As Simon Bookish, he has made two albums for the London-based label Use Your Teeth and one for the German label TomLab:
- Unfair / Funfair (2006) - an abrasive and energetic sequence of songs whose subjects range from Euripides and Richard the Third to the invention of the Guillotine
- Trainwreck/Raincheck(2006) - a 'surreal electronic radio play' combining sound design and spoken word, concerning vibrant images of transportation.
- Everything/Everything - an album which blends experimental, classical and pop music through many scientific words, orchestral instrumentation and catchy melodies.
He has released singles on Tomlab and through Playlouder recordings, and has been asked to provide remixes for Franz Ferdinand, The Organ and Grizzly Bear. Leo is also credited with guest appearances on albums by Max de Wardener, Leafcutter John, Patrick Wolf and Saint Etienne.
Simon Bookish has presented over 50 solo performances since 2003. Venues have included the Whitechapel Art Gallery, Dover Street Market (comme des garcons store), Transition Film Lounge (Berlin), Nastyfest 2004 (Leeds), Capri Art Festival 2004, the Redgate Gallery, the Africa Centre, and the Vortex Jazz Club. His music has been broadcast on BBC Radio One and XFM, and he has presented shows on London's Resonance FM.
Leo was a member of the folk/experimental musician Leafcutter John's live band (as a vocalist). Performances in 2005/6 have included shows in Aarhus (Denmark), Berlin, Poland and Geneva.
John and Leo, together with Seb Rochford (drummer with jazz ensemble Polar Bear) and Mandy Drummond have also performed a live improvised set for BBC Radio Three's innovative show "Mixing it". (July 2006).
In 2001, he was a member of the 'Sound City' ensemble, which presented new work by director Heiner Goebbels as part of LIFT'01 at the Almeida Theatre.
He has also presented one-off performances and exhibitions, such as "MOISTURE and FUNERAL" (a spoken word and computer projection piece commissioned by the TwoSee Boutique, 2006), "Simon Bookish and C Loopseend present Fear of Music" (a deconstruction of the work of Talking Heads at Limehouse Town Hall, 2004) and contributed a piece to the sound art show "Off The Record" (Musique d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, 2004).
Portrait Of The Artist As A Fountain
Simon Bookish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Riding off into the sunset alone
Checks his ears, nose, and eyes as he travels
He's a cowboy, he's the cowboy now
A portrait of the artist as a fountain
Wishes farewell to the clowns on the way
And he says "run from fear, run from fear"
The lyrics of Simon Bookish's song "Portrait Of The Artist As A Fountain" are full of symbolism and metaphor, as the singer is portrayed as a cowboy who rides off alone into the sunset. This imagery is used to depict the journey of an artist who is forging his own path and creating his own identity. The artist checks his ears, nose, and eyes as he travels, symbolizing his self-awareness and attention to detail in his craft. The fact that he is portrayed as a cowboy highlights his individualism and independence, as well as his strength and resilience.
The artist bids farewell to the clowns on his way, implying that he is leaving behind those who do not share his artistic vision or understand his journey. He encourages them to "run from fear," which suggests that he is not afraid of taking risks, facing challenges, or embracing change. He is a leader and a role model for others who share his passion and determination.
Overall, "Portrait Of The Artist As A Fountain" is a powerful and evocative portrayal of the artists' journey, and a call to all creatives to embrace their individuality, self-awareness, and determination to pursue their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
A portrait of the artist as a fountain
The depiction of an artist as a continuously flowing, creative source of inspiration and expression.
Riding off into the sunset alone
Departing from society and embarking on a solitary journey towards a limitless horizon, where new possibilities await.
Checks his ears, nose, and eyes as he travels
Remaining alert and aware of his surroundings, using all his senses to explore new landscapes and ideas.
He's a cowboy, he's the cowboy now
Embracing the adventurous spirit of a cowboy, becoming the embodiment of free-spirited exploration and boundless imagination.
Wishes farewell to the clowns on the way
Leaving behind the superficial and distracting aspects of society, filled with illusion and deception like a circus.
And he says "run from fear, run from fear"
Encouraging others to overcome their fears and not let them hold them back from pursuing their dreams and passions.
That's what he'll say, that's what he'll say to them
Repeating his message of courage and self-discovery to those who may follow in his footsteps towards creative fulfillment.
Contributed by Ava J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.