Simon Raymonde has played a significant role in modern music for decades. Fans recognize him as the innovative bassist and keyboardist for the pioneering band Cocteau Twins. But his impact extends far beyond his recording and touring days with the band. Since 1997, he has been the head of the highly respected independent label Bella Union. Now, Raymonde offers a candid reflection on his life. The U.S. release of In One Ear, his deeply personal autobiography, occurred on November 18 via Bonnier Books. This much-anticipated memoir serves as an essential record of artistic integrity and individual resilience.
The book reveals a man driven by passion and principle, both as an artist and an executive. The memoir’s title, In One Ear, hints at the health challenge he faced while subtly capturing the philosophical nature of his career. It explores the magical rise of Cocteau Twins alongside the ethical journey of building a record label. Throughout the book, Raymonde demonstrates a commitment to great art, often prioritizing connection and spirit over commercial metrics. More than a simple rock biography, Raymonde offers a guide to maintaining creativity and sanity in a turbulent industry.
The Secret Lives of the Cocteau Twins
For years, the Cocteau Twins embodied mystery. Their sound was ethereal, their lyrics cryptic, and their public persona very private. The music was so distinctive that many listeners considered the band members almost mythical figures. However, the reality was much more grounded, as Raymonde shares in his book. This contrast between public image and personal life is a key theme of the memoir.
Raymonde admits that the band often seemed intentionally elusive. However, he suggests this was simply a result of their introverted nature. He talks about the common misconceptions they faced. “Fans came to think we were mysterious, well-read philosophers of music. In reality, we were three very ordinary people who just happened to have a connection through music,” he says. This quote perfectly captures the truth behind the shimmering soundscapes.
The band’s creative process was surprisingly immediate and visceral. Raymonde shares insights into the band’s unique approach to creating material. Their music came from a kind of focused spontaneity. The Cocteau Twins were dedicated to making original music, unaffected by outside pressures or current trends. They intentionally avoided listening to contemporary music before recording sessions. “We deliberately never listened to other music as we approached the time we went into the studio because we didn’t want to be subliminally or directly influenced by the sounds other kids were making at the time,” Raymonde explains. This commitment to artistic integrity kept their work feeling timeless.
From Ethereal Pop to Extremes
The enduring influence of the Cocteau Twins is evident. Their music established a sonic foundation for dream pop and shoegaze. Interestingly, the band’s impact also extends into heavier genres, particularly extreme metal. This unexpected connection is a fascinating discovery.
The first clear sign of this was the band’s appearance at Lollapalooza in 1996. Metallica’s legendary guitarist Kirk Hammett was a strong supporter of their inclusion. Although the Cocteau Twins found the festival environment challenging, the invitation itself said a lot. Their sonic exploration was reaching the heaviest parts of the music world. Raymonde admits he was initially surprised by this. “Honestly, for many years, I thought Kirk was an outlier. You know, he was just a freak who really loved the band, and I figured no one else in his circle did.”
However, he later realized the more profound connection. The common thread is passion and breaking boundaries. “When you listen to that music, you wouldn’t usually see a connection between what we were doing all those years ago and that style of music. But in one way, it’s not that strange, because I like that kind of music,” he says. This appreciation for the raw intensity and sonic ambition of heavier genres shows a shared spirit. The memoir explores how true innovation transcends genre boundaries, resonating across diverse musical communities, emphasizing that an artist should always follow their true passion.
A Legacy Explored: The Shadow and Light of Family
Beyond his professional career, the memoir delves into Raymonde’s personal history. The book offers an in-depth look at his complex relationship with his father, Ivor Raymonde. Ivor was a composer and arranger who worked with legends like Dusty Springfield and The Walker Brothers. His influence cast a long shadow over Simon’s musical life.
Writing the book helped Raymonde navigate this complex emotional landscape. He aimed to understand his father and his own identity in relation to that strong legacy. The process was both deeply healing and eye-opening. “Getting through that and making sense of my relationship with my father—something I’d never truly figured out—what he was, who I was, how we were related, how we were connected, were very important,” he recalls.
He initially noticed significant differences between himself and his father. But by the end of the book, he realized they shared key similarities. They both had a strong passion for music. “All that stuff is pretty magical for me because it’s a bit like discovering a rare jewel, especially in the later years of your life. It’s not something you ever imagine will happen,” he states. Finding these unexpected connections later in life gave him peace and helped him better understand his own motivations.
The Ethical Blueprint of Bella Union
After the Cocteau Twins disbanded, Raymonde focused his creative energy on a new project: Bella Union. This record label was born from his desire to create a fairer, more supportive environment than he had experienced. As a result, the memoir serves as an unofficial guide to developing an ethical business model. Bella Union follows a simple principle: the owner signs only music that truly resonates with them.
Raymonde explains the motivation behind his signings. “I never once signed a band because I thought they would become hugely successful. To be honest, I literally have no clue how that works. I just sign bands that really connect with me on a personal, spiritual, and physical level because that’s how I enjoy music.” This philosophy ensures that every release is a labor of love. He confirms his early commitment. “I realized early on that the only way I’m going to be thrilled doing this is if I sign the bands I truly love.”
This adherence has cultivated a remarkably supportive community around the label. The memoir emphasizes the unexpected beauty that arises from such an environment. Raymonde shares the well-known story of Midlake helping John Grant early in his career. “That is such a beautiful story because it’s not really anything to do with me, other than when you build this community, even if you’re not doing it intentionally, you’re signing bands, and people are showcasing. They become friends, meet each other, think about each other, and care about each other, and so these things happen.” This story demonstrates the power of human connection. Bella Union’s resilience, seen in successes like Fleet Foxes and Beach House, proves that ethical business practices can lead to long-term professional stability.
Vulnerability and Voice: Health and Self-Reflection
The title “In One Ear” is not just a metaphor. It refers to a real and ongoing health issue Raymonde faces: an acoustic neuroma, a kind of brain tumor that caused significant hearing loss in one ear. The memoir describes his fight with this condition and his decades-long choice to keep it hidden. This chapter of his life is among the most vulnerable in the book.
For years, he feared that revealing his partial deafness would harm his reputation as a musician and producer. “It’s a type of brain tumor. I kept it a secret for many years and didn’t tell anyone, not even my closest friends. I was worried about my credibility, whatever that is, as a musician or producer, being greatly diminished if people realized I only had hearing in one ear.” The condition deeply affects his daily interactions. This anxiety kept him from speaking out.
Writing the book ultimately became a way to face this fear and grow personally, enabling him to accept himself. He realized he had to stop being “such a baby about it” and just tell his story. The act of sharing was freeing and might help others.
Additionally, the memoir documents his broader journey of self-discovery. He reflects on his shyness and reluctance to speak up earlier in his career. “I spent too many early years feeling like the new kid. I really should only be the new kid for a little while. Not for five years, and that was probably my fault.” This self-reflection comes up often. Raymonde suggests that many of his professional regrets come from not being more confident in his own vision and ability. He encourages others to find their voice and trust their ideas, even if it risks rejection. Raymonde’s sincerity reflects his strong commitment to personal responsibility and growth.
The Definitive Memoir of an Independent Architect
In One Ear is an incredibly engaging read for music enthusiasts and anyone interested in artistic resilience. It effectively unravels the Cocteau Twins’ mysterious charm while honoring their enduring cultural influence. The book offers a vital perspective on a dual legacy: an artist who helped shape a genre and an executive who redefined what an independent label could become. The depth of reflection makes it a must-read.
The release of Simon Raymonde’s In One Ear marks a significant milestone. It’s a must-have for any fan of innovative music. The memoir’s tone is friendly, respectful, and deeply genuine, mirroring the man behind the music. It honestly explores the past, celebrates community, and proves the value of following one’s heart in a harsh industry. Ultimately, the book is a gift to readers, a rare treasure that reveals the inner workings of a modern music legend.
Photo of Simon Raymonde by Abbey Raymonde
Photo of Simon Raymonde on book cover by Juergen Teller
Photo of Cocteau Twins by Dave Tonge
