Simon Halfon - Book launch interview, 26th June 2020
Update - Released by end of Nov 2020
It’s perfectly OK, as this is a Style Council centric site, to believe that Simon Halfon created record sleeves only for The Style Council, Paul Weller (and Oasis). However, as you will see with the launch of his stunning book, Cover To Cover, and the link to Discogs (below), there are hundreds more. Please do feel free to tweet @halfon & @mrcoolsdream your own personal favourite sleeve.
Cover to Cover
Artwork, unseen photos, ephemera & anecdotes that tell the stories behind the sleeves.
I caught up with Simon on Zoom just hours before his Kickstarter campaign launched. When we last met, at Paolo Hewitt's 60th in London, I suggested a book of his work was long overdue, so was absolutely delighted to see Cover To Cover will get a release in 2020.
Interview
When did you first decide this was the career for you?
"I didn't decide, I just fell into at Stiff Records. I worked with Vaughn Toulouse on their single 'I Want' - just for a bit of fun... and they moved me into the art department!"
So that was your very first sleeve?
"Yes, it was. My first ever sleeve for Vaughn Toulouse's Dept - S - 'I Want'" and that was in 1981!
Discogs lists you against over 250 releases. What ones from that huge discography have been your favourite projects?
Well these two (pictured) are my favourites (Cafe Bleu by The Style Council and Listen Without Prejudice by George Michael). Although I loved working with Oasis, it was a lot of fun, I loved working with Madness too & it was great to work on Cathal's beautiful solo record a couple of years back. Also working on the Paul Weller solo stuff, especially in the 90s...
What is the last sleeve that you have designed?
The last record was this one, working with The Who again, and the third LP that I've worked on with Peter Blake, which is always a real pleasure!!
[The Who's 12th studio album was released in December 2019]
We of course will end the meeting with a Style Council album - Which one is your favourite?
Musically, my favourite Style Council LP is Our Favourite Shop, such a great record! and such a great sleeve to have been involved with. Those were the best of times!
Where to find more information on Simon
Wiki - Not exhaustive, always incomplete and often inaccurate.
Discogs - Over 250 sleeves listed! A fascinating career. Have a look, what an array of artists.
IMDB - Simon has worked on a few documentaries and blockbuster movies, including the astounding Supersonic, by Oasis in 2016 and Last Christmas in 2019.
Getty Images - Round the World, mainly at film Premieres.
@halfon on Twitter. He will often post rare, unseen photos or graphics.
