Dr. Wendy Fonarow is not in the bands she writes about, she is an active observer who understands the inner workings of their rituals, behaviors and communities better than they do themselves. Dubbed 'The Professor of Indie Music' in music circles, the doctor of Anthropology earned her Ph.D. at UCLA (where she is currently a lecturer) and has been observing music for as long as she can remember. Read more...
Empire Of Dirt
A provocative book on the rituals of British Indie Music by "Professor of Indie Music" Wendy Fonarow, Empire of Dirt is the textbook you always wished your professor assigned you to read: rock & roll, sex and the guest list are explored in detail through the observation and experience. Read more...Dr. Wendy Fonarow
Wendy Fonarow in the news
The Indie Professor talks to The Guardian about screaming fans, groupies, Woodstock, and how Inuit tribes resolve conflict using song. Meanwhile, at the NME, she gets a rather splendid birthday cake.
Wendy Fonarow on TV
This is a short segment on "indie," shown on the National station in Norway. It includes Stephen Malkmus, Kramer, Michael Azzerad and "indie goddess" Wendy Fonarow. No. they didn't realize that the nomenclature was a joke either. Most of it is in Norwegian except for the interviews.
Empire Of Dirt: Press
"Empire of Dirt is one of the smartest books about pop music to emerge from academia - or anywhere else - in years" - Michaelangelo Matos, Seattle Weekly. Read more... Praise for Empire Of Dirt
"This book taught me a lot about the business I thought I knew inside out. I loved the 'audience zones' and 'trickster' sections, and I'm looking forward to the next book - on lead singer syndrome!" - Peter Hook, bass player, Joy Division and New Order. Read more... Buy the Book
Empire Of Dirt is now available from University of Wesleyan Press. You can buy the book at Eurospan, Foyles, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.Further Information
To find out more about Empire Of Dirt, e-mail Dr Wendy or visit the book's MySpace page.
Listen to Professor Wendy on Indie 103.1