Manchester University Press (MUP) has acquired world English rights for Creative Journeys: Intimate conversations with artists, actors, writers and musicians by Dave Haslam, from Matthew Hamilton at the Hamilton Agency.
Dave Haslam has been described as a ‘genius’ by Courtney Love and an ‘exceptional writer’ by Olivia Laing. He has worked as a journalist, broadcaster, DJ and interviewer.
In the mid-1980s he was running a fanzine, writing for the ‘NME’ and beginning a 450-night DJ residency at the Haçienda. He has gone on to DJ internationally, curate art events across Europe and write five full-length books – including the acclaimed memoir ‘Sonic Youth Slept on My Floor’ (2018) – and eight books in the short format ‘Art Decades’ series (on subjects including Keith Haring and Sylvia Plath).
Over forty years, DJ, writer and broadcaster Dave Haslam has interviewed some of the most fascinating figures in music, literature, film and art. Creative journeys gathers revelatory conversations with creative characters including Neneh Cherry, Maxine Peake, Lemn Sissay, Andrew Weatherall, Raymond Carver and Jeremy Deller.
From politics and performance to art, fame and addiction, Haslam’s interviewees speak with honesty about their creative journeys. The interviews provide fascinating stories of unorthodox, creative artists navigating negativity and personal setbacks to become celebrated cultural icons.
Tom Dark, Publisher for Trade Non-Fiction at Manchester University Press, said: “I’m delighted to be working with Dave on this unique collection. He has been such an integral figure to music, writing and art across the decades, both as a creator himself, and as an amazing connector of people and ideas. Creative Journeys speaks to MUP’s aim to understand the confluences of popular culture from Manchester and far beyond.”
Haslam commented: “I’m so pleased to bring these interviews together in such a handsome volume, giving readers a chance to hear insights galore from some of my cultural heroes. As well as creative journeys, they’re ultimately human stories too. People dealing with dysfunctional families, and loss, and fame, and success. There’s emotion, politics, addiction, inspiration.”
