THE THE's Matt Johnson in conversation - Cognitive Dissident

The The founder Matt Johnson joins us to talk about his new book with Jason Wood

Join Matt Johnson of THE THE in conversation with acclaimed writer Jason Wood to mark the release of their new book, Cognitive Dissident. Presented as a vivid, wide-ranging conversation, the book goes far beyond music to explore culture, politics and creativity. It charts Johnson’s remarkable journey from a childhood living above one of East London’s most famous pubs to global success, followed by decades out of the spotlight and a powerful creative resurgence.

Prompted by the film The Inertia Variations, this reawakening culminated in THE THE’s re-emergence with The Comeback Special world tour and Ensoulment — the band’s first album of new material in a quarter of a century. Personal, provocative and expansive, Cognitive Dissident traces a life shaped by art, dissent and reinvention, and delves into class, gentrification, geopolitics, love and loss, revealing the ideas that have shaped Johnson’s life and work.

This is the only event where attendees will be able to purchase the strictly limited Deluxe Edition of Cognitive Dissident. The standard edition will also be available on the night.

Matt Johnson is an English singer-songwriter and the founding member of the band THE THE. He is also a film soundtrack composer and conservationist.

Jason Wood is Executive Director of Public Programmes at the British Film Institute and a widely published author on popular culture. His other books include 100 American Independent Films, Nick Broomfield: Documenting Icons, The Faber Book of Mexican Cinema and 100 Road Movies.