Simon Raymonde Chronicles Cocteau Twins, Bass Innovations, and Bella Union in New Memoir
British musician and producer Simon Raymonde has just released his autobiography, In One Ear: Cocteau Twins, Ivor And Me, in North America. The multi-instrumentalist tells his life story, including his relationship with his father, Ivor Raymonde, and his incredible music career.
“Raymonde helped to create some of the most beautiful and memorable albums of the ’80s and ’90s,” a press release explains. “From 1983 to 1997, he was one-third of seminal band Cocteau Twins and associated offshoot This Mortal Coil where he helped create music that continues to cast a spell over millions. He also launched and still runs the influential record label, Bella Union.”
With Raymonde on bass, the Cocteau Twins would create a sound that pioneered the subgenres of dream pop and shoegaze. His approach gave the music a throaty tone with melodic hooks for bass lines. Check out “Sugar Hiccup” from 1983:
With This Mortal Coil, he continued his creative streak. Check out his 8-string playing on “Kangaroo”:
Raymonde also shares fascinating stories of his work as a label owner. He helped to discover, develop, and work with artists like Beach House, Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty, John Grant, and others. “And the narrative leads readers back to the present day, reflecting on Simon’s most recent experiences in the music industry, all while going deaf in one ear,” the liner states.
In One Ear: Cocteau Twins, Ivor And Me is out now on Paperback, Hardcover and Audiobook formats.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
