Historical Book On Aus Rock Journalism Announced

Full Coverage, a comprehensive look at the history of Australian rock music and journalism, is a book that many of us have been waiting for. On Friday, 1 September, you can hold Samuel J Fell’s new book in your hands and go back in time.

Fell, an Australian journalist and critic, is a senior contributor to roots music bible Rhythms and works as a critic for The Sydney Morning Herald. In addition to those workplaces, Fell’s writing has been featured in Rolling Stone, The Guardian, The Saturday Paper, Australian Financial Review, VICE and Crikey.

Full Coverage: A History Of Rock Journalism In Australia follows Fell’s previous book, 2016’s Stars & Hype: First-Time Notes On The American Deep South. His new book features interviews with key figures such as Molly Meldrum, Phillip Frazer, and Lily Brett, telling stories even long-time Australian music fans haven’t heard before, as well as a hilarious anecdote here and there.

In the book, Fell highlights the vibrant characters of music journalism in this country – telling the tale of how the Australian rock press was born, and how it grew and evolved to become an essential part of our culture.

The author aims to tackle rock music journalism in Australia through all its eras, from Go-Set, which started it all; Rolling Stone Australia, RAM and Juke defining their times; music newspapers like Beat and Inpress harnessing indie music and bringing it to the streets; and sites such as Mess+Noise, Tone Deaf and Junkee understanding and catapulting rock music journalism to the digital age.

Full Coverage is touted as the first-ever full-length book on rock music journalism in Australia. You can pre-order your copy here.

In other Australian music book news, Songwriters Speak: Conversations About Creating Music, a music lover’s bible, is finally back in print after 15 years. Originally released in 2005, Debbie Kruger’s iconic book was re-released on Thursday, 1 June.

In the book, Kruger interviews the most influential writers on these sides of the pond, including Harry Vanda & George Young, Ross Wilson, John Williamson, Glenn Shorrock, Richard Clapton, Tim Finn, Steve Kipner, Neil Finn, Nick Cave, Christina Amphlett, Paul Kelly, Deborah Conway, Archie Roach, Daniel Johns, Kasey Chambers and more.

Elsewhere, she interviewed key members from legendary bands The Seekers, The Twilights, Masters Apprentices, Axiom, Sherbet, Little River Band, Cold Chisel, Dragon, Sports, Midnight Oil, Mental As Anything, Australian Crawl, Icehouse, INXS, Men At Work, Hunters & Collectors and Savage Garden. You can order your copy here.