A certain romance: Arctic Monkeys and the New Yorkshire Wave

The third book in the British Pop Archive series offers a propulsive oral history of the scene that produced Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs and more.

In the summer of 2005, Yorkshire became the epicentre of British guitar music. From rehearsal rooms, student clubs and independent venues in Sheffield and Leeds emerged a generation of bands that would redefine indie music, including Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, The Cribs, Reverend and the Makers and The Long Blondes.

Drawing on extensive original interviews with musicians, promoters, journalists, producers and fans, A certain romance tells the inside story of the New Yorkshire Wave: how a network of local scenes, DIY labels, club nights, online message boards and early social media transformed regional talent into a national phenomenon.

Rich in first-hand testimony, the book captures the excitement, ambition and creativity of a moment when the music industry was being reshaped by digital technology and grassroots culture. An essential account of one of the last great regional music movements, it reveals how Yorkshire briefly became the most exciting place in British music.