JASON WOOD & MATT JOHNSON – Cognitive Dissident: Conversations with THE THE’s Matt Johnson

RELEASE YEAR: 2026
BAND URL: https://omnibuspress.com/products/cognitive-dissident

Cognitive Dissident offers something quite extraordinary and different to the usual fare of (auto)biographies out there; what we have here is an organic, fluid, and essentially long-form talk and exchange of ideas and viewpoints between none other than the multi-talented Matt Johnson of THE THE fame and author Jason Wood. The latter proves himself the perfect subject to interview Johnson in that his questions penetrate to the very core of who the intriguing and somewhat complex THE THE mastermind truly is. The talk between the two gentlemen is shaped by a mutual respect between them, and they have a certain way with words that makes for an engaging and lively read. Any conceivable thing you can think of that have shaped them as human beings trying to navigate an unpredictable world and their viewpoints are brought to the fore in a skillful and sophisticated manner. Johnson is as candid and well-spoken as ever as he delves deep into his formative years in the East End of London and how working-class ethics were instilled in him by his publican parents all the while absorbing the solidarity and resilience that characterized the people in his neighborhood. His love of cinema (and the cinematic quality of music), the first forays into crafting his own compositions, adopting the DIY ethos of the post-punk movement, the first few brushes with fame and adulation, his passion for conservation projects, family ties and friendships, politics (and by extension geopolitics), personal tragedy and deep-seated sorrow, lost and loved ones, and THE THE’s magical return to the limelight – those are merely a few of the topics covered in great detail and woven into an eloquent, honest, and always inspired (not to mention inspiring) narrative that is brimming with a life-affirming energy. And if all things THE THE are your main point of interest, this book will serve you well in that it is a literal gold mine of facts and trivia pertaining to the group’s songs, lyrics, album artworks, recording sessions, band members past and present, tours at home and abroad, and their nights out on the town. Some areas of Matt’s life and work are obviously more rewarding to read about than others, but that is hardly surprising given just how marvelously unconventional and unpredictable his story is; some parts are simply more enticing than others – just as they should be, really.  

Beautifully presented in a nice-looking hardback edition and a real pleasure to behold in every sense of the word, Cognitive Dissident is the perfect accompaniment to the excellent Long Shadows, High Hopes: The Life and Times of Matt Johnson and THE THE released by Omnibus Press in 2017.