A KEIGHLEY publisher has launched a new series of books written by national-renowned singers and musicians.

Pomona this year launched Sleevenotes, a series of short books specially commissioned from musicians who have something to say.

The artists choose favourite tracks from their back catalogue and provide telling insights into their creation, meaning or mood.

First up was Bob Stanley of St Etienne, who wrote about the influences and impulses behind his own songwriting, from jobs involving egg-boxes and sock receipts to Top of the Pops, garden cities and Swedish beers.

Bob Stanley was a founder member of Saint Etienne, the three-piece which emerged with the classic album Foxbase Alpha in 1991, and went on to become one of the best loved British groups of their generation.

They have since released nine more albums and worked on several films with director Paul Kelly.

The latest Sleevenotes book has been written by David Gedge of The Wedding Present and will be published on July 1.

September’s Sleevenotes comes from Joe Thompson, who with Hey Colossus has been part of the European underground scene since 2003, touring the hard miles round the continent and releasing twelve albums.

Joe explores 17 tracks, relating rewarding life making music, with squats, empty rooms and rammed festivals played along the way.

A Pomona spokesman said: “With funny, self-deprecating honesty Thompson nails a sometimes thankless, but always rewarding life making music in a community of friends.”

Visit pomonauk.com for details.