From a visual arts background, Simon Boyd started producing electronic music in 2020, incorporating his own vocals and saxophone playing. By combining his imagination as a painter with his creative instinct, Simon Boyd brings a unique originality to his music that pushes the boundaries between genres such as house, trance and experimental jazz. Originally from London, now based in Argentina and enjoy collaborating with other artists.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Simon Boyd. What first got you into music?
I used to listen to a lot of music that my parents liked as a kid, such as Van Morrison and Tracy Chapman, and when I was thirteen my Mum bought me my first alto saxophone. I had a brilliant teacher at school and soon fell in love with the vitality of the instrument. When I emigrated to Argentina, I was able to dedicate more time to practising and played with various local musicians.
What do you think your role is in this world?
My motivation as a musician and visual artist is to try and create something that is both sincere and universal. The attraction of making music is that it is so global and has the power to reach people from all walks of life. I believe that art in general should be a way of putting to one side personal differences.
Your latest track is 'Ask No Questions'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
‘Ask No Questions’ was a slight change in direction for me artistically in the sense that it was less experimental than my previous work. I was looking for a particular sound that was a culmination of different influences such as techno, trance arpeggios and pop. I’ve always approached music from the mindset of a painter, visualising audio landscapes, and being as open-minded as possible in my approach. With 'Ask No Questions' I imagined the landscape being by the sea and had an image of racing across waves.
The lyrics ‘Ask no questions, get no lies’ were really a dig at how information can be manipulated and distorted in order to coerce and divide society. I believe that the role of an artist is really to throw out questions rather than try and provide answers.
What’s your scariest experience?
I love water-sports and when I was in my late teens I was windsurfing the Solent and all of a sudden was overcome by severe fatigue and couldn’t lift my sail. I was in the middle of the shipping stream, surrounded by big waves, and being sucked out to sea by the tide! Luckily, a yacht passed by and took me to Southampton harbour. I will never forget the feeling of desperation at being at the mercy of the sea.
How do you spend your time?
I spend the majority of my time painting and making music.
What are you most proud of?
Good question… Artistically speaking, I'm rarely proud of anything that I produce, but with some of my recent paintings I feel I have managed to focus more on the process rather than looking for a particular outcome. I have also been more economical with what I have put down on canvas. There is always a tendency to over work a painting, and in doing so, lose the vitality.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I saw Sohn play at Latitude a few years back and was blown away. I love the way he layers his vocals and the gentle urgency behind his music.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I try to meet up and play with other musicians as much as possible, as well as going to see live music. I am currently working on an EP with a friend that is an amalgamation of Argentinian / Latin rhythms and my English music roots. The crossing of different genres, while retaining a coherent thread, is an interesting challenge!
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
Without a doubt, technology improves lives, but there is also an ever-increasing need to find time to disconnect from it and just sit in silence. Painting for me provides that silence.
What superpower would you have and why?
Probably the ability to fly so that I could visit my family in the UK whenever I wanted to.