Biography
Drawing parallels in purpose with orchestral pop acts like the Divine Comedy, My Life Story, and Eric Matthews, Simon Warner draws from influences ranging from Bowie and Marc Bolan to Jacques Brel. Born to parents devoted to classical music, Warner initially rejected that world in favor of punk rock, yet a viewing of one of Brel's films reignited his regard for more sophisticated musicians. Although songwriting began for him during the mid-'80s, unemployment defined much of that period. His recordings in 1996 prompted Rough Trade Records to offer a contract, leading him to arrange strings for Jewel and the Sneaker Pimps. The release of his first album, Waiting Rooms, occurred in May 1997.