Brilliant new publication by the imprint of Thurston Moore and Eva Prinz. David Toop’s thoughtful studies on listening and sounds have become significant touchstones of contemporary music writing, revealing the breadth of his musical tastes and the immensity of his sonic world. Now, for the first time David Toop has opened up about his own experiences, musical journeys, bands, collaborations, studies, travels, editorial and curatorial assignments, family, friendships and ideas on community.
Flutter Echo is his memoir of a life enchanted with all aspects of music that is witness to some of the most significant events in modern music history. From recording for Brian Eno’s Obscure Records imprint in 1975 to co-publishing the radical music magazines Musics and Collusion to developing music programming for the BBC to releasing recordings he made of Yanomami shaman rituals to working with artists such as creative pop icon Björk and Jamaican dub pioneer Prince Far-I, Toop brings his own life in music to focus in a remarkable, wonder-filled, engaging read.
Approaching age 70, David Toop has opened his heart with these deeply intimate meditations on the heartbreak and harrowing moments in his personal life, as well as shared moments of bliss finding truth in sounds, shared vibrations and silence. ‘A memoir,’ he says, ‘is simply a vehicle to talk about the ideas I find important, the difficulties and inspirations of following a life dedicated to marginal music, the richness of collaborative work and the inseparability of life and art.’

Published in 2019, paperback, 207 pages. Loads of black & white photographs.