Cognitive Dissident: Conversations With The The's Matt Johnson | Matt Johnson & Jason Wood

Born from years of conversation and collaboration between Matt Johnson - the creative force behind THE THE and one of the most singular singer-songwriters of his generation - and writer Jason Wood, Cognitive Dissident s a searching and unsparing exploration of the artistic life. It traces Johnson's evolution from the post-punk DIY underground into a career defined by independence, resistance and renewal.

Beginning with Johnson's childhood growing up above one of East London's most famous pubs, the book charts early ambition and international success, followed by periods of inertia, withdrawal and disillusionment. These years culminate in a hard-won rebirth and THE THE's return with The Comeback Special world tour, live album and film.

Johnson also discusses the creation of acclaimed album Ensoulment, his first album of new songs in a quarter century, alongside the sold-out international performances that followed. Later projects - including Odyssey, a soundtrack album that continues Johnson's compositional work and long-standing collaboration with his filmmaker brother, Gerard Johnson - extend a restless creative trajectory.

Philosophical, cultural and sociopolitical in scope, these conversations reveal Johnson as a working-class autodidact who achieved success - and ultimately control - on his own terms. Alongside candid reflections on creativity, power and survival, the book explores family, friendship, love and loss, conservation, class, gentrification and geopolitics, as well as collaborations with musicians, producers and cultural figures.
Throughout, Johnson reflects on the music, literature and cinema that shaped his vision - alongside the cost, and necessity, of remaining true to it.

Size: 241 x 171mm (Hardback with dust jacket)

Pages: 420

Publisher: Omnibus