Artist info:
Also known as
Verified yes
Genre−
Rank−
Albums4
Songs19
AboutFrom the age of 13, Simon Toulson-Clarke has been involved with music one way or another, starting in a school band with friend Paddy Talbot. In 1978 at PCL (Polytechnics Central London) he met Julian Close with whom he formed a new band, eventually becoming Red Box. Their debut single 'Chenko' would be released on the small label 'Cherry Red' in 1983 resulting in the band getting a deal with major label 'Warner Bros.' The following 5 years saw the release of 5 more singles and the debut album 'The Circle & The Square'. 1985 saw the bands most triumphant moment as 'Lean On Me' climbed the UK singles chart and nested at a healthy No.3 which provided the group with much coverage via radio, TV and press. The record went silver in the UK and sold extensively through-out Europe. The promotional video was also a strong contender for music video of the year. The follow-up single 'For America' reached an impressive No.10 in the UK charts.Although on the outside things looked well, behind the scenes the story was not so joyous. The band didn't have the control they wanted over their music and ideas. A constant battle was being fought with the record label ranging from thoughts over promo videos to song compositions. If you look close towards the end of the 'Lean On Me' promotional video, you will see written on the board Julian is holding the words 'So There!'. This is an inside joke between the band directed at the guy who threw them out of his office when Simon and co. spoke about the ideas for the video. It also came to light that the record label hated the fact that Red Box were making 'World Music' and didn't like the confidence the group had in their work.
After 'The Circle & the Square' Julian left the band to work in PR while Simon took a year out of music to live and travel on his boat with his partner. Eventually Simon was persuaded to make a come back in the music scene via a subsidary label of 'Warner Bros.' called 'EastWest'. In 1990, 4 years after the debut, Red Box released 'Motive'. The first and last single to be lifted from the album was 'Train'. There was a promotional video made for the track and once again interest from TV and radio were tipping the single for success. For some reason, most likely 'Warner Bros.', the single was pulled at the last second. This was to be the last breath as shortly after Red Box spilt for good, with no promotion effort for 'Motive' at all. Listening to the albums now, it seems remarkable how good they turned out, despite the fact the battles the band had to face.
Simon continued in the music industry, not as an artist, but behind the scenes. 7 years passed and a collaboration with Phill Brown (Talk Talk) and Alastair Gavin (involved with Motive) resulted in the SPA album in memory of American comic Bill Hicks. The album contains thousands of samples ranging from American movies to old LP's. VERY non-commercial and different to Red Box but a unique creation of work in its own right.As of today, Julian Close has his own record label, Silent Records and Simon is working on a new musical project with three friends under the name of 'Plenty'. I have had the pleasure of hearing a track from Simon and its something to get excited about. Simon has also mentioned that he would like to make a third Red Box album someday. With his home studio in London, maybe he can now create a record HIS way without the added pressure of having to look over his shoulder.
After 'The Circle & the Square' Julian left the band to work in PR while Simon took a year out of music to live and travel on his boat with his partner. Eventually Simon was persuaded to make a come back in the music scene via a subsidary label of 'Warner Bros.' called 'EastWest'. In 1990, 4 years after the debut, Red Box released 'Motive'. The first and last single to be lifted from the album was 'Train'. There was a promotional video made for the track and once again interest from TV and radio were tipping the single for success. For some reason, most likely 'Warner Bros.', the single was pulled at the last second. This was to be the last breath as shortly after Red Box spilt for good, with no promotion effort for 'Motive' at all. Listening to the albums now, it seems remarkable how good they turned out, despite the fact the battles the band had to face.
Simon continued in the music industry, not as an artist, but behind the scenes. 7 years passed and a collaboration with Phill Brown (Talk Talk) and Alastair Gavin (involved with Motive) resulted in the SPA album in memory of American comic Bill Hicks. The album contains thousands of samples ranging from American movies to old LP's. VERY non-commercial and different to Red Box but a unique creation of work in its own right.As of today, Julian Close has his own record label, Silent Records and Simon is working on a new musical project with three friends under the name of 'Plenty'. I have had the pleasure of hearing a track from Simon and its something to get excited about. Simon has also mentioned that he would like to make a third Red Box album someday. With his home studio in London, maybe he can now create a record HIS way without the added pressure of having to look over his shoulder.
Most Popular Songs (More)
Most Popular Albums (More)
Artists you may also like
Pictures (0)
no pictures
Fans (1)
