Reliving the soundtrack of the 2000s

Holly Brickley’s debut novel *Deep Cuts* examines the intersection of music obsession and the cultural landscape of the 2000s. The narrative follows protagonist Percy through a decade defined by major geopolitical shifts, including 9/11 and the Iraq invasion, while tracing the rapid evolution of digital technology from physical media to the dawn of the influencer era. Music serves as a primary lens for understanding personal identity and navigating the era's pervasive misogyny, particularly within the male-dominated music industry. Brickley highlights how these societal changes fundamentally altered human connection, moving from intimate, music-centered social gatherings to a more detached, brand-driven digital landscape. Ultimately, the work underscores the unique power of music to infiltrate daily life and foster deep emotional resonance, capturing a generation’s attempt to find meaning amidst a rapidly shifting technological and political environment.