“A fantastic book”—AOL Noisecreep
“Thoughtful and inspiring”—Publishers Weekly
Eight Must-Read Heavy Metal Books, Phoenix Sun-Times
• ISBN 978-1-935950-05-9
• Foreword by Skin of Skunk Anansie
• 208pp softcover w/color flaps
• Dimensions: 6″ x 9″ (152mm x 230mm); 1 lb. (.45 kg)
“I wanted to find other black women like me: metal, hardcore, and punk fans and musicians that were rabid about the music and culture and adamant about asserting their rightful place as black women within those scenes. I wanted to find other women who put aside the cultural baggage that dictates that we must listen to certain musical styles, and simply enjoy the music that influenced us, not just as black women, but as individuals who grew up in an era when, thanks to technology, a large variety of music is accessible and available to everyone. I found many black women and have shared their stories, but I also realize there is still a lot of work to be done.”—Laina Dawes
CONTENTS:
“Who Put That Shaven-Headed Black Woman on the Stage?” Foreword by Skin
Introduction, by Laina Dawes
I. Canadian Steel
II. Metal Can Save Your Life (or at Least Your Sanity)
III. I’m Here Because We Started It!
IV. So You Think You’re White?
V. “The Only One” Syndrome
VI. Too Black, Too Metal, and All Woman
VII. The Lingering Stench of Racism in Metal
VIII. Remove the Barricades and Stagedive!
Epilogue
Appendix: “What Are You Doing Here?”—The Survey
Laina Dawes is a music and cultural critic, and a Ph.D. Candidate in Ethnomusicology at Columbia University. Her writings and photography can be found in various print and online publications in Canada, Europe, and the United States. Born and raised in Ontario, she lives in New York City.