Simon Hoskyn first began writing his own music at the age of twelve, and after a number of years of attempting to become a punk-metal star, Simon picked up the acoustic guitar and refocused his energies towards a solo career as a singer-songwriter. His influences also made a slow but steady progression away from Dimebag Darrell and Flying-V guitars towards the likes of Bruce Cockburn, Rufus Wainwright, Pedro the Lion, Jeff Buckley, Ryan Adams, Joni Mitchell, Sufjan Stevens and others.
His first collection of solo material, ("Arrest Me," 2005) released when he was only 19, served as clear indication of his exceptional musical talent and his maturity as an artist. From the beautiful melodies of "Speak to Me," the virtuosic finger work of "Psalm 29," and the raw vulnerability of "And If I Fall," this album initiated what has become the trademark sound of Simon's expressions.
Simon then spent a year performing, busking, and writing new material in New Zealand. Upon return to his homeland of Vancouver, BC, Simon prepared to record his second studio album with producer/multi-instrumentalist Jon Anderson (Stabilo, In Medias Res, Jonathan Inc., Sheree Plett, Eisenhauer).
"The Seen and Unseen" was released in August 2006. Conceptually and musically "The Seen and Unseen" not only displays Simon's ability to push the limits of creativity within his familiar sound, but also showcases his ability to absorb the best elements of a variety of genres and bring them within arm's reach of his audience. This album also demonstrates the extent of Simon's expressive capacity, as songs like "Traded Plastic for Pearls," "Another Day, A Better Place," and "A Deeper Tongue" (movements 1&2), weave excellent songwriting, creative instrumentation, and powerful performances into a tapestry through which deeply personal themes of risk, love, failure, doubt and faith are expressed.
Following the release of The Seen and Unseen, Simon focused himself in a year of jazz studies, and performed in a variety of locations in Washington State, BC, Alberta, and Ontario. He also wrote a new basket full of material...
In May-June 2008, Simon's 3rd solo album was recorded at Baker Street Studios and Buena Vista Audio in Vancouver, BC. The new record, which will be named "Sing of the Beauty, Say Nothing of the Pain", was recorded and mixed by Jon Anderson, produced by Jon and Simon, mastered by Dwayne Harder, and features a variety of musicians from the Vancouver area, including Sheree Plett and Steve Watts (drums, In Medias Res). Songs like "Pyre", "Storyline" (both above), and "With All of My Mind" are evidence that this material is a major evolution in Simon's musical expressions. He looks forward to an Edmonton release in July 2009, followed by an extensive Canadian tour.
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The Seen and Unseen $17.99CAN (in north america only)
The Seen and Unseen $19.99CAN (overseas)
Arrest Me
$13.99CAN (now the same price anywhere!)
Simon, How's it going? I hope the Edmonton scene is treating you well but you should come back to vancouver for some shows. I'm stoked for the new album,
Nice stuff. We're keeping our Edmonton playing to a minimum at the moment. Possibly sometime in a few months from now. We're doing a Fundraiser @ Mcdougall Churh(102st.100ave) W/Fractal Pattern, Provincial Archive, and Sweater Contest. maybe we'll see you there. TB
I was listening to your music just now, and I thought I'd let you know that you're a fabulous guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Your songs actually mean something, they have depth and insight. Passion and feeling.
Never give up on what you're doing. You've been given a gift from God. Use it!
hey rumplestiltskin, let down your hair. how many dead guys are gonna make your top friends before people who are still kinda alive like me get in there. errrrr. get in there. Alicia Hansen?! who's she anyways? pffff
Hey, I'm so sorry I missed your call the other week. Always know that you can just show up and crash if you need to. It would have been nice to see you!
our set was a. ok. the venue & crowd were a little flabbergasted by illfit outfit, but we definitely made some friends and fans and no nmw money. our week was certifiably awesome except that we didn't get to see you and miss marns.
Simon! thanks so much for your birthday wishes. I did only get them today, i'm kinda slacking at myspace but they were wonderful. I did have a great day. Our dear friend Angela treated me to a musical downtown T.O. so we had lots of fun. I think we should talk soon. Can I still reach you at the number in the Mahara? because I would love a phone date.
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