Audrey Golden – I Thought I Heard You Speak (hardback book)

“I Thought I Heard You Speak: Women at Factory Records” by Audrey Golden offers a compelling re‑examination of the iconic Manchester label’s history through the perspectives of the women whose work was essential yet frequently overlooked.

Rather than retell the familiar narrative centered on male founders and front‑facing figures, this thematic oral history gathers firsthand accounts from more than fifty women involved in every facet of Factory Records—from recording and performing music, running label operations, managing and promoting artists, designing visuals, DJing, and supporting the legendary Haçienda nightclub.

Golden’s work highlights how these women helped sustain the creative and practical infrastructure of Factory Records, challenging the conventional male‑centric narratives and illuminating the integral roles they played in its cultural impact. Told primarily in their own voices, this book deepens understanding of the label’s legacy in punk, post‑punk, and indie music while expanding the historical record to include the labor, creativity, and resilience of its female contributors.

About the Author: Audrey Golden is an American writer and cultural commentator whose work focuses on music history, popular culture, and gender. “I Thought I Heard You Speak” brings underrepresented voices to the forefront of Factory Records’ story.