Bella Union co-founder Simon Raymonde on signing bands and navigating the noise

Former member of Cocteau Twins and co-founder of indie label Bella Union Records, Simon Raymonde has seen the music industry from both sides, as artist and executive.
As the MD of Bella Union Records, Simon has had enormous success with acts such as Beach House, Fleet Foxes and John Grant. But it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the industry veteran.
In this interview, Simon and Musiio by SoundCloud’s Hazel Savage discuss:
- The value of indie labels when anyone can self-release
- The importance of in-person connection when signing an artist
- How TikTok breathed new life into a Bella Union artist’s catalogue track
- How he nearly had to shutter the label after some serious setbacks
- Who is actually benefiting from the “resurgence of vinyl”
- The great freedoms and challenges artists face today
- What Simon looks for in a band as an A&R
- The ins and outs of release strategies
LINKS:
Bella Union Records: www.bellaunion.com/
Cocteau Twins: cocteautwins.com/
Fleet Foxes: / fleetfoxes
SPACE SONG by Beach House: / space-song
Warren Ellis' book: www.faber.co.uk/product/97805...
Where you can get Simon's upcoming book later this year: www.bonnierbooks.co.uk/imprin...
Prefer audio only? Listen on SoundCloud
/ podcast-simon-raymonde

[@johnstinchcomb8156]

Wonderful interview.

[@johnstinchcomb8156]

I'm a long time Cocteau Twins fan but I also love Simon's solo work. Wish he would've done more on his own. Love what he's doing, tho, with Bella Union. Hannah Cohen, Innocence Mission, Marissa Nadler & Laura Groves all favorites of mine. I will never tire of discovering new music. Grateful for it.