Simon Coates
@simonjcoates.bsky.social
words: (New York) Observer, The New World, Discogs, ArtUK & more
"utterly cretinous" - man on Facebook
"brilliant work" - Amnesty International
"finally..." - Dua Lipa
🏠 London, UK
"utterly cretinous" - man on Facebook
"brilliant work" - Amnesty International
"finally..." - Dua Lipa
🏠 London, UK
Reposted by Simon Coates
RIP. The Harder They Come is an incredible movie. Go watch it if you haven't seen it.
Rarely is an artist the soundtrack to a whole life. Jimmy Cliff was one of those rare individuals. RIP. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae singer, actor and cultural icon, dies aged 81
Star of The Harder They Come had hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want and I Can See Clearly Now
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:59 PM
RIP. The Harder They Come is an incredible movie. Go watch it if you haven't seen it.
Rarely is an artist the soundtrack to a whole life. Jimmy Cliff was one of those rare individuals. RIP. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae singer, actor and cultural icon, dies aged 81
Star of The Harder They Come had hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want and I Can See Clearly Now
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Rarely is an artist the soundtrack to a whole life. Jimmy Cliff was one of those rare individuals. RIP. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
My latest short film, 'The Moon is a Pyramid Under Water', is screening at Stuttgart's IDK Festival on Nov 28. Taking place at the Kulturinsel Stuttgart, Güterstraße 4, doors open at 6PM and entry is free.
- pictured: stills from the film
- pictured: stills from the film
November 18, 2025 at 10:40 AM
My latest short film, 'The Moon is a Pyramid Under Water', is screening at Stuttgart's IDK Festival on Nov 28. Taking place at the Kulturinsel Stuttgart, Güterstraße 4, doors open at 6PM and entry is free.
- pictured: stills from the film
- pictured: stills from the film
"For most of her life, she helped her family bring up their kids and worked on cattle stations. Then, in her late seventies, she began to paint."
My New York Observer latest is a review of the Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition on at Tate Modern right now. Read it here > observer.com/2025/11/art-...
My New York Observer latest is a review of the Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition on at Tate Modern right now. Read it here > observer.com/2025/11/art-...
November 15, 2025 at 8:59 AM
"For most of her life, she helped her family bring up their kids and worked on cattle stations. Then, in her late seventies, she began to paint."
My New York Observer latest is a review of the Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition on at Tate Modern right now. Read it here > observer.com/2025/11/art-...
My New York Observer latest is a review of the Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition on at Tate Modern right now. Read it here > observer.com/2025/11/art-...
With W.I.T.C.H. currently touring Europe, maybe it's time to find out how they helped shape the Zamrock sound via my
@discogsofficial.bsky.social list on the psych-heavy 70s rock sound here 👉 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
@discogsofficial.bsky.social list on the psych-heavy 70s rock sound here 👉 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
November 14, 2025 at 4:17 PM
With W.I.T.C.H. currently touring Europe, maybe it's time to find out how they helped shape the Zamrock sound via my
@discogsofficial.bsky.social list on the psych-heavy 70s rock sound here 👉 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
@discogsofficial.bsky.social list on the psych-heavy 70s rock sound here 👉 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
"Like Jimi Hendrix and Ike Turner jamming Zambian Badima drum grooves"
For another @discogsofficial.bsky.social piece, I zoomed in on Zamrock, the short-lived but fiery mash-up of rock and Zambian rhythms that surfaced in the early 1970s. Check it here 👉 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
For another @discogsofficial.bsky.social piece, I zoomed in on Zamrock, the short-lived but fiery mash-up of rock and Zambian rhythms that surfaced in the early 1970s. Check it here 👉 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
Welcome To Zamrock: The Albums That Drove the Zambian Movement
Discover the electrifying rise and fall of Zamrock — Zambia’s 1970s fusion of fuzz, funk, and freedom.
www.discogs.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:33 AM
"Like Jimi Hendrix and Ike Turner jamming Zambian Badima drum grooves"
For another @discogsofficial.bsky.social piece, I zoomed in on Zamrock, the short-lived but fiery mash-up of rock and Zambian rhythms that surfaced in the early 1970s. Check it here 👉 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
For another @discogsofficial.bsky.social piece, I zoomed in on Zamrock, the short-lived but fiery mash-up of rock and Zambian rhythms that surfaced in the early 1970s. Check it here 👉 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
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Thrilled to have @simonjcoates.bsky.social writing a piece for us. Read it now! :)
"Artefacts used for clandestine operations and activist activities line up alongside documents used in socio-political change and enforcement."
I've reviewed the British Library's new Secret Maps exhibition for @trebuchetmag.bsky.social. Check it here 👇 www.trebuchet-magazine.com/secret-maps-...
I've reviewed the British Library's new Secret Maps exhibition for @trebuchetmag.bsky.social. Check it here 👇 www.trebuchet-magazine.com/secret-maps-...
November 6, 2025 at 5:28 PM
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Discover more about Art Nouveau in the UK with this new story by Simon Coates 👉 https://artuk.org/discover/stories/art-nouveau-in-the-uk-how-british-artists-drew-influence-from-europe
'Frontispiece for 'Venus and Tannhauser'' by Aubrey Beardsley (1872–1898) 📷 The Higgins Bedford
'Frontispiece for 'Venus and Tannhauser'' by Aubrey Beardsley (1872–1898) 📷 The Higgins Bedford
November 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM
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Reposted by Simon Coates
Whoa Nelly, didn’t know that. Am going to have to check them as they sound right up my strasse. They sound interesting.
November 4, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Whoa Nelly, didn’t know that. Am going to have to check them as they sound right up my strasse. They sound interesting.
Reposted by Simon Coates
Wow! What a list of great albums and what a time to have been a teen. These were the sounds of my youth Simon. Thanks so much for sharing. Only one I didn’t know was the Freestyle Fellowship. Another great piece too. Hope you’re well! ✊🏻
November 4, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Wow! What a list of great albums and what a time to have been a teen. These were the sounds of my youth Simon. Thanks so much for sharing. Only one I didn’t know was the Freestyle Fellowship. Another great piece too. Hope you’re well! ✊🏻
"In interviews around 1988, Chuck D declared rap was Black America’s CNN. The Native Tongues added to the conversation. This was the start of rap music’s Daisy Age. "
My latest for @discogsofficial.bsky.social looks at the Daisy Age rap movement. Check it here 👇 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
My latest for @discogsofficial.bsky.social looks at the Daisy Age rap movement. Check it here 👇 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
Exploring Hip-Hop’s Daisy Age
Explore the essential Daisy Age hip-hop records of the ’90s — the socially conscious era defined by artists like De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and Jungle Brothers.
www.discogs.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:59 AM
"In interviews around 1988, Chuck D declared rap was Black America’s CNN. The Native Tongues added to the conversation. This was the start of rap music’s Daisy Age. "
My latest for @discogsofficial.bsky.social looks at the Daisy Age rap movement. Check it here 👇 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
My latest for @discogsofficial.bsky.social looks at the Daisy Age rap movement. Check it here 👇 www.discogs.com/digs/music/e...
"Artefacts used for clandestine operations and activist activities line up alongside documents used in socio-political change and enforcement."
I've reviewed the British Library's new Secret Maps exhibition for @trebuchetmag.bsky.social. Check it here 👇 www.trebuchet-magazine.com/secret-maps-...
I've reviewed the British Library's new Secret Maps exhibition for @trebuchetmag.bsky.social. Check it here 👇 www.trebuchet-magazine.com/secret-maps-...
Secret Maps at the British Library: How Cartography Shaped Power, Protest and Survival - Trebuchet
From colonial plotting to refugee escape routes, the British Library's latest exhibition reveals the hidden stories behind maps
www.trebuchet-magazine.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:14 PM
"Artefacts used for clandestine operations and activist activities line up alongside documents used in socio-political change and enforcement."
I've reviewed the British Library's new Secret Maps exhibition for @trebuchetmag.bsky.social. Check it here 👇 www.trebuchet-magazine.com/secret-maps-...
I've reviewed the British Library's new Secret Maps exhibition for @trebuchetmag.bsky.social. Check it here 👇 www.trebuchet-magazine.com/secret-maps-...
"I don't often dream, but when I do, I dream about Kylie Minogue's hotpants." - Nick Cave
Preview episodes of the forthcoming TV adaptation of Nick Cave's The Death of Bunny Munro novel, plus a chat with Lord Cave and Matt Smith (who plays Bunny) at the Royal Festival Hall last night. Cosy.
Preview episodes of the forthcoming TV adaptation of Nick Cave's The Death of Bunny Munro novel, plus a chat with Lord Cave and Matt Smith (who plays Bunny) at the Royal Festival Hall last night. Cosy.
October 31, 2025 at 11:19 AM
"I don't often dream, but when I do, I dream about Kylie Minogue's hotpants." - Nick Cave
Preview episodes of the forthcoming TV adaptation of Nick Cave's The Death of Bunny Munro novel, plus a chat with Lord Cave and Matt Smith (who plays Bunny) at the Royal Festival Hall last night. Cosy.
Preview episodes of the forthcoming TV adaptation of Nick Cave's The Death of Bunny Munro novel, plus a chat with Lord Cave and Matt Smith (who plays Bunny) at the Royal Festival Hall last night. Cosy.
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Discover more about Art Nouveau in the UK with this new story by Simon Coates 👉 https://artuk.org/discover/stories/art-nouveau-in-the-uk-how-british-artists-drew-influence-from-europe
'Frontispiece for 'Venus and Tannhauser'' by Aubrey Beardsley (1872–1898) 📷 The Higgins Bedford
'Frontispiece for 'Venus and Tannhauser'' by Aubrey Beardsley (1872–1898) 📷 The Higgins Bedford
October 25, 2025 at 8:11 AM
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'Art Nouveau in the UK: how British artists drew influence from Europe' - my latest for Art UK looks at how the Art Nouveau movement became a fixture of UK art and design. Check it here 👉 artuk.org/discover/sto...
October 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
'Art Nouveau in the UK: how British artists drew influence from Europe' - my latest for Art UK looks at how the Art Nouveau movement became a fixture of UK art and design. Check it here 👉 artuk.org/discover/sto...
Heartening to see that Sonita has just started her Master's degree at Oxford University. www.service95.com/sonita-aliza...
Sonita Alizadeh: The Afghan Rapper Fighting Child Marriage Through Her Lyrics
“My heart breaks to know that, once again, the monsters of my story are in power. But I want them to know, amidst all the darkness surrounding Afghanistan, Afghan women and girls will not give up.
www.service95.com
October 19, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Heartening to see that Sonita has just started her Master's degree at Oxford University. www.service95.com/sonita-aliza...
Natalie Bergman and band took the roof off North London last night - Union Chapel really is a magnificent venue. Support from Laura-Mary Carter, ex-Blood Red Shoes.
September 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Natalie Bergman and band took the roof off North London last night - Union Chapel really is a magnificent venue. Support from Laura-Mary Carter, ex-Blood Red Shoes.
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Back for a new season tomorrow on @resonancefm.bsky.social at 10pm. An hour of the finest new worldwide experimental/unusual music including Bea Brennan, MOIM and Pat Thomas. stream.resonance.fm/resonance, 104.4FM in Central London or DAB Greater London.
September 21, 2025 at 11:19 AM
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Some would say that even the racist flag-shaggers™ need a deliciously ironic immigrant snacky snack before breaking the nose of the Met Police @metpoliceuk.bsky.social
📼 via tiktok.com/@arowah_/vid...
🥡 @southbankcentre.bsky.social Food Market
📼 via tiktok.com/@arowah_/vid...
🥡 @southbankcentre.bsky.social Food Market
September 14, 2025 at 12:11 PM
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1000s came to London yesterday to counter the racist march against decency. Before they marched, racists were seen buying food from Indian & Eastern European food stalls. After eating, they marched onwards, demanding migrants be thrown out of the country. Photos here are of the anti-racist marchers.
September 14, 2025 at 7:12 AM
1000s came to London yesterday to counter the racist march against decency. Before they marched, racists were seen buying food from Indian & Eastern European food stalls. After eating, they marched onwards, demanding migrants be thrown out of the country. Photos here are of the anti-racist marchers.
Tiny-minded local residents are still trying to get Cornwall's Boardmasters festival censured for programming Bob Vylan, even though the whole thing took place in Aug and went off without a hitch 👍 completemusicupdate.com/cornwall-cou...
Cornwall Council will hold meeting about ‘safety risks’ of Bob Vylan’s August Boardmasters performance - even through there weren’t any
After Bob Vylan’s controversial Glasto set, political activists in Cornwall said the duo’s booking to play Boardmasters in August raised safety concerns. A Cornwall Council committee will discuss thos...
completemusicupdate.com
September 12, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Tiny-minded local residents are still trying to get Cornwall's Boardmasters festival censured for programming Bob Vylan, even though the whole thing took place in Aug and went off without a hitch 👍 completemusicupdate.com/cornwall-cou...
I spoke with artists Jane and Louise Wilson about their uncannily prescient artwork and their new Performance of Entrapment installation at London's Bloomberg SPACE building for The New World magazine. Check it here ⤵️ www.thenewworld.co.uk/simon-coates...
Jane and Louise Wilson, the twins who saw it coming
The uncanny art of Jane and Louise Wilson uncovers the future hidden inside surveillance footage, irradiated film and ancient wood
www.thenewworld.co.uk
September 12, 2025 at 9:52 AM
I spoke with artists Jane and Louise Wilson about their uncannily prescient artwork and their new Performance of Entrapment installation at London's Bloomberg SPACE building for The New World magazine. Check it here ⤵️ www.thenewworld.co.uk/simon-coates...
This looks good - a screening of the 1926 documentary 'Grass' about the migration of Iran’s Bakhtiari tribes, with live musical accompaniment from Peyman Yazdanian. This Fri at Kings Place in London. www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/cla...
Screening of the silent masterpiece Grass (1925) with live music by Peyman Yazdanian • Classical • Kings Place
Join us for an exclusive evening celebrating the centenary of the silent cinema classic Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life (1925), to be screened in a brand-new restoration courtesy of the Museum of Mo...
www.kingsplace.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 10:13 AM
This looks good - a screening of the 1926 documentary 'Grass' about the migration of Iran’s Bakhtiari tribes, with live musical accompaniment from Peyman Yazdanian. This Fri at Kings Place in London. www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/cla...
I've been writing for the mighty GRAMMYs website again, this time looking at how and why 1985 was a year of seismic change for reggae music, from Sly & Robbie's productions to the Sleng Teng riddim. Check it all here ⤵️
Why 1985 Was A Landmark Year For Reggae: From The GRAMMYs To Sleng Teng | GRAMMY.com
2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the first GRAMMY Award for reggae music, as well as a wealth of milestones in Jamaican music history. From Barrington Levy's hit record to the advent of ragga, 1985 ...
www.grammy.com
September 4, 2025 at 5:36 PM
I've been writing for the mighty GRAMMYs website again, this time looking at how and why 1985 was a year of seismic change for reggae music, from Sly & Robbie's productions to the Sleng Teng riddim. Check it all here ⤵️
Reposted by Simon Coates
Another fine price of writing Simon, I love reading these as there’s always something to learn, especially about the music I’m not really into. I knew all the releases by sight but had only ever ventured into the world of Burial. The first two album blew my mind, like FSOL living in Croydon.
August 30, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Another fine price of writing Simon, I love reading these as there’s always something to learn, especially about the music I’m not really into. I knew all the releases by sight but had only ever ventured into the world of Burial. The first two album blew my mind, like FSOL living in Croydon.