Sign in

Simon Coates

@simonjcoates.bsky.social
595 followers 466 following 209 posts

writer @discogsofficial.bsky.social, @thewiremagazine.bsky.social, (NY) Observer & others | producer | artist | "utterly cretinous" - man on Facebook "brilliant work" - Amnesty "finally..." - Dua Lipa

PostsRepliesMedia
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Ahead of Tarek Atoui's new Turbine Hall commission for London's Tate Modern gallery, I wrote about the remarkable artist for the Hyper Culture site. Read it here > www.hyperculture.co/breaking-the...
hyperculture.co
Breaking the Sound Barrier: Tarek Atoui at the Tate Modern
The Tate Modern gallery’s Turbine Hall commission series is one of those rare things: a forward-thinking, artist-supporting initiative located at a global arts institution that is open to all and free...
000
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The next screening of my short film 'The Moon is a Pyramid Under Water' takes place as part of the NOIS//E 2026 Festival and Symposium in Milan. The festival runs from 13th to 15th November at the Fondazione Sozzani, and tickets are available online.
010
Reposted by Simon Coates
Nigel Bryant @theuntiedknot.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Monday night - new dub sounds from Omega Institute at The Old England BS6. www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the...
012
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
LEEDS: recent The Wire cover stars Space Afrika present an exclusive Q&A, signing and screening of their film, Opera Omnia, at Hyde Park Picture House on Sept 30. Tickets here > www.jumborecords.co.uk/events-singl...
020
Reposted by Simon Coates
Weird Bisexual Wooper @goldensama.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Signed + signal boosting
042
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Greggs pastries, Anglo-French relations and post-Brexit diplomacy, my latest for the New York Observer looks at the story behind the arrival of the Bayeux Tapestry for the first time in 1000 years observer.com/2026/08/muse...
observer.com
How the Bayeux Tapestry Became a Tool For Diplomacy
France’s loan to the U.K. offers a roadmap for how art and mutual understanding can bring nations together. Perhaps other countries could try it.
010
Reposted by Simon Coates
LemmeRockYa ChakraKhan (they/them) @uptnsinclairvoyant.solidarity.social · 17/08/2026
Signed. These ghouls know what they did. They turned a Disability accomodation into a scandal because their mediocrity was threatened by fairer access. I'm taking my gloves off. The press in the West is a suppressive force with no oversight and I have receipts of my fucking own.
021
Reposted by Simon Coates
Chella Ramanan 🇬🇩 @chellaramanan.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
QQ - Did y'all just like and repost without comment? Or did you sign it AND then share with a call to action for your network? Even if you think 'it's complicated.' He shouldn't be dead. Period. Also the media pointing at Cambridge rn to distract from them is... 😡
021
Reposted by Simon Coates
Stephen Moran. @moranstephen1000.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
094
Reposted by Simon Coates
Jane @theeternaloptimist.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I signed immediately. I spent the week leading up to his sad death almost waiting for the inevitable. It was so obvious that a pile-on like that, on such a sensitive person, could only end tragically. I was reminded of Caroline Flack. Then it happened. Strange how quiet his critics are now.
053
Reposted by Simon Coates
Su J @sujones.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Signed. Something needs to happen as a result of this tragedy.
042
Reposted by Simon Coates
Selpa Arts @selpaarts.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
It's 51k as 9.00am. "It is simply the decision of someone who has reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure." published 5/8/26. Found dead 14/18/26 Sign for Jason Arday and for the inevitable next target- unless stopped.
032
Reposted by Simon Coates
ala8.bsky.social @ala8.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I signed that petition, i wonder if X and FB not allowing it to be posted on their social media sites
031
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The only reason I can think of as to why there are fewer than 50,000 signatures here is that people haven't seen it yet. — Jason Arday: Demand a public inquiry now — goodlawproject.org/petition/jas...
goodlawproject.org
Jason Arday: Demand a public inquiry now | Good Law Project
Commission an immediate public inquiry into how to ensure a responsible press given its contribution to Dr Arday’s tragic death.
13176154
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
In the latest edition of The Wire magazine, I've reviewed Paul Beaudoin's 'signal loss', and Alex Zhang Hungtai's 'Orion/Mother' and 'Dras' albums. The magazine is available online now and in stores from today. It's the one with the mighty Space Afrika on the cover.
011
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Oxbow and Buñuel frontman Eugene Robinson has suffered a severe stroke that's robbed him of the ability to write, read or speak. So his wife Kasia has launched a crowdfunder to help cover his medical bills. www.decibelmagazine.com/2026/07/20/h...
decibelmagazine.com
Help Buñuel Frontman and Decibel Columnist Eugene Robinson Get His Voice Back - Decibel Magazine
Legendary underground musician and author Eugene Robinson suffers stoke, GoFundMe campaign to offset medical expenses launched.
000
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
My latest for The Art Journal takes a look at Corsica's Biennale Bonifacio. Check it here ⤵️ www.theartjournal.com/articles/in-...
theartjournal.com
A Biennale Finds Politics on the Dancefloor| The Art Journal | The Art Journal
From deserted nightclubs to former military barracks, Nimu Dormi examines how celebration has shaped the island's social and political identity
000
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
For the latest issue of The Wire magazine, I reviewed new albums from Petrozavodsk (Forest Fire) and Anti-Soul Organization (First Biennial Report on Studies & Research in Textures & Rhythm). On sale now in store and online🎚️
220
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
An exhibition of album covers from the early days of the Greensleeves record label is coming to London. Free entry 💥
0103
Reposted by Simon Coates
Undomondo @undomondo.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
New Mondo Times: Mexican Institute of Sound & Meridian Brothers, New Radio Alhara mix, Primavera Sound Festival review, Alvarius B.,Ibrahim Alfa Jnr, Hannah Peel & BeiBei Wang, Damaged Bug, a new playlist and more.. Subscribe pls! undomondo.substack.com/p/malarial-d...
undomondo.substack.com
Malarial Dream
Mexican Institute of Sound & Meridian Brothers, New Radio Alhara mix, Primavera Sound Festival, Alvarius B.,Ibrahim Alfa Jnr, Hannah Peel & BeiBei Wang, Damaged Bug, a new playlist and more..
011
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Writing for Art UK last year, I featured David Hockney in an article on how drawing is a form of disruption. Gifted, mercurial and absolutely a class-A disruptor, may the great man rest in peace. @artukdotorg.bsky.social artuk.org/discover/sto...
artuk.org
Drawing as disruption: twentieth-century artists who used drawing as a protest
Explore 1 million artworks from 70,000 artists and 3,500 places for free. Art UK is the leading digital space to discover the UK’s public art collections.
0143
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Odd short doc looking at the mighty Jah Shaka through the eyes of an early 2000s Spanish TV channel. Good to hear the great man take the mic, though, as most think he just spun records. www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH6G...
youtube.com
000
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
My first for The Art Journal looks at how the ICA's 1968 exhibition, Cybernetic Serendipity, set the template for the use of AI in contemporary art. Check it here 👇 www.theartjournal.com/articles/cyb...
theartjournal.com
The Forgotten Origins of AI Artworks | The Art Journal | The Art Journal
A little-seen show at London’s ICA introduced many of the ideas now driving a multibillion-dollar market
010
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
I wrote an article on how small and medium-sized music venues can harness AI to their advantage for Live DMA, the European network of national live music associations. Read it here ⤵️ live-dma.eu/magazine/how...
live-dma.eu
How can small and medium-sized music venues harness AI? - Live DMA
Independent music spaces often lack the budget and manpower to spend time working out ways to use AI. How can they harness these tools while maintaining their environmental integrity and unique cultur...
000
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Crucial dub maker recreates a crucial dub album. Following his appearance at this year's Le Guess Who? festival, Scientist is coming to the UK in early 2027.
010
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
In light of the critical mauling Jack White is getting for his first solo art exhibition, I wrote something for the New York Observer that looks at whether or not the art rock stars make is worth collecting. Read it here 👇
observer.com
Can Rock Royalty Really Make Art Worth Owning?
Less partisan collectors shouldn’t automatically shy away from paintings and sculpture crafted by big-name musicians, though caution is advised.
010
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Incredibly sad to hear from Adrian Sherwood that reggae archivist and the force behind the Blood & Fire label, Steve Barrow, has died. This is a loss that will be felt deeply across the music world.
182
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Ijahman Levi and Earl 'Chinna' Smith 📷 Arlene Green-Bromfield
000
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Bristol massive: Jah Tubbys World System alongside Fatman Sound System at the Trinity Centre on Fri, June 12. Jah Tubbys is celebrating 55 years as a sound system, and has been building sound equipment since 1971.
011
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins passed away yesterday, aged 95. He was the last remaining musician from Art Kane's 1958 photo, A Great Day In Harlem, that captured 58 jazz legends, including Count Basie, Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie.
072
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Italy's Real Rock Records label is reissuing early 90s UK dub album, Earthquake Studio's 'Dub Harder Than Steel'. A rare and sought-after record. realrockrecords.bandcamp.com/merch/rcklp0...
realrockrecords.bandcamp.com
RCKLP010 Earthquake Studio - Dub Harder Than Steel from Real Rock Records
RCKLP010 Earthquake Studio - Dub Harder Than Steel from Real Rock Records
020
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
London - a celebration of Sun Ra. Exhibition & music with talks from Thurston Moore & Paul Smith (founder of Blast First) & DJ set by Peter Dennet (Art Yard). 22 May, 18:00. Free Entry.
010
Reposted by Simon Coates
Steve @monkeytennis.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Absolutely Simon. I still find it surprising when you read the credits to records and Sly and Robbie pop up. Such a talented duo and individuals too.
111
Reposted by Simon Coates
Steve @monkeytennis.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
A good bit of validation if ever there was some. And on days like today god knows it’s needed. Adhering to the adage of ‘what would Weatherall do?’ In these situations is not a bad way to go about living either. Plus, I think that in my music collection his stuff is the most represented.
011
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Really enjoyed writing this one, and am very glad we included Alan Parry and Brian Behlendorf's Intelligent Dance Music List as a definition reference for IDM.
011
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
One of my career highlights was when Mr Weatherall played a few of the tracks I produced on his NTS radio show. The man was truly a one-off, and I'm really pleased to know that Disco Pogo are paying tribute with this book. store.discopogo.co/products/a-d...
store.discopogo.co
A Disco Pogo Tribute To Andrew Weatherall
'A Disco Pogo Tribute To Andrew Weatherall' is the fourth in our hardback Tribute series — following Daft Punk, Aphex Twin and LCD Soundsystem — and the long-overdue successor to the now hard-to-find ...
131
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Respect to Hot Press for running this new interview with the reggae master Horace Andy www.hotpress.com/music/horace...
hotpress.com
Horace Andy: "Look at the war in the Middle East. No one is listening. This must be hell" | Hotpress
Ahead of his first Irish show in nearly two decades – at Beyond The Pale this June – reggae legend and regular Massive Attack collaborator Horace Andy re...
021
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Lubaina Himid representing the UK at this year's Venice Biennale gives me a chance to post the interview I did with her in 2022 for (another) defunct platform. It's on my Medium site here 👇 medium.com/@SimonCoates...
medium.com
Lubaina Himid Interview
Lubaina Himid is an artist whose achievements demand to be measured as much in terms of determined activism as in dazzling bodies of work…
010
Reposted by Simon Coates
Glen Wilson @glenglenglen.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Happy birthday to the Royal Festival Hall, which opened it's doors 75 years ago today as part of the Festival of Britain. To mark the anniversary we asked people to share their memories of the festival, and I rescued a few more from our archives too... www.southbankcentre.co.uk/magazine/mem...
southbankcentre.co.uk
Memories of the Festival of Britain | Southbank Centre
Enjoy a collection of personal memories from the celebration that gave birth to the Southbank Centre.
1208
Reposted by Simon Coates
Cities and Memory @citiesandmemory.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
We’re proud to launch the third and final volume in our Echoes for Palestine series on Bandcamp Friday - every penny you donate today by buying the album goes to the charity Hope and Play and their amazing work with children in Palestine & Gaza. 🇵🇸❤️🖤💚 citiesandmemory.bandcamp.com/album/echoes...
citiesandmemory.bandcamp.com
Echoes for Palestine vol. 3, by Cities and Memory and Deep Dive Sound
25 track album
176
Reposted by Simon Coates
Art UK @artukdotorg.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
We would love to know what you think of Art UK 💭 This survey will take 15 minutes to complete, and your responses will help us focus our work on your needs 👉 www.surveymonkey.com/r/GSLW9T2 You will also have a chance to win one of twenty £25 Amazon vouchers. Thank you!
022
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
In honour of the Oxford English Dictionary recently adding the Caribbean phrase "carry-go-bring-come" (meaning gossip), here's Justin Hinds and the Dominoes ⤵️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5_G...
youtube.com
Justin Hinds & The Dominoes 'Carry Go Bring Come' (official audio)
YouTube video by Trojan Records Official
101
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Today is #InternationalJazzDay, so why not have a look at the article I wrote for @discogsofficial.bsky.social about the rich world of Japanese jazz? 👇https://www.discogs.com/digs/music/essential-japanese-jazz-records
discogs.com
Essential Jazz Albums from Japan, 1953-Present
Japan has a rich history of producing fantastic jazz artists. From bebop to fusion to avant-garde, dig into some of the best Japanese Jazz albums.
010
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
If you don't believe Vaporwave, exists you won't need to watch this documentary about the genre 👇https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kNqw7UdENg
youtube.com
Nobody Here | 'The Story Of Vaporwave' [2026] - Full Movie
YouTube video by My Pet Flamingo
011
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Kicking back against those who said reggae fans couldn't afford to go on a cruise, this is a neat documentary about how Damien Marley's Jamrock Reggae Cruise took off and kept going youtu.be/ya_xhY3ID54?...
youtu.be
"ALL IN THE SAME BOAT" The Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise Documentary
YouTube video by BoomshotsTV
000
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
In 2022 I wrote about the 20th anniversary of Boards of Canada's second album, Geogaddi, for the late, lamented website, The New Voice, going deep into the conspiracy theories the set spawned. The site is gone but luckily I uploaded the story to my Medium site here ⤵️ medium.com/@SimonCoates...
medium.com
Boards of Canada’s ‘Geogaddi’ Album 20 Years On
Released in February 2002, ‘Geogaddi’ was the second album from Scottish electronica duo Board of Canada. The follow-up to their debut set…
000
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
The new Boards of Canada album is called 'Inferno' and comes out on May 29th boardsofcanada.com
boardsofcanada.com
BOARDS OF CANADA
INFERNO. 29 MAY.
000
Reposted by Simon Coates
David Waywell @davidwaywell.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Limited signed edition of Stewart Lee's new book available here... www.waterstones.com/book/pea-gre...
waterstones.com
Pea Green Boat by Stewart Lee, David Waywell | Waterstones
Buy Pea Green Boat by Stewart Lee, David Waywell from Waterstones today! Click and Collect from your local Waterstones or get FREE UK delivery on orders over £25.
22513
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
I'm on the lookout for new experimental, interesting and avant-garde albums to review from anywhere in the world. And I mean anywhere - the more interesting the location, the better. I can't promise anything, but please loop me in just in case.
132
Simon Coates @simonjcoates.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
"The role of the company mascot is changing. Once passive characters, they are now provocateurs with all the psychological manipulation and mood swings of social media influencers." I wrote about what happens when mascots go rogue for City AM mag. Read it here ⤵️ www.cityam.com/the-cult-of-...
cityam.com
The cult of cute: The strange drama of corporate mascots
While they remind us of our childhoods, mascots are as much a part of corporate culture as ever. Simon Coates asks why
120