This Thursday, Velocity Press, known for printing books on electronic music and club culture, is opening a physical store in south London. Located in Peckham’s Holdrons Arcade, the shop will include a “carefully curated selection” of magazines, books and other scene-related items. The space will also host book signings, workshops, panels and exhibitions featuring prominent figures from the electronic music community.

With titles chronicling everything from the history of UK hardcore to Sheffield Bleep and the free-party circuit, the UK publisher is a trusted source for all things music-related, which is why we’ve asked them to pick their top five book highlights to share ahead of the store opening – take a look below. 

JOIN THE FUTURE, MATT ANNISS

Velocity Press: Since the dawn of the 1990s, British dance music has been in thrall to the seductive power of weighty sub-bass. It is a key ingredient in a string of British-pioneered genres, including hardcore, jungle, drum & bass, dubstep, UK garage and grime. Join The Future traces the roots, origins, development and legacy of the sound that started it all: the first distinctively British form of electronic dance music, bleep techno.

TAPE LEADERS, IAN HELLIWELL

Velocity Press: In the form of a richly illustrated compendium, Tape Leaders is an indispensable reference guide for anyone interested in electronic sound and its origins in Great Britain. For the first time, a book sets out information on practically everyone active with experimental electronics and tape recording across the country, to reveal the untold stories and hidden history of early British electronic music.

FIRST FLOOR VOL I, SHAWN REYNALDO

Velocity Press: First Floor is a weekly newsletter where veteran electronic music journalist Shawn Reynaldo shares his extended thoughts on electronic music and culture. First Floor Volume 1 collects his most thought-provoking essays and provides a nuanced, wide-ranging look at contemporary electronic music culture with a particular focus on systemic issues that often go undiscussed.

OUT OF SPACE, JIM OTTEWILL

Velocity Press: Out of Space plots a course through the different UK towns and cities club culture has found a home. From Glasgow to Margate via Manchester, Sheffield and unlikely dance music meccas such as Coalville and Todmorden, this book maps where electronic music has thrived, and where it might be headed next.

A DARKER ELECTRICITY, MARK HARRISON

Velocity Press: As Spiral Tribe’s co-founder and visual artist, Mark Harrison has a unique perspective to tell their inside story. He vividly charts their nomadic journey and the rapid escalation of their popularity – and notoriety. From small squat-scene parties in London to enormous warehouse raves and free festivals.