I Thought I Heard You Speak: Women at Factory Records

Factory Records has become the stuff of legend. The histories of the label have been told from many perspectives, from visual catalogues & memoirs to exhibitions. Yet no in-depth history has ever been told from the perspectives of the women who were integral to Factory’s cultural significance.The untold history of Factory Records is one of women's work at nearly every turn: recording music, playing live gigs, running the label behind the scenes, managing & promoting bands, designing record sleeves, making films & music videos, pioneering sound technology, DJing, & running one of the most chaotic clubs on the planet, The Haçienda.Told entirely in their voices & featuring contributions from Gillian Gilbert, Gina Birch, Cath Carroll, Penny Henry & over fifty more interviewees, I THOUGHT I HEARD YOU SPEAK is an oral history that reveals the true cultural reach of the label & its staying power in the twenty-first century.whiterabbitbooks.co.uk°°°PRAISEI was really pleased to talk to Audrey about my memories of working with New Order & Factory Records. I think it's really important that the story of Factory Records includes & recognises the contribution of several women right from the start to the legacy that continues today' – Rebecca Boulton, Manager of New OrderThe book I've been waiting for my entire adult life. A wonderful & fresh retelling of a time & a place that has never been significantly seen or heard from the perspective of women. Unfolding like a detective story bringing forth all the complex evidence, these fascinating, insightful, fun testimonies of what it was like to be connected to Factory are beautifully woven together. The range & power of the unleashed individual voices takes on a collective strength, becoming a fantastic roar: we were there all along & we will not be forgotten – Carol Morely Factory Records has become the stuff of legend. The histories of the label have been told from many perspectives, from visual catalogues and memoirs to exhibitions. Yet no in-depth history has ever been told from the perspectives of the women who were integral to Factory’s cultural significance.