Isle of Noises

Daniel Rachel

12 September 2013
9781447226802
256 pages

Synopsis

Isle of Noises features brand-new, exclusive, in-depth conversations with twenty-seven of the UK's greatest living musicians. Artists discuss their individual approach to writing, the inspiration behind their most successful songs, and the techniques and methods they have independently developed. It is an incredible musical journey spanning fifty years, from 'Waterloo Sunset' by Ray Davies to 'The Beast' by Laura Marling, with many lyrical and melodic secrets revealed along the way.

Original handwritten lyrics from personal archives and notebooks (many never-before-seen) offer a unique glimpse into the heart of the creative process, and some of the greatest names in photography, including Jill Furmanovsky, Pennie Smith and Sheila Rock, have contributed stunning portraits of each artist.

The combination of individual personal insights and the breadth and depth of knowledge in their collected experience makes Isle of Noises the essential word on classic British songwriting - as told by the songwriters themselves.

'This is without doubt the finest book I've ever read about songwriters and the songs they write. Fantastic insightful interviews. I remember being interviewed for it at the time and thinking I wish all interviews were like this.' Noel Gallagher
Daniel Rachel's Isle of Noises is made for sipping slowly, featuring long Q&As with 27 British songwriters. As a musician himself, Rachel has an insider's advantage and his shrewd questions draw fascinating insights from reliably analytical characters such as Neil Tennant and Andy Partridge, as well as those, including Noel Gallagher and John Lydon, who are usually asked about everything except their craft.
Daniel Rachel's interview technique for 'Isle Of Noises: Conversations With Great British Songwriters' was straightforward: talk to songwriters not about fame, excess or the rock'n'roll lifestyle, but simply about the day-job. The insights he got were as fascinating as his subjects: Jarvis Cocker, Noel Gallagher, Laura Marling, Ray Davies, John Lydon, Johnny Marr, Paul Weller, among others

Books by Daniel Rachel