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'''Simon Philip N. Collins'''{{cn|date=July 2013}} (born September 14, 1976){{cn|date=July 2013}} is a [[United Kingdom|British]]-[[Canada|Canadian]] musician, drummer and lead vocalist of the [[progressive rock]] band, [[Sound of Contact]]. Collins is the son of English drummer and singer [[Phil Collins]] and Collins' first wife, Andrea Bertorelli.<ref name="xtra">[http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/Simon_Collins_grand_entrance-1149.aspx Simon Collins' Grand Entrance: On his music, his famous dad and coming out.] Xtra. Retrieved November 7, 2008</ref> He is also the half-brother of actresses [[Joely Collins]] and [[Lily Collins]].<ref name="collinskids">{{Cite news|last=Gee|first=Dana|title=Playing to their own beats: Phil Collins' kids are making their own marks in life: [Final Edition]|work=The Province|date=4 May 1999}}</ref><ref name="lilycollins">[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2934314/bio Lily Collins - Biography - IMDb.] IMDb. Retrieved 15 March 2014.</ref> Reviewers have compared his vocals to his father's.<ref name="vocal">''The Toledo Blade.'' Tharp, Bridget. [http://www.toledoblade.com/Music-Theater-Dance/2008/08/17/Sounds-Simon-Collins-forges-his-own-musical-identity.html "Sounds: Simon Collins forges his own musical identity"]. August 16, 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2013.</ref><ref name="unconditional_debut">[http://top40.about.com/b/2008/09/04/simon-collins-follows-his-father-phil-into-the-pop-charts.htm Simon Collins Follows His Father Phil Into the Pop Charts.] About.com. Retrieved 29 April 2013.</ref><ref name="debutalbum">{{Cite news|last=Gold|first=Kerry|title=Genesis of a music dynasty: Not Daddy's boy: Simon Collins is determined to make his own name in pop music, despite the baggage of being Phil's son.: [Final Edition]|work=The Vancouver Sun|date=10 June 2000}}</ref>
'''Simon Philip N. Collins'''{{cn|date=July 2013}} (born September 14, 1976){{cn|date=July 2013}} is a [[United Kingdom|British]]-[[Canada|Canadian]] musician, drummer and lead vocalist of the [[progressive rock]] band, [[Sound of Contact]]. Collins is the son of English drummer and singer [[Phil Collins]] and Collins' first wife, Andrea Bertorelli.<ref name="xtra">[http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/Simon_Collins_grand_entrance-1149.aspx Simon Collins' Grand Entrance: On his music, his famous dad and coming out.] Xtra. Retrieved November 7, 2008</ref> He is also the half-brother of actresses [[Joely Collins]] and [[Lily Collins]].<ref name="collinskids">{{Cite news|last=Gee|first=Dana|title=Playing to their own beats: Phil Collins' kids are making their own marks in life: [Final Edition]|work=The Province|date=4 May 1999}}</ref><ref name="lilycollins">[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2934314/bio Lily Collins - Biography - IMDb.] IMDb. Retrieved 15 March 2014.</ref> Reviewers have compared his vocals to his father's.<ref name="vocal">''The Toledo Blade.'' Tharp, Bridget. [http://www.toledoblade.com/Music-Theater-Dance/2008/08/17/Sounds-Simon-Collins-forges-his-own-musical-identity.html "Sounds: Simon Collins forges his own musical identity"]. August 16, 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2013.</ref><ref name="unconditional_debut">[http://top40.about.com/b/2008/09/04/simon-collins-follows-his-father-phil-into-the-pop-charts.htm Simon Collins Follows His Father Phil Into the Pop Charts.] About.com. Retrieved 29 April 2013.</ref><ref name="debutalbum">{{Cite news|last=Gold|first=Kerry|title=Genesis of a music dynasty: Not Daddy's boy: Simon Collins is determined to make his own name in pop music, despite the baggage of being Phil's son.: [Final Edition]|work=The Vancouver Sun|date=10 June 2000}}</ref>


==Biography==
==Early life==
Born in [[London]], [[England]], Collins moved to [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia ]]<nowiki/>when he was eight years old.<ref name="debutalbum" /><ref name="bio">[http://www.simoncollins.com/?page_id=2 Bio | Simon Collins Official Website.] SimonCollins.com. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> He lived with his mother, Andrea, and half-sister, Joely, in nearby [[Richmond, British Columbia|Richmond, B.C.]] for most of his early life.{{cn}}
Born in [[London]], [[England]], Collins moved to [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia ]]<nowiki/>when he was eight years old.<ref name="debutalbum" /><ref name="bio">[http://www.simoncollins.com/?page_id=2 Bio | Simon Collins Official Website.] SimonCollins.com. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> He lived with his mother, Andrea, and half-sister, Joely, in nearby [[Richmond, British Columbia|Richmond]] for most of his early life. In 1991, Simon's parents were involved in a court battle at the [[Supreme Court of British Columbia]] to gain possession of his father's million-dollar estate in Vancouver's [[Shaughnessy, Vancouver|Shaughnessy]] neighborhood.<ref name="collinsestate">{{Cite news|last=Edge|first=Marc|title=Phil Collins wins fight over house: B.C. Supreme Court decides against ex-wife: [1* Edition]|work=The Province|date=23 Oct 1991}}</ref> Described as a means of a better education for Simon and Joely and other lifestyle considerations, their mother sought to acquire the house.<ref name="collinsestate" /> Their father had previously placed the estate in an irrevocable [[land trust]] in 1987, however, to be owned by both children jointly in adulthood. Their father succeeded in retaining control of the estate until Simon's nineteenth birthday, as the judge ruled in October 1991 he was not old enough to sign his half of the estate to his mother as she had intended.<ref name="collinsestate" /><ref name="collinsestate2">{{Cite news|title=Phil Collins's manic mansion: [ONT Edition]]|work=Toronto Star|date=24 Oct 1991}}</ref> Simon and Joely concluded their [[secondary education]] at [[Point Grey Secondary School]] in Vancouver.<ref name="simonstruggles">{{Cite news|last=Quan|first=Douglas|title=Simon Collins struggles to be more than `son of Phil': Vancouver- raised musician releases debut CD of `Euro-space-pop': [Final Edition]|work=The Ottawa Citizen|date=2 June 2000}}</ref>


⚫
He first became involved with music when he was six after his father purchased for him a [[Tama Drums|Tama]] drum kit.<ref name="collinskids" /><ref name="bio_interview">[http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/musicians-corner/sound-of-contact-interview Sound of Contact Progressive Rock Band Interview | Audioholics.] Audioholics. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> Collins would practice drumming by playing to the music albums in his parents' record collection as well as when accompanying his father while on tour with [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]].<ref name="bio_interview" /> Collins' experiences on tour allowed him to be mentored by his father and by the band's touring drummer, [[Chester Thompson]].<ref name="bio_interview" /><ref name="bio_3">[http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2008/10/simon-collins/#.UeyCCm2uS2k Simon Collins.] Modern Drummer. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> Though he had a percussion instructor when he was ten, Collins preferred drumming to artists such as [[Stewart Copeland]], [[Gavin Harrison]], and [[Keith Moon]]<nowiki/> over his formal lessons in [[jazz drumming]].<ref name="bio_interview" /> Simon made his first onstage appearance alongside his father at the age of 12, performing drums on "[[Easy Lover]]."<ref name="timefortruth_busy">{{Cite news|last=Ahearn|first=Victoria|title=Simon Collins has no time to 'Phil': Rocker too busy to play with dad on latest tour: [Final Edition]|work=Prince George Citizen|date=19 Oct 2005}}</ref> He also appeared onstage for a performance during the [[Seriously, Live! World Tour]].<ref name="timefortruth_busy" />
In 1991, Collins' parents were involved in a court battle at the [[Supreme Court of British Columbia]] to gain possession of his father's million-dollar estate in Vancouver's [[Shaughnessy, Vancouver|Shaughnessy]] neighborhood.<ref name="collinsestate">{{Cite news|last=Edge|first=Marc|title=Phil Collins wins fight over house: B.C. Supreme Court decides against ex-wife: [1* Edition]|work=The Province|date=23 Oct 1991}}</ref> Described as a means of a better education for Simon and Joely and other lifestyle considerations, their mother sought to acquire the house.<ref name="collinsestate" /> Their father had previously placed the estate in an irrevocable [[land trust]] in 1987, however, to be owned by both children jointly in adulthood. Their father succeeded in retaining control of the estate until Simon's nineteenth birthday, as the judge ruled in October 1991 he was not old enough to sign his half of the estate to his mother as she had intended.<ref name="collinsestate" /><ref name="collinsestate2">{{Cite news|title=Phil Collins's manic mansion: [ONT Edition]]|work=Toronto Star|date=24 Oct 1991}}</ref>


⚫
In his early teens, Collins learned to play the piano and began to develop his songwriting and singing abilities.<ref name="bio interview" /><ref name="bio_2">[http://www.maplemusic.com/artists/sic/bio.asp Simon Collins Biography.] MapleMusic. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> While he exclusively played drums in numerous [[hard rock]] bands beginning at the age of 14, Collins wanted to pursue singing, songwriting, and a more diverse selection of music styles, including [[pop music|pop]], [[progressive rock]], [[rock and roll]], [[punk rock|punk]], [[grunge]], and [[electronica]].<ref name="debutalbum" /><ref name="bio" /> According to Collins, he did not wish to spend his life drumming to other people's music.<ref name="debutalbum" /> His early songwriting material was rejected by the heavier rock bands he played for due to its pop style. Before beginning his solo career, Collins was a member of the local punk band Jet Set.<ref name="debutalbum" />
Collins is a graduate of Vancouver's [[Point Grey Secondary School]].<ref name="simonstruggles">{{Cite news|last=Quan|first=Douglas|title=Simon Collins struggles to be more than `son of Phil': Vancouver- raised musician releases debut CD of `Euro-space-pop': [Final Edition]|work=The Ottawa Citizen|date=2 June 2000}}</ref>


⚫
In his late teens, Collins worked part-time as a [[disc jockey]] in Vancouver's [[rave]] scene.<ref name="simonstruggles" /> This experience culminated in a collaborative project with his sister Joely, a documentary about raves called ''Summer Love''.<ref name="simonstruggles" /> He also developed a passion for [[astronomy]] and social issues during his youth, themes he would later revisit in his music.<ref name="timefortruth_busy" />
⚫
He first became involved with music when he was six after his father purchased for him a [[Tama Drums|Tama]] drum kit.<ref name="collinskids" /><ref name="bio_interview">[http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/musicians-corner/sound-of-contact-interview Sound of Contact Progressive Rock Band Interview | Audioholics.] Audioholics. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> Collins would practice drumming by playing to the music albums in his parents' record collection as well as when accompanying his father while on tour with [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]].<ref name="bio_interview" /> By being on tour with Genesis, Collins was able to be mentored on the drums by his father and the band's touring drummer, [[Chester Thompson]].<ref name="bio_interview" /><ref name="bio_3">[http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2008/10/simon-collins/#.UeyCCm2uS2k Simon Collins.] Modern Drummer. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> Though he had a percussion instructor when he was ten, Collins preferred drumming to artists such as [[Stewart Copeland]], [[Gavin Harrison]], and [[Keith Moon]]<nowiki/> over his formal lessons in [[jazz drumming]].<ref name="bio_interview" /> Collins made his first onstage appearance alongside his father at the age of 12, playing drums on "[[Easy Lover]]."<ref name="timefortruth_busy">{{Cite news|last=Ahearn|first=Victoria|title=Simon Collins has no time to 'Phil': Rocker too busy to play with dad on latest tour: [Final Edition]|work=Prince George Citizen|date=19 Oct 2005}}</ref> He later appeared onstage performing during the [[Seriously, Live! World Tour]].<ref name="timefortruth_busy" />

⚫
In his early teens, Collins learned to play the piano and began to develop his songwriting and singing skill.<ref name="bio interview" /><ref name="bio_2">[http://www.maplemusic.com/artists/sic/bio.asp Simon Collins Biography.] MapleMusic. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> While he played drums in numerous [[hard rock]] bands beginning at age 14, Collins wanted to pursue singing, songwriting, and diversity in music styles, including [[pop music|pop]], [[progressive rock]], [[rock and roll]], [[punk rock|punk]], [[grunge]], and [[electronica]].<ref name="debutalbum" /><ref name="bio" /> His early compositions were rejected by the heavier rock bands he played for because of their pop style. Before beginning his solo career, Collins was a member of the local punk band Jet Set.<ref name="debutalbum" />

⚫
In his late teens, Collins worked part-time as a [[disc jockey]] in Vancouver's [[rave]] scene.<ref name="simonstruggles" /> His knowledge of the rave scene was the inspiration for a video project with his sister Joely, a documentary about raves titled ''Summer Love''.<ref name="simonstruggles" /> Collins has a love of [[astronomy]] and interest in social issues, themes that are now present in his music.<ref name="timefortruth_busy" />


==Music career==
==Music career==
===Solo career and collaborations===
===Solo career and collaborations===
Collins was signed by [[Warner Music Group|Warner Music]] following a release of demo tapes he had recorded in 2000.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="bio_2" /> It was at this time that Collins moved from Vancouver to [[Frankfurt]], [[Germany]], where his debut album ''[[All of Who You Are]]'' was released.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="timefortruth_busy" /> The album saw 100,000 copies sold in Germany and three singles were released off it: "Pride", "Money Maker" and "Shine Through".<ref>[http://www.discogs.com/artist/Simon+Collins Simon Collins discography] Discogs.com. Retrieved 5 June 2009.</ref> The album's sales have been attributed to the success of the single, "Pride."<ref name="brooksbulletin">''The Brooks Bulletin.'' Brown, Rob. [http://www.quirkcreative.ca/writing/SimonCollins.pdf "Canadian Simon Collins releases first US album"]. n.d. Retrieved 22 July 2013.</ref> The second single, "Shine Through", was co-written by Collins and [[Howard Jones (musician)|Howard Jones]].<ref name="debutalbum" /> Collins turned down his father's offer to produce the album, saying, "That's too close. People would say he wrote the songs, did everything."<ref name="collinskids" /><ref name="debutalbum" />
Following the recording and release of demo tapes in 2000, Collins was contacted and signed by [[Warner Music Group|Warner Music]].<ref name="bio" /><ref name="bio_2" /> Shortly thereafter, Collins moved from Vancouver to [[Frankfurt]], [[Germany]], where his debut album ''[[All of Who You Are]]'' was released.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="timefortruth_busy" /> The album sold 100,000 copies in Germany with three singles released: "Pride", "Money Maker" and "Shine Through".<ref>[http://www.discogs.com/artist/Simon+Collins Simon Collins discography] Discogs.com. Retrieved 5 June 2009.</ref> His father wished to produce the album originally, but the younger Collins declined, claiming "that's too close. People would say he wrote the songs, did everything."<ref name="collinskids" /><ref name="debutalbum" /> Keeping his father's involvement to a minimum, according to him, was "a matter of survival."<ref name="debutalbum" /> The album's success has been attributed to the success of his debut single, "Pride."<ref name="brooksbulletin">''The Brooks Bulletin.'' Brown, Rob. [http://www.quirkcreative.ca/writing/SimonCollins.pdf "Canadian Simon Collins releases first US album"]. n.d. Retrieved 22 July 2013.</ref> Collins co-wrote the second single, "Shine Through", with [[Howard Jones (musician)|Howard Jones]].<ref name="debutalbum" /> The two met backstage when Collins was 11 years old, prior to his father's appearance on the show, ''[[This Is Your Life (UK TV series)|This Is Your Life]]''.<ref name="debutalbum" />


In 2003, Collins left Warner Music and returned to Vancouver to start his own record label, Lightyears Music.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="timefortruth_busy" /> On the Lightyears label two years later, Collins released his second album, ''[[Time for Truth]]''.<ref name="bio" /> He played a variety of instruments on the album in addition to providing the majority of the vocals.<ref name="xtra" /> In 2007, he recorded a cover of [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]]' ''[[Abacab]]'' track "[[Keep It Dark]]," as a tribute to Genesis, with keyboardist and co-producer [[Dave Kerzner|Dave Kerzner]]<nowiki/>.<ref name="brooksbulletin" /> During production of "Keep it Dark", Collins met Kevin Churko, who mixed and mastered the recording;<ref name="bio" /> Collins later had Churko work with him on the production of his third album, ''[[U-Catastrophe]]''.<ref name="u-catastrophe">[http://www.allmusic.com/album/u-catastrophe--mw0000795587/credits Simon Collins, ''U-Catastrophe'' credits.] Allmusic. Retrieved 29 April 2013.</ref>
In 2003, Collins ended his relationship with Warner Music and returned to Vancouver to start his own record label, Lightyears Music.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="timefortruth_busy" /> That year, he threatened to sue the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] and [[Montreal]] filmmaker Alan Handel for their inaccurate depiction of him in the documentary, ''Singing in the Shadow: The Children of Rock Royalty''.<ref name="cbclawsuit">{{Cite news|title=Collins' son threatens to sue CBC filmmaker: [Final Edition]|work=Nanaimo Daily News|date=15 Sep 2003}}</ref> Two years later, Collins and Lightyears released his second album, ''[[Time for Truth]]''.<ref name="bio" /> Collins played a variety of instruments on the album in addition to providing the majority of the vocals.<ref name="xtra" /> During his promotional efforts for the album in Canada, Collins declined being the opening act for his father's "Finally, The First Farewell Tour" in Frankfurt, Germany due to a busy schedule.<ref name="timefortruth_busy" /> In 2007, he recorded a cover of [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]]' ''[[Abacab]]'' track "[[Keep It Dark]]", with keyboardist and co-producer [[Dave Kerzner|Dave Kerzner, ]]<nowiki/>as a tribute to Genesis.<ref name="brooksbulletin" /> During production of "Keep it Dark", Collins met Kevin Churko, who mixed and mastered the recording,<ref name="bio" /> leading Collins to collaborate with Churko on the production of his third album, ''[[U-Catastrophe]]''.<ref name="u-catastrophe">[http://www.allmusic.com/album/u-catastrophe--mw0000795587/credits Simon Collins, ''U-Catastrophe'' credits.] Allmusic. Retrieved 29 April 2013.</ref>


''U-Catastrophe'', released in 2008 on [[iTunes]], became Collins' first North American recording project. The album's first single, "Unconditional", debuted on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks]] chart at #30 in September 2008.<ref name="unconditional_debut" /> It later peaked at #12 on Billboard in November 2008<ref name="unconditional_chart">[http://www.allmusic.com/artist/simon-collins-mn0000715968/awards Simon Collins | Awards | AllMusic] AllMusic. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> as well as charted on the [[Canadian Hot 100]] in the same month. Kerzner, Kelly Nordstrom, and [[Steve Hackett]] were featured on "Fast Forward the Future"; Phil Collins appeared on "The Big Bang".<ref name="u-catastrophe" />
''U-Catastrophe'', was released in August 2008 on [[iTunes]], becoming his first North American record. The album's first single, "Unconditional", debuted on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks]] chart at #30 on September 4, 2008,<ref name="unconditional_debut" /> and peaked at #12 on this chart in November 2008.<ref name="unconditional_chart">[http://www.allmusic.com/artist/simon-collins-mn0000715968/awards Simon Collins | Awards | AllMusic] AllMusic. Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> The single also reached the [[Canadian Hot 100]] the same month. The album featured Kerzner, Kelly Nordstrom, [[Steve Hackett]] on "Fast Forward the Future" and Phil Collins on "The Big Bang".<ref name="u-catastrophe" />


===Sound of Contact===
===Sound of Contact===
In late 2009, Collins approached Kerzner with the idea of forming a new band. Subsequently, the pair contacted their colleagues and writing partners Matt Dorsey and Kelly Nordstrom, and the four began work on a new project at [[Greenhouse Studios]] in Vancouver.<ref name="soundofcontactbio">[http://www.soundofcontact.com/bio/ Sound of Contact biography.] Sound of Contact. Retrieved 29 April 2013.</ref> In December 2012, the group formally announced the the band's name: [[Sound of Contact]]. The makeup of the band included Collins on lead vocals and drums, Kerzner on keyboards, Dorsey on bass and Nordstrom on guitar. Sound of Contact's debut album, ''[[Dimensionaut]]'', was released in May 2013, co-produced by Collins and Kerzner.<ref name="progrockmag">[http://www.progrockmag.com/news/sound-of-contact-sign-with-insideout/ Sound of Contact Signs With InsideOut.] Prog Rock Magazine. Retrieved 28 April 2013.</ref> The band received the "Limelight" award for Best New Group at the second-annual Progressive Music Awards held in September 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.progrockmag.com/news/prog-awards-2013-the-winners/|title=Prog Awards 2013 - The Winners!|publisher=Prog Rock Magazine|date=3 September 2013|accessdate=4 September 2013}}</ref><ref>[http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2013/09/ian-anderson-steve-hackett-marillion.html Ian Anderson, Steve Hackett, Marillion, Family Among Progressive Music Award Winners.] VVN Music. Retrieved 19 April 2014.</ref> By January 2014, Kerzner and Nordstrom had both left the group.<ref>[http://www.insideoutmusic.com/newsdetailed.aspx?IdNews=13841&IdCompany=8 Inside Out Music - 09 January 2014 - Sound Of Contact: announces departure of keyboard player Dave Kerzner]</ref>
In late 2009, Collins approached Kerzner with the idea of forming a new band. Subsequently, the pair contacted their colleagues and writing partners Matt Dorsey and Kelly Nordstrom, and the four began work on a new project at [[Greenhouse Studios]] in Vancouver.<ref name="soundofcontactbio">[http://www.soundofcontact.com/bio/ Sound of Contact biography.] Sound of Contact. Retrieved 29 April 2013.</ref> In December 2012, the band announced their band identity, [[Sound of Contact]], with Collins on lead vocals and drums, Kerzner on keyboards, Dorsey on bass and Nordstrom on guitar. Prior to that, in early 2012, Collins participated with Kerzner in the recording of Steve Hackett's Genesis tribute album, ''[[Genesis Revisited II]]'', contributing vocals and keyboard to a cover of "[[Supper's Ready]]."<ref name="genrevisited2">[http://ultimateclassicrock.com/steve-hackett-genesis-revisited-ii-album-premiere/ Steve Hackett, 'Genesis Revisited II' - Album Premiere.] Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 28 April 2013.</ref> Sound of Contact's debut album, ''[[Dimensionaut]]'', was released in May 2013, co-produced by Collins and Kerzner.<ref name="progrockmag">[http://www.progrockmag.com/news/sound-of-contact-sign-with-insideout/ Sound of Contact Signs With InsideOut.] Prog Rock Magazine. Retrieved 28 April 2013.</ref> The band received the "Limelight" award for Best New Group at the second-annual Progressive Music Awards held in September 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.progrockmag.com/news/prog-awards-2013-the-winners/|title=Prog Awards 2013 - The Winners!|publisher=Prog Rock Magazine|date=3 September 2013|accessdate=4 September 2013}}</ref><ref>[http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2013/09/ian-anderson-steve-hackett-marillion.html Ian Anderson, Steve Hackett, Marillion, Family Among Progressive Music Award Winners.] VVN Music. Retrieved 19 April 2014.</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==

Revision as of 04:42, 2 May 2014

This article is about the British-born musician. For the English footballer, see Simon Collins (footballer).
Simon Collins
producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, drums, piano, guitar
Years active1999–present
LabelsInside Out, Lightyears
Websitewww.simoncollins.com

Simon Philip N. Collins[citation needed] (born September 14, 1976)[citation needed] is a British-Canadian musician, drummer and lead vocalist of the progressive rock band, Sound of Contact. Collins is the son of English drummer and singer Phil Collins and Collins' first wife, Andrea Bertorelli.[1] He is also the half-brother of actresses Joely Collins and Lily Collins.[2][3] Reviewers have compared his vocals to his father's.[4][5][6]

Early life

Born in London, England, Collins moved to Vancouver, British Columbia when he was eight years old.[6][7] He lived with his mother, Andrea, and half-sister, Joely, in nearby Richmond for most of his early life. In 1991, Simon's parents were involved in a court battle at the Supreme Court of British Columbia to gain possession of his father's million-dollar estate in Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighborhood.[8] Described as a means of a better education for Simon and Joely and other lifestyle considerations, their mother sought to acquire the house.[8] Their father had previously placed the estate in an irrevocable land trust in 1987, however, to be owned by both children jointly in adulthood. Their father succeeded in retaining control of the estate until Simon's nineteenth birthday, as the judge ruled in October 1991 he was not old enough to sign his half of the estate to his mother as she had intended.[8][9] Simon and Joely concluded their secondary education at Point Grey Secondary School in Vancouver.[10]

He first became involved with music when he was six after his father purchased for him a

Seriously, Live! World Tour.[13]

In his early teens, Collins learned to play the piano and began to develop his songwriting and singing abilities.[14][15] While he exclusively played drums in numerous hard rock bands beginning at the age of 14, Collins wanted to pursue singing, songwriting, and a more diverse selection of music styles, including pop, progressive rock, rock and roll, punk, grunge, and electronica.[6][7] According to Collins, he did not wish to spend his life drumming to other people's music.[6] His early songwriting material was rejected by the heavier rock bands he played for due to its pop style. Before beginning his solo career, Collins was a member of the local punk band Jet Set.[6]

In his late teens, Collins worked part-time as a disc jockey in Vancouver's rave scene.[10] This experience culminated in a collaborative project with his sister Joely, a documentary about raves called Summer Love.[10] He also developed a passion for astronomy and social issues during his youth, themes he would later revisit in his music.[13]

Music career

Solo career and collaborations

Following the recording and release of demo tapes in 2000, Collins was contacted and signed by

This Is Your Life.[6]

In 2003, Collins ended his relationship with Warner Music and returned to Vancouver to start his own record label, Lightyears Music.[7][13] That year, he threatened to sue the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Montreal filmmaker Alan Handel for their inaccurate depiction of him in the documentary, Singing in the Shadow: The Children of Rock Royalty.[18] Two years later, Collins and Lightyears released his second album, Time for Truth.[7] Collins played a variety of instruments on the album in addition to providing the majority of the vocals.[1] During his promotional efforts for the album in Canada, Collins declined being the opening act for his father's "Finally, The First Farewell Tour" in Frankfurt, Germany due to a busy schedule.[13] In 2007, he recorded a cover of Genesis' Abacab track "Keep It Dark", with keyboardist and co-producer Dave Kerzner, as a tribute to Genesis.[17] During production of "Keep it Dark", Collins met Kevin Churko, who mixed and mastered the recording,[7] leading Collins to collaborate with Churko on the production of his third album, U-Catastrophe.[19]

U-Catastrophe, was released in August 2008 on

Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart at #30 on September 4, 2008,[5] and peaked at #12 on this chart in November 2008.[20] The single also reached the Canadian Hot 100 the same month. The album featured Kerzner, Kelly Nordstrom, Steve Hackett on "Fast Forward the Future" and Phil Collins on "The Big Bang".[19]

Sound of Contact

In late 2009, Collins approached Kerzner with the idea of forming a new band. Subsequently, the pair contacted their colleagues and writing partners Matt Dorsey and Kelly Nordstrom, and the four began work on a new project at Greenhouse Studios in Vancouver.[21] In December 2012, the band announced their band identity, Sound of Contact, with Collins on lead vocals and drums, Kerzner on keyboards, Dorsey on bass and Nordstrom on guitar. Prior to that, in early 2012, Collins participated with Kerzner in the recording of Steve Hackett's Genesis tribute album, Genesis Revisited II, contributing vocals and keyboard to a cover of "Supper's Ready."[22] Sound of Contact's debut album, Dimensionaut, was released in May 2013, co-produced by Collins and Kerzner.[23] The band received the "Limelight" award for Best New Group at the second-annual Progressive Music Awards held in September 2013.[24][25]

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Album
CAN US AC
1999 "Pride" 41 — All of Who You Are
2000 "Money Maker" — —
"Shine Through" — —
2005 "Man on TV" — — Time for Truth
"Hold On" — —
2008 "Unconditional" 99 12 U-Catastrophe
"Powerless" — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Sound of Contact

With other artists

External links

References

  1. ^ a b Simon Collins' Grand Entrance: On his music, his famous dad and coming out. Xtra. Retrieved November 7, 2008
  2. ^ a b c Gee, Dana (4 May 1999). "Playing to their own beats: Phil Collins' kids are making their own marks in life: [Final Edition]". The Province.
  3. ^ Lily Collins - Biography - IMDb. IMDb. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  4. ^ The Toledo Blade. Tharp, Bridget. "Sounds: Simon Collins forges his own musical identity". August 16, 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  5. ^ a b Simon Collins Follows His Father Phil Into the Pop Charts. About.com. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i Gold, Kerry (10 June 2000). "Genesis of a music dynasty: Not Daddy's boy: Simon Collins is determined to make his own name in pop music, despite the baggage of being Phil's son.: [Final Edition]". The Vancouver Sun.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Bio | Simon Collins Official Website. SimonCollins.com. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  8. ^ a b c Edge, Marc (23 Oct 1991). "Phil Collins wins fight over house: B.C. Supreme Court decides against ex-wife: [1* Edition]". The Province.
  9. ^ "Phil Collins's manic mansion: [ONT Edition]]". Toronto Star. 24 Oct 1991.
  10. ^ a b c Quan, Douglas (2 June 2000). "Simon Collins struggles to be more than `son of Phil': Vancouver- raised musician releases debut CD of `Euro-space-pop': [Final Edition]". The Ottawa Citizen.
  11. ^ a b c d Sound of Contact Progressive Rock Band Interview | Audioholics. Audioholics. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  12. ^ Simon Collins. Modern Drummer. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  13. ^ a b c d e f Ahearn, Victoria (19 Oct 2005). "Simon Collins has no time to 'Phil': Rocker too busy to play with dad on latest tour: [Final Edition]". Prince George Citizen.
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference bio interview was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ a b Simon Collins Biography. MapleMusic. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  16. ^ Simon Collins discography Discogs.com. Retrieved 5 June 2009.
  17. ^ a b The Brooks Bulletin. Brown, Rob. "Canadian Simon Collins releases first US album". n.d. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  18. ^ "Collins' son threatens to sue CBC filmmaker: [Final Edition]". Nanaimo Daily News. 15 Sep 2003.
  19. ^ a b Simon Collins, U-Catastrophe credits. Allmusic. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  20. ^ Simon Collins | Awards | AllMusic AllMusic. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  21. ^ Sound of Contact biography. Sound of Contact. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  22. ^ Steve Hackett, 'Genesis Revisited II' - Album Premiere. Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  23. ^ Sound of Contact Signs With InsideOut. Prog Rock Magazine. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  24. ^ "Prog Awards 2013 - The Winners!". Prog Rock Magazine. 3 September 2013. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  25. ^ Ian Anderson, Steve Hackett, Marillion, Family Among Progressive Music Award Winners. VVN Music. Retrieved 19 April 2014.

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