Unfolding over six years through extensive conversations between Matt Johnson and Jason Wood — widely published author and Executive Director at the BFI — Cognitive Dissident captures the ease and depth of their dialogue. These exchanges offer rare insight into Johnson’s creativity, personal philosophy, politics and the cultural climates that have shaped his work.
The narrative charts Johnson’s East London upbringing above the infamous Two Puddings pub, his immersion in the post-punk DIY scene, and the many collaborations — with producers, musicians, filmmakers, visual artists and cultural figures — that influenced his evolving sound. Against this backdrop, Cognitive Dissident follows his later retreat from public life during a period marked by grief and reassessment, culminating with The Inertia Variations project. This remarkable creative resurgence led to The Comeback Special World Tour, live album and film; the critically-acclaimed studio album Ensoulment, the first in 25 years; and the subsequent Ensouled World Tour.
“This book offers a beautiful insight into the ideas, artistry and attitude of one of pop music’s greatest mavericks.”
– SAMIRA AHMED (WRITER & BROADCASTER)
“Matt Johnson is not only one of the greatest songwriters this septic isle has ever produced, he’s also an astute commentator and storyteller.”
– MARC RILEY (BROADCASTER)
“An extraordinary musician, composer and artist…he has the ability to enchant, surprise, shock and charm with sharp humour.”
– JOOLS HOLLAND
“Matt Johnson will always be the intrepid London boy with a music soul – and the man of many worlds with a writer’s heart.”
– JOHNNY MARR (MUSICIAN & SONGWRITER)
‘Matt Johnson is a fidgety auto-didact who learnt early on that you should never be afraid to be unique…this is an evocative, often sad, but properly fascinating story.’
– BOB STANLEY (WRITER & MUSICIAN)
‘From the first page, Cognitive Dissident drew me in with its warm, engaging and intimate view into the life of the thoughtful, self-taught visionary who has captured the hearts and minds of multiple generations.’
– CHERYL WATERS (KEXP DJ & HOST)
‘THE THE’s songs aren’t just ear worms, they’re spirit worms.’
– J.J. ABRAMS (FILM DIRECTOR)
‘Here is the truth about what it means to be a thinking, feeling human being in a society prostituted to the dirty dollar and Perpetual War. Simply unmissable.’
– DAVID EDWARDS (MEDIA LENS CO-EDITOR)
