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The Speed of Sound: Breaking the Barriers Between Music and Technology: A Memoir,New
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The remarkable story of rising to the top of the music charts, a second act as a tech pioneer, and the sustaining power of creativity and art.Thomas Dolbys hit songs She Blinded Me with Science and Hyperactive! catapulted him to international fame in the early 80s. A pioneer of New Wave and Electronica, Thomas combined a love for invention with a passion for music, and the result was a new sound that defined an era of revolutionary music. But as record company politics overshadow the joy of performing, Thomas finds a surprising second act.Starting out in a ratinfested London bedsit, a teenage Thomas Dolby stacks boxes by day at the grocery and tinkers with a homemade synthesizer at night while catching the Police at a local dive bar, swinging by the pub to see the unknown Elvis Costello and starting the weekend with a Clash show at a small night club. London on the eve of the 1980s is a hotbed for music and culture, and a new sound is beginning to take shape, merging technology with the musical energy of punk rock. Thomas plays keyboards in other bands shows, and with a bit of luck finds his own style, quickly establishing himself on the scene and recording break out hits that take radio, MTV and dance clubs by storm. The world is now his oyster, and sold out arenas, world tours, even a friendship with Michael Jackson become the fabric of his life.But as the record industry flounders and disillusionment sets in, Thomas turns his attention to Hollywood. Scoring films and computer games eventually leads him to Silicon Valley and a software startup that turns up the volume on the digital music revolution. His company barely survives the dotcom bubble but finally even the mavericks at Apple, Microsoft, Netscape and Nokia see the light. By 2005, twothirds of the worlds mobile phones embed his Beatnik software. Life at the zenith of a tech empire proves to be just as full of big personalities, battling egos and rollercoaster success as his days spent at the top of the charts.THE SPEED OF SOUND is the story of an extraordinary man living an extraordinary life, a singlehanded quest to make peace between art and the digital world.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages are in 'The Speed of Sound'? A: This memoir contains two hundred eighty-eight pages. It's a detailed account of Thomas Dolby's journey through music and technology.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is bound in hardcover. This type of binding offers durability and a premium feel for readers.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point two inches in length, nine point four one inches in height, and zero point nine eight inches in width. These dimensions make it easy to handle and store.
- Q: What age group is this memoir suitable for? A: This memoir is suitable for adults and older teens. It contains themes related to music, technology, and personal growth.
- Q: How can I best enjoy reading this memoir? A: You can enjoy this memoir by finding a quiet place to read, as it offers a deep exploration of creativity and technology. It's ideal for anyone interested in music history or personal stories.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in music technology? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. Thomas Dolby shares his journey in an accessible way, making it easy for readers new to music technology to understand.
- Q: How should I store 'The Speed of Sound' to keep it in good condition? A: Store this hardcover book in a cool, dry place on a shelf upright. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve its quality.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can clean the book gently. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe any dust or smudges off the cover.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller immediately for a return or exchange. Most sellers have policies in place for damaged goods.
- Q: What is the genre of 'The Speed of Sound'? A: The genre of this book is memoir and biography. It tells the personal story of Thomas Dolby's life in music and technology.
- Q: How does this memoir compare to other music biographies? A: This memoir stands out due to its unique perspective on the intersection of music and technology. Unlike many traditional music biographies, it includes insights into Dolby's tech career.
- Q: Is there a specific audience that would enjoy this book? A: Yes, fans of music history, technology enthusiasts, and individuals interested in personal growth would enjoy this book. It appeals to a wide range of readers.
- Q: What if I have trouble understanding some technical terms? A: If you encounter technical terms, consider looking them up online or using a glossary. The book is written to be engaging and accessible.
- Q: Does this memoir include any photos or illustrations? A: No, this memoir does not include photos or illustrations. It focuses on detailed storytelling and personal anecdotes.
- Q: Is there any adult content in the book? A: No, there is no explicit adult content in this book. However, it may discuss themes suitable for mature audiences.