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Electronic Boy: My Life In and Out of Soft Cell
As half of celebrated eighties duo Soft Cell, Dave Ball's long career in music has been quite the ride, not least creating the instantly recognisable electronic sound that made Tainted Love a massive hit around the world.
In his refreshing autobiography, Dave Ball recounts a musical journey from his first home-made amplifier to falling for northern soul and becoming an electronic pop wizard, first with Soft Cell and later with The Grid. Dave then pursued a dazzling array of collaborations as well as intermittent reformations of Soft Cell and The Grid.
Electronic Boy is a compelling story from start to finish, told with relish, humour and honesty.
In his refreshing autobiography, Dave Ball recounts a musical journey from his first home-made amplifier to falling for northern soul and becoming an electronic pop wizard, first with Soft Cell and later with The Grid. Dave then pursued a dazzling array of collaborations as well as intermittent reformations of Soft Cell and The Grid.
Electronic Boy is a compelling story from start to finish, told with relish, humour and honesty.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 24, 2020
8 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Dave Ball
32 books3 followersDavid James Ball was an English producer and electronic musician best known as one half of the synth-pop duo Soft Cell, alongside vocalist Marc Almond, best known for Tainted Love. He also co-founded the Grid, and collaborated with artists and producers including Ingo Vauk and Chris Braide. - Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 22, 2021
He's neither a talented prose stylist, nor a gifted storyteller, nor a keen-eyed social analyst, but Ball's rather likable memoir offers a competent survey of his brilliant career. More importantly, it's full of anecdotes sure to fascinate fans of New Wave and Synth-Pop aficionados.
June 27, 2022
I was a little late catching onto soft cell in honesty as I much preferred Marc and the Mambas ..I think the more rock sound of them just appealed more.
However did catch Soft Cell live some years back when they where promoting the monoculture single and I realised what I was missing ...the songs where classic enough that even someone like me who hadn't paid attention knew far more of them than he thought he would.
This is a decent book following the soft cell years and in many ways felt warmer than Marc's book..but maybe time has led to extra reflection .
Balls ongoing tenure with the grid is also explored and it's interesting really to review that incarnation and realise in itself that too has been successful.
Anyhow not maybe the most gripping biog but I enjoyed it ..mainly due to the fact I enjoyed reading of the collaborations with PTV..throbbing gristle etc..
However did catch Soft Cell live some years back when they where promoting the monoculture single and I realised what I was missing ...the songs where classic enough that even someone like me who hadn't paid attention knew far more of them than he thought he would.
This is a decent book following the soft cell years and in many ways felt warmer than Marc's book..but maybe time has led to extra reflection .
Balls ongoing tenure with the grid is also explored and it's interesting really to review that incarnation and realise in itself that too has been successful.
Anyhow not maybe the most gripping biog but I enjoyed it ..mainly due to the fact I enjoyed reading of the collaborations with PTV..throbbing gristle etc..
November 4, 2024
Dave Ball's memoir, Electronic Boy: My Life In and Out of Soft Cell, is an electrifying plunge into the world of synth music and the vibrant journey of one of its pivotal creators. Ball, famously one-half of the legendary 80s synth-pop duo Soft Cell, alongside Marc Almond, delivers a refreshingly candid account of his career, detailing the highs and lows of fame, the creative struggles and triumphs, and the transformative power of music.
Ball captures his early years and unlikely path to success, emerging from a working-class background in Blackpool to enroll at Leeds Polytechnic, where fate would have him cross paths with Marc Almond. Together, they formed Soft Cell, known for redefining synth music with their groundbreaking track Tainted Love. Through Ball’s eyes, we get a vivid backstage view of Soft Cell's rise to fame in the 1980s music scene, which was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and at times, turbulence.
But Electronic Boy isn’t just a tale of Soft Cell. Ball delves into his solo and collaborative projects, notably his work with The Grid, the pioneering synth-dance outfit he co-founded with Richard Norris. In these pages, Ball explores how the dance scene of the 90s brought a fresh kind of excitement and creative freedom, one that was instrumental in the development of electronic dance music as a genre. The Grid’s infectious tracks like Swamp Thing show Ball's adaptability and enduring musical curiosity, which shines through in the book’s narrative.
What makes Electronic Boy especially engaging is Ball’s unfiltered voice. He writes with humor, humility, and a touch of melancholy, recounting everything from unforgettable performances and tour mishaps to moments of doubt and reinvention. Ball also opens up about the music industry’s shifting landscape, reflecting on how synth music has evolved over the decades and the challenges and thrills of staying relevant in a fast-paced, often unforgiving industry.
Fans of synth music, the 80s music scene, and electronic dance will appreciate Ball’s insider insights, while new readers will find his personal journey captivating and relatable. Electronic Boy is not just the story of a musician but a testament to the power of reinvention and artistic resilience.
Ball captures his early years and unlikely path to success, emerging from a working-class background in Blackpool to enroll at Leeds Polytechnic, where fate would have him cross paths with Marc Almond. Together, they formed Soft Cell, known for redefining synth music with their groundbreaking track Tainted Love. Through Ball’s eyes, we get a vivid backstage view of Soft Cell's rise to fame in the 1980s music scene, which was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and at times, turbulence.
But Electronic Boy isn’t just a tale of Soft Cell. Ball delves into his solo and collaborative projects, notably his work with The Grid, the pioneering synth-dance outfit he co-founded with Richard Norris. In these pages, Ball explores how the dance scene of the 90s brought a fresh kind of excitement and creative freedom, one that was instrumental in the development of electronic dance music as a genre. The Grid’s infectious tracks like Swamp Thing show Ball's adaptability and enduring musical curiosity, which shines through in the book’s narrative.
What makes Electronic Boy especially engaging is Ball’s unfiltered voice. He writes with humor, humility, and a touch of melancholy, recounting everything from unforgettable performances and tour mishaps to moments of doubt and reinvention. Ball also opens up about the music industry’s shifting landscape, reflecting on how synth music has evolved over the decades and the challenges and thrills of staying relevant in a fast-paced, often unforgiving industry.
Fans of synth music, the 80s music scene, and electronic dance will appreciate Ball’s insider insights, while new readers will find his personal journey captivating and relatable. Electronic Boy is not just the story of a musician but a testament to the power of reinvention and artistic resilience.
December 13, 2020
There have been some great music autobiographies in recent years with the likes of Mark Lanegan, Tracey Thorn, Viv Albertine and Chrissie Hynde all proving they have a real talent in this area. Others such as Johnny Marr, despite having a story to tell, don't have that same ability with the pen as they would have said in the old days.
Dave Ball is perhaps another case in point – his prose doesn't exactly leap off the page but nonetheless his Electronic Boy: My Life In and Out of Soft Cell book is well worth a read and, as many of these books tend to do, gets better once it gets to the music career. Ball has met lots of interesting people and has had a fascinating career, including an enormous, almost overnight success that would not have been anticipated by many including Ball and his musical other half, Marc Almond who keeps coming back into the story.
Despite all these ups and downs and his addictions, Ball seems to have come out of it all pretty well and if you like Soft Cell then I would say that this account of life in and out of that legendary synth duo is a must x
Dave Ball is perhaps another case in point – his prose doesn't exactly leap off the page but nonetheless his Electronic Boy: My Life In and Out of Soft Cell book is well worth a read and, as many of these books tend to do, gets better once it gets to the music career. Ball has met lots of interesting people and has had a fascinating career, including an enormous, almost overnight success that would not have been anticipated by many including Ball and his musical other half, Marc Almond who keeps coming back into the story.
Despite all these ups and downs and his addictions, Ball seems to have come out of it all pretty well and if you like Soft Cell then I would say that this account of life in and out of that legendary synth duo is a must x
September 20, 2024
“Stevo emerged from the ocean, fully clothed and dripping wet. He walked straight towards the girl in front of him and stopped, then in his broadest Cockney accent, politely asked, ‘’Scuse me, is this America?’ ‘Yes,’ the bewildered girl nodded in disbelief as he thanked her and walked off.”
I liked better the first half. The childhood, youth and how he came to form Soft Cell against all odds.
The book is honest and conical at times and funny.
Later on it becomes more of a diary of what happened when. The end is also beautiful.
Dave was always one of my heroes, musically speaking, it was hard to read of all the not so great times. But it is true and brave account of an electronic musician surviving in the music industry.
I liked better the first half. The childhood, youth and how he came to form Soft Cell against all odds.
The book is honest and conical at times and funny.
Later on it becomes more of a diary of what happened when. The end is also beautiful.
Dave was always one of my heroes, musically speaking, it was hard to read of all the not so great times. But it is true and brave account of an electronic musician surviving in the music industry.
February 3, 2021
An interesting insight into electronic synth pop / dance music and the life of Soft Cell keyboard player Dave Ball. Most interesting were the accounts of his growing up and the early days of the band. I would have liked a bit more detail at times on his feelings and thoughts about the events of his life. If you are a fan you will definitely want to read this and if you are interested in the UK in the 60's/70's and 80's and the pop culture it is worth a read.
January 4, 2021
This was a wonderful read! I was anticipating it so much I read it in three days! I really enjoyed all the great photos, and how candid Dave was in telling his story. This book lead me to re-read Marc Almond's "Tainted Life," Soft Cell's "To Show You I've Been There," Soft Cell's "Keychains and Snowstorms," and Marc Almond's "Trials of Eyeliner." A must have for any Soft Cell fan!
June 19, 2021
I'm quite a fan of Soft Cell and electronic instruments/music in general. I did enjoy the book, but would have loved more depth, detail and drama. I got a taste for Dave's life... A man for whom I have great admiration, love and respect... But I would have liked a little more. The gear list in the back was a nice way to finish. There's the vinegar stroke! 😊 Thanks Dave! x
July 21, 2025
This a nostalgic read, but doesn't tread deeply into personal ground. You never get much insight into what his relationship with Marc Almond was like and for all intents could just be a musical instrument. Its a very unsnarky book though and Dave obviously enjoyed being part of the time, and he is sweetly as excited about seeing Dennis Waterman as he is in talking to Freddie Mercury.
November 9, 2024
A good and informative read. Dave isn't the best story teller, but a worthy read if you are interested in the technical side of soft cell. Never realised he had worked with so many artists that I love and admire.
August 12, 2020
Fantastic
A really interesting read giving the full story of a real 80s icon. It is a no holes barred honest history,
A really interesting read giving the full story of a real 80s icon. It is a no holes barred honest history,
March 19, 2021
A brilliant and honest autobiography. Some very funny bits and some parts that bring a tear to your eye. This is one of the best musical autobiographies I have read.
December 15, 2021
A good read. Simple to the point rolls along nicely covers all the bases. Interesting and fun
February 19, 2022
Interesting and well worth a read. Top review eh 😀
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews