BIOGRAPHY

Leo Chadburn (also known as Simon Bookish) is a classically-trained composer (Guildhall School of Music and Drama, 1997-2001), vocalist and live artist, whose unpredictable work includes pop and experimental albums, improvisation, remixes, performance art and scores for the theatre and contemporary dance.

As Simon Bookish, he has released the albums 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 - and TRAINWRECK/RAINCHECK (2007) - a 'surreal electronic radio play' combining sound design and spoken word, concerning vibrant images of transportation.

He has released singles on the German label 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.

In early 2007, Leo co-wrote a new score for the National Theatre's production of Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle, in association with the innovative Filter Theatre Company. He also played the role of "The Singer" on an acclaimed nationwide tour and at the Cottesloe.

Simon Bookish has presented over 50 solo performances since 2003 across the UK, Germany, Holland and Greece. His music has been broadcast on BBC Radio One and XFM, and he has presented shows on London's Resonance FM.

Leo has appeared with experimental musician Leafcutter John's live band (as vocalist). Performances in 2005/6 included shows in Aarhus (Denmark), Geneva, Moscow, and Vienna. John and Leo, together with Seb Rochford (drummer with innovative 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) and a live show at the Vortex Jazz Club.

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.

In 2006 Leo contributed vocal improvisations to Interplay, a sound installation by artist Sandrine Nicoletta, exhibited in Bologna (Autumn 2006). Other one-off site-specific performances and installation pieces: "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). In 2007 he presented a gallery piece "Not wanting to say anything about John Cage" at Magazin 4, Bregenz and worked with choreographer Frauke Requardt.

In 2008 he will be working on new songs for a large ensemble.