Colin Newman English musician, music producer and record label owner Date of Birth: 16.09.1954 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Music Career
2. Early Solo Projects
3. Collaboration and Experimentation
4. Partnership with Malka Spigel
5. Later Career and Swim ~ Label
6. Film and Production Work
7. Continuing Projects

Early Life and Music Career

Colin Newman was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England on September 16, 1954. He rose to prominence as a founding member of the influential post-punk band Wire. When the band went on hiatus in 1980, Newman embarked on a solo career.

Early Solo Projects

Releasing under the moniker "Colin Newman," he released his debut solo album, "A-Z," in 1980. Departing from Wire's abrasive sound, the album featured more melodic and traditional compositions. His second album, "Provisionally Entitled The Singing Fish," followed in 1981, showcasing the ambient and instrumental side of his musical exploration.

Collaboration and Experimentation

Newman's third solo album, "Not To," incorporated reworkings of Wire tracks alongside original compositions. Inspired by a grant, he traveled to India to gather field recordings. Wire reunited in 1984, but Newman continued his solo endeavors. "Commercial Suicide" (1986), released through Crammed Discs, showcased a dramatic shift towards orchestral arrangements.

Partnership with Malka Spigel

Collaborating with Malka Spigel, an Israeli rock musician and photographer, Newman produced "It Seems" (1988). This project further delved into electronic sequencing, a technique he would continue to explore. The duo's close partnership extended to their personal lives as well, as they married in 1989.

Later Career and Swim ~ Label

Newman's only truly solo release was "Bastard" (1997). This instrumental album relied heavily on guitar loops and samples. Released on his own label, Swim ~, the album was packaged with a bonus EP featuring Spigel's contributions. Newman acknowledged his wife's collaborative role in all Swim ~ releases.

Film and Production Work

Newman's "Alone" was featured in the 1991 film "The Silence of the Lambs." Cover versions of his songs have been recorded by This Mortal Coil and others. Additionally, Newman has produced, engineered, and arranged for a wide range of musicians, including the Virgin Prunes, Alain Bashung, and Hawkwind.

Continuing Projects

Newman has remained an active member of Wire since 2000. He also collaborates with Githead, a quartet formed in 2004 that includes Spigel, Max Franken, and Robin Rimbaud.