brilliant account of one of the most fruitful periods of Scotland's musical heritage. The cast list is longer than Norman Blake's hair circa 1992. Devour!' Marc Riley
'A truly deep dive. Like the best rock and roll, not everyone will get this. And thank God for that.' John Niven
'An enjoyable ride through independent Scottish music of the era, and it will send you scurrying back to record, so many of which still sound refreshing and fearless' Shindig 4****
'Enthrals... Creates something historically solid from a butterfly box of Scottish pop" Outside Left "It is a joy to follow the scene building under its own steam... a true taste of independence' Classic Rock
'Compelling and dynamic oral history. The characters come to life on the printed page.' Louder Than War
'McPhee's investigation into individual bands, labels, record shops, distributors and studios is impressive.' Record Collector 4****
'The definitive account of a seminal period in pop history. A labour of love, it's sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet tribute.' The Big Issue
GoodReads Reviews
Author's Bio
Grant McPhee is the director of two documentaries on Scotland’s Post-Punk and Indie scenes, Big Gold Dream and Teenage Superstars,
as well as the co-author of Hungry Beat: The Scottish Independent Pop Underground Movement (1977-1984).