New Book – Cognitive Dissident

COGNITIVE DISSIDENT – PUBLISHED ON 30TH APRIL!

Unfolding over six years through extensive conversations between Matt Johnson and Jason Wood — widely published author and Executive Director at the BFI — Cognitive Dissident captures the ease and depth of their dialogue. These exchanges offer rare insight into Johnson’s creativity, personal philosophy, politics and the cultural climates that have shaped his work.

The narrative charts Johnson’s East London upbringing above the infamous Two Puddings pub, his immersion in the post-punk DIY scene, and the many collaborations — with producers, musicians, filmmakers, visual artists and cultural figures — that influenced his evolving sound. Against this backdrop, Cognitive Dissident follows his later retreat from public life during a period marked by grief and reassessment, culminating with The Inertia Variationsproject. This remarkable creative resurgence led to The Comeback Special World Tour, live album and film; the critically-acclaimed studio album Ensoulment, the first in 25 years; and the subsequent Ensouled World Tour.

Through these conversations the book becomes more than a music memoir: it is a meditation on family history, friendship, identity, creativity, gentrification, geopolitics, love and loss.
“This book offers a beautiful insight into the ideas, artistry and attitude of one of pop music’s greatest mavericks.”
– SAMIRA AHMED (WRITER & BROADCASTER)

“Matt Johnson is not only one of the greatest songwriters this septic isle has ever produced, he’s also an astute commentator and storyteller.”
– MARC RILEY (BROADCASTER)

“An extraordinary musician, composer and artist…he has the ability to enchant, surprise, shock and charm with sharp humour.”
– JOOLS HOLLAND

‘From the first page, Cognitive Dissident drew me in with its warm, engaging and intimate view into the life of the thoughtful, self-taught visionary who has captured the hearts and minds of multiple generations.’
– CHERYL WATERS (KEXP DJ & HOST)

‘Here is the truth about what it means to be a thinking, feeling human being in a society prostituted to the dirty dollar and Perpetual War. Simply unmissable.’
– DAVID EDWARDS (MEDIA LENS CO-EDITOR)

Published by Cinéola Limited & Omnibus Press
Extent: 496 pages, plus 24 pages of of colour photographs 

The Limited Deluxe Edition of the book has been signed by both Matt Johnson and Jason Wood and comes within a rigid slipcase, along with a print featuring sketches and portraits of Matt Johnson by his brother Andrew, and a matching eraser and bookmark. This edition is strictly limited so PRE-ORDER now to secure your copy.
PLEASE NOTE:
THERE WILL BE COPIES OF THE DELUXE EDITION AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AT OUR EXCLUSIVE Q&A IN LONDON ON 30th APRIL (details below)

Our ‘attractive’ new THE THE Logo Magnet and Soul Mining Magnet are now available to purchase (and hold your grocery list) from our online store. They are considerably larger than our popular metal and enamel badges, carrying real heft and weight, a fine addition to our range of beautiful quality merchandise.