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Embracing a broad range of musical styles, British singer-songwriter Tasmin Archer's soulfully silky voice has graced a strong catalogue of songs with an eclectic mix of themes since the 1990s. Archer first came to public attention in 1992 with the UK chart topper and worldwide hit 'Sleeping Satellite' taken from the platinum debut album 'Great Expectations'. Three further singles from the album were top 30 hits in the UK. She received a Brit award in 1993 and was nominated in two further categories the same year. Archer also won an RSH Gold award in Germany and was nominated in the best alternative artist category for an MTV award in the US. 'Shipbuilding', an EP of four Elvis Costello covers, was released in early 1994 and was followed in 1996 by the more introspective, critically acclaimed album 'Bloom'. 'On', the third Tasmin Archer studio album was released independently on Quiverdisc in 2006. A new album 'A Cauldron of Random Notes' is scheduled for release in September 2025.
Tasmin Archer was born in Bradford, England on August 3rd 1963. On leaving school she held various jobs from sewing machine operator to clerk/typist and performed with various local bands, mainly singing backing vocals. In the late 80's Archer teamed up with long time partner John Hughes and friend John Beck for a songwriting/recording project at Flexible Response studios in Bradford where Hughes had a small pre-production studio. After writing and recording an extensive collection of demos, including most of the songs that would appear on 'Great Expectations', the trio, now called The Archers, signed up with manager Ian McAndrew at Wildlife Entertainment. In 1990 a publishing contract with Virgin Music was agreed followed shortly after by a recording contract with EMI. The popular BBC Radio 4 programme of the same name in the UK meant that The Archers wasn't a suitable name to release under so it was decided to have Tasmin Archer as the artist on releases.
After a few exploratory recording sessions with various producers the debut album recording commenced with Julian Mendelsohn and Paul 'Wix' Wickens as co-producers. Sessions started in London at Moulin Rouge Studios but moved to Sarm West where the bulk of the recording and mixing took place. After co-producing four tracks Wix was unable to continue his production role as he had commitments with Paul McCartney and the gap he left was filled by American musician Peter Kaye. Wix did however continue to contribute as a musician on further tracks. The 'Shipbuilding' EP was also recorded at Sarm West and produced by Julian Mendelsohn. After the release of 'Great Expectations' and following the first UK tour John Beck decided to leave the set up to pursue other musical avenues. Archer and Hughes continue to work together to the present day.
The songs for 'Bloom' were written by Archer and Hughes at the end of 1993 and in the first half of 1994. They had a more introspective vibe and examined, often from an abstract angle, both good and bad personal experiences from the somewhat manic media exposure that followed the release and worldwide promotion of the first album. There was little artistic desire to create Great Expectations MkII so a moderate change of direction seemed pertinent. Mitchell Froom agreed to produce the album and a band of Pete and Bruce Thomas from the Attractions on drums and bass respectively, Steve Donnelly and John Hughes on guitars and Mitchell Froom on keyboards was assembled. The album was recorded and mixed by Tchad Blake with the bulk of the recording done at Peter Gabriel's Real World studios near Bath, England in December '94 and January '95. Recording was completed and the album mixed at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles during early 1995. Following delivery of the album to EMI there was a protracted period of disagreement as the label wanted a more commercial product but they eventually reluctantly agreed to release it as it was intended in March 1996. The album received critical acclaim in the UK press with general approval of the change in musical direction. However the now strained relationship with the record company and their diminished enthusiasm to market it compounded the album's already somewhat naturally lower commercial appeal.
Major changes in personnel at EMI deteriorated the relationship with the label further and they chose not to exercise their contract option in 1997. Disillusioned with being treat as a commodity in the music business Archer decided to spend a couple of years away from writing and recording. Unexpectedly, the break was longer than planned largely due to a prolonged period of writer's block. Once it was overcome, writing and recording for the album 'On' commenced with a renewed optimism which became apparent in some of the songs' lyrics. 'On' was produced, recorded and mixed by John Hughes at Archer and Hughes' project studio. It was released independently in 2006 on the newly established Quiverdisc label which had been specifically set up for this purpose. The stated intention of 'On' was to "put out an album without the commercial pressures and promotional demands of a major label release". Despite its minimal promotion the album continues a slow but steady discovery by fans old and new.
Around 2010 with life priorities changing and musical projects diversifying Archer and Hughes had come to the reluctant conclusion that they were unlikely to release any more Tasmin Archer albums. Nevertheless, between other commitments they continued to write songs and record demos. During the pandemic, with time to take stock, a large catalogue of unreleased songs was suddenly demanding attention and recording them was planned. Some of these have evolved into the album 'A Cauldron of Random Notes' and others will populate a follow up album and EPs that are already in the pipeline. After a long hiatus Tasmin Archer releases will recommence in May 2025 with 'Vibration of Life' the first of three singles planned from the album. 'A Cauldron of Random Notes' will be released in September 2025.
