Songs from the Shaky Isles provides a vivid account of how popular music arose in our far-flung island nation. From early songs that could only be heard in person through to modern hits which spread digitally to all ends of the earth.
It's a fast-paced, big picture account that shows how wider society influenced, and was itself impacted by, the country's musical culture. There's also plenty of room for outrageous anecdotes and insightful analysis. It's a treat for music fans and history buffs alike.
Review: 'Gareth Shute packs a wealth of facts and stories into this swift-moving and timely account of Aotearoa's popular music history, from the earliest sheet music to the latest digital streams. Anyone reading this book will come away with a new appreciation of how deeply music is woven into this country's culture.' - Nick Bollinger, author of Jumping Sundays: The Rise and Fall of the Counterculture in Aotearoa New Zealand
Contents: 1. Music in the air and on the page
2. Yodelling, swing and steel guitars
3. Get a haircut
4. Head music
5. Pub rock rebels
6. Independent spirits
7. Making a living
8. From Australia to the world beyond
9. Beats and grooves
10. The commercial breakthrough
11. The great indie crossover
12. Hip hop's golden years
13. New internationalists
14. Reggae and roots revolution
15. The streaming era
