Black Vinyl and the Sound of Memory
Roving Travellers Times' journalist Dee Cooper catches up with Moving for Change's Doug Devaney, as he launches his first novel Black Vinyl
There are books that tell a story, and then there are books that feel like an old record spinning in a darkened room, cracked with age, heavy with memory, and impossible to forget. Black Vinyl by Doug Devaney is one of those books.
For those who don’t yet know the ever-charming Doug Devaney, now not only an author, but also a valued asset within our communities through his role at Moving for Change Comms, he delivers an uplifting newsletter straight to our inboxes, keeping people connected with much-needed humour, warmth, and a sense of connection to heritage news, along with a steady stream of dad jokes that never fail to land. He carries many hats, and in each one he does a kushti job, always going above and beyond in everything he takes on.
Beyond his professional work, he is also a genuinely kind soul, and it was a real pleasure to attend his book launch, held on 14th May 2026 at The Abyss pop-up in Newhaven. The event was a true celebration of community and creativity, with a fantastic turnout of friends, family, and supporters filling the space.
One of the most touching details of the evening was a cake inspired by Black Vinyl itself, crafted into the shape of a vinyl record in honour of the occasion. It was a fitting tribute, reflecting not just the book, but the atmosphere surrounding its release: thoughtful, creative, and full of heart.
It was clear throughout the evening that people were not only celebrating a book launch, but also a person. The warmth in the room spoke volumes, a genuine sense of pride, affection, and joy for someone who has clearly given so much to others.
What unfolds in Black Vinyl is not simply a murder mystery, but an excavation of memory itself.
Devaney’s real strength is how he handles nostalgia, not as something soft or comforting, but as something that distorts. He gets into those uncomfortable questions about the stories we tell ourselves just to get through life. Every character seems to remember things in their own way, twisting truth through guilt, ego, trauma, and longing. And because of that, Black Vinyl stops being just about who killed Jimmy Endicott, and becomes more about everything time has quietly buried, and what we try to cover over without even realising.
It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of mystery, music, and nostalgia.
You can buy your copy here: Amazon UK
Massive congratulations, Doug, wishing you every success.
Dee Cooper for Travellers Times
(All photographs by Sean Devaney (www.devaneycreative.co.uk) except otherwise stated)