Matthew Simms | |
---|---|
Origin | England |
Genres | Post-punk, experimental rock, electronic, alternative rock |
Occupation | Guitarist |
Instrument(s) | Guitar, electric organ |
Labels | Pink Flag, ORG Music |
Matthew Simms is an English guitarist best known for his work with the band Wire.[1]
Simms formed the band It Hugs Back with schoolmates Paul Michael, Jack Theedom and Will Blackaby.[3] Their debut album, Inside Your Guitar, was released in 2009.[4][5] Their second album, Laughing Party, was released in 2012.[6]
In 2010 Simms joined Wire for their Red Barked Tree tour[7] initially as a touring guitarist but then as a full member of the band.[7] The first Wire album Simms appeared on was 2013's Change Becomes Us.[8] He went on to appear on: Wire,[8] Nocturnal Koreans,[8] Silver/Lead,[8] and Mind Hive (2020).[9]
Since joining Wire Simms has balanced his work with both Wire and It Hugs Back.[6]
With fellow Wire-mate Graham Lewis Simms joined bassist Mike Watt (Minutemen) and drummer Bob Lee to form FITTED.[10] Initially formed as a one-off group for Wire's DRILL festival in Los Angeles,[10][11] the four decided to record an album.[12]
First Fits, their debut album, was recorded from 2017 to 2018[13] with Lewis and Watt trading lead vocals.[11] Training Pit Bulls For The Navy was the first single.[10]
Simms also records solo work under the pen name "Slows"[2] which is an experimental electronic project in which Simms plays electric organ.[1] He performed at London South Bank University at their inaugural Magnetic South festival in April 2016.[14]
Simms, Verity Susman and Kat Duma received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Original Music in a Documentary at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards in 2024 for their work on Tramps!.[15]