Palm Skin Productions

Now based in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, but originally from London, Palm Skin Productions AKA versatile musician, producer and DJ Simon Richmond has spent the past 30 years or so as the epiphany of a modern professional musician. His debut releases as Palm Skin Productions were on James Lavelle’s seminal Mo’ Wax label which would lead to a fruitful relationship with the imprint, releasing 4 EPs that channelled early 1990s era trip-hop and beat-led electronica. Adding to an extensive catalogue of singles, 12” and other releases on a wide range of labels, notable highlights include a Palm Skin Production’s debut album on Virgin / Hut Records and a sophomore on Howie B’s eclectic Pussyfoot imprint. A session percussionist for the band K-Creative, signed to Gilles Peterson’s Talkin’ Loud label (before being sacked to free up the budget for a lighting rig), Simon became a resident at Peterson’s ‘That’s How It Is’ club night. This change of events catalysed the Mo’ Wax era of Palm Skin Productions leading to a collaboration with ‘Straight No Chaser’ magazine.

Simon has collaborated, performed and produced for many UK and international musicians, including The Art of Noise, DJ Krush, DJ Shadow, REM, Pulp, Depeche Mode, Jackie Oates, and most notably Neneh Cherry and Jonny Dollar. Performing everywhere (DJ and live) from Fabric to WOMAD Sri Lanka, Festival Hall to Jamm, Ministry of Sound to Sub Club, Skolbeats Brazil to BBC Folk Awards, Simon Richmond has amassed an impressive list of tastemaker support for his Palm Skin Productions project including Gilles Peterson, James Lavelle, Patrick Forge, Nemone, Ross Allen, Norman Jay, the Guardian and Mary Anne Hobbs –  to name a few.

Simon Richmond is part of the live electronic improvisational band The Bays, performing several John Peel sessions and headlining festival slots at The Big Chill and Glastonbury’s Dance Tent. The Bays have had concerts recorded by BBC Radio Three, collaborated with Herbie Hancock and toured with ambient musician Richard Barbieri.