Neotrope Records is an independent record label specializing in electronic music, founded by Christopher Simmons in 1984, in Redondo Beach, California.
Originally known as S.U. Productions (Silver Unicorn Productions), and later as Bang Big Recordings (BBR) in 1986/87, the label became Neotrope® Records in the mid-late 1990s. It was originally a side venture to Simmons’ main business launched January 1983, S.U. Graphics, offering graphic design, photography, printing, public relations (PR), advertising and marketing consulting. S.U. Graphics was co-founded by Christopher’s father, the late Dr. JL Simmons, PhD, a college professor and best-selling author.
While the label has generally been focused on music from founder Christopher Simmons (aka “BLUETOY” and now recording as “Christopher Laird Simmons”), the label also released a duo album with Simmons teaming with Rick Kleffel, as well as an album by Finnish artist Kristian Kouvo (recording as “Enthronement”).
While the second wave for the label in 2000-2002 was intended to be the start of something big, unfortunately the awful timing of Christopher’s main full-time business exploding thanks to positive write-ups in both Entrepreneur magazine and UPI (United Press International) — and the death of company co-founder Dr. JL Simmons, PhD on April 1, 2003 — led to the whole endeavor being side-lined for nearly two decades. Unfortunately, this had an adverse impact on continued promotion of the first Enthronement release, and plans for additional recordings from the artist on the Neotrope Records label (sorry Kristian!).
While there are now numerous other recording artists releasing music as “Christopher Simmons” (including a popular Canadian pianist, and a younger electronic music artist which Amazon has confused as being same person), Neotrope Records is only focused on the original artist from the 1980s.
FUTURE PLANS
The third wave for the company, starting in 2022 is based on initially recovering and relaunching the back catalog of music in digital format, as well as a fully properly remastered version of “BESERKER” (which was really a collection of test-mixes and never properly mixed due to loss of the masters) and Simmons’ other works.
Other plans include offering original versions of Simmons’ works again on cassette format for those who dig nostalgia, but also hearing the music as originally presented. Remastered digital downloads will also include original “un-edited” versions to appreciate the experience of the original releases. We are also reaching out to Kristian Kouvo to see if we can legally again offer his album in digital download format, since original commercial CD is out of print.
Neotrope Records Discography:
Shown in date released order, oldest at top.
OSCILLATIONS UNKNOWN
BLUETOY [1984] — The earliest work released by this music project. Includes soundtrack-style pieces, jazzy experimentation, and avant-garde expression unique and unlike anyone else’s music.
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8401B normal bias; #SUP8401C chrome cassette.
REINVENTING THE WHEEL WITHOUT A THIRD EYE
BLUETOY [1984] — Unique musical journeys, expressions and interludes. Excellent reviews in POLYPHONY, CAMERA OBSCURA and ALTERNATIVE RHYTHMS magazines.
• 90 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8402B normal bias; #SUP8402C chrome cassette.
DANCERS IN THE TRANCEGLOW
BLUETOY [July 1984] — Tape of music specially created in many dimensions for relaxation and meditation. One 30 minute piece, one 15 minute piece, and several shorter relaxation pieces. A headphone experience!
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8403B normal bias; #SUP8403C chrome cassette.
TWO OF RECKLESS
KLEFFEL/SIMMONS PROJECT [1984] — Two artists of different expression merge their talents for many captivating voyages to far off worlds and levels of awareness. Inspired by Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze and many other European artitsts.
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8404B normal bias; #SUP8404C chrome cassette.
REPETITIVE RHYTHMS FOR A PLANET THAT DOESN’T KNOW ANY BETTER
BLUETOY [May 1985] — Highly rhythmic! Positive review in CAMERA OBSCURA.
60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8405B normal bias; #SUP8405C chrome cassette.
BRED FOR THE BASEMENT
BLUETOY [1985] — Early 4-Track and improvisational pieces.
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8506B normal bias; #SUP8506C chrome cassette.
BESERKER
BLUETOY [1986] — Latest and final release as “BLUETOY,” from the 1980s, utilizing state-of-the-art music equipment including digital.
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. S.U. Productions.
• Original SKU #SUP8507B normal bias; #SUP8507C chrome cassette.
REINVENTING THE WHEEL WITHOUT A THIRD EYE [V2]
CHRISTOPHER SIMMONS [1986/87] — SECOND RELEASE; NEW 4-COLOR ARTWORK ON GLOSSY CARDSTOCK J-CARD.
• 90 minutes, cassette format release. Bang Big Recordings (BBR).
BESERKER [V2]
CHRISTOPHER SIMMONS [1986/87] — SECOND RELEASE; NEW 4-COLOR ARTWORK ON GLOSSY CARDSTOCK J-CARD.
• 60 minutes, cassette format release. Bang Big Recordings (BBR).
TECHNO SKETCHES
CHRISTOPHER SIMMONS [1998] — Compilation of original electronic music composed in 1988, 1989 and 1991.
• Limited Edition on-demand CDR release (inkjet printed clear CDR with 2-page CD-case insert). Neotrope Records.
SO WHAT IF I DIDN’T QUITE MAKE IT BIG IN THE 20TH CENTURY
CHRISTOPHER SIMMONS [1999] — Best of compilation of all of Christopher Laird Simmons’ electronic music.
• Limited Edition “Multimedia CD” release which contained a computer-readable data folder with track info, poster and photos. Neotrope Records.
BESERKER [V3]
CHRISTOPHER SIMMONS [2000] — Third release of Simmons’ electronic music demos album, with mild mastering, almost 15 years after original release. One original track removed (“Sherocks”) and replaced with the “Densitelemetry” track at the end. Distributed via CDBaby, including to AMAZON and major streaming platforms.
• Commercial CD with barcode, ISRC code embeds, shrink wrapped. Neotrope Records.
• SKU: 80153-00101-2-1 / EAN: 801530010121 / Made in Canada.
OMNIPOTENT MAINFRAME
ENTHRONEMENT (Kristian Kouvo) [2002/2003] — An electronic instrumental album from Finnish-born artist Kristian Kouvo. A limited edition “review copy” was released Nov. 2002 followed by commercial release June 2003. 14 tracks of world electronica instrumentals..
• Commercial CD with barcode, ISRC code embeds, shrink wrapped. Neotrope Records.
• SKU: 80153-00201-1-3 / EAN: 801530020113 / Made in USA.
TECHNICAL NOTE: For the cassette releases the times noted as 60 or 90 minutes refer to the tape length (e.g., 90 min. is 45 min. per side), and not exact run time of the content.