I Thought I Heard You Speak: Women at Factory Records

Too often, the story of Factory Records focuses on the men at the forefront. I Thought I Heard You Speak offers a vital and compelling corrective, shining a long-overdue light on the indispensable contributions of the women who were utterly integral to the label's legendary cultural significance. This isn't just another retelling of the Factory narrative; it's a powerful and resonant oral history told entirely in their own voices.

Through the perspectives of Gillian Gilbert, Gina Birch, Cath Carroll, Penny Henry, and over fifty other interviewees, the book unveils the previously untold story of women's work at virtually every level of Factory's operation. From the foundational acts of recording music and performing electrifying live gigs to the crucial behind-the-scenes roles of running the label, managing and promoting bands, crafting iconic record sleeves, making groundbreaking films and music videos, pioneering sound technology, DJing, and even orchestrating the chaos of the legendary Haçienda, their impact was profound and far-reaching.

I Thought I Heard You Speak avoids the familiar tropes of music history, instead offering a rich tapestry of personal experiences and insights. It reveals the true cultural breadth of Factory Records and underscores its remarkable staying power well into the twenty-first century. By foregrounding these often-silenced voices, the book provides a more complete and nuanced understanding of the label's innovative spirit and enduring legacy. This is a crucial and captivating read, offering a fresh and essential perspective on one of British music's most iconic institutions.