JOHN EARLS TRACKS DOWN THE PRODUCER OF DEPECHE MODE’S ULTRA FOR THE INSIDE STORY OF THE MAKING OF THE 1997 ALBUM

TIM SIMENON

As a teenage Depeche Mode fan, Tim Simenon got to live the dream when his work with Bomb The Bass led to him producing Ultra. Coming at a time when Depeche were in turmoil due to Dave Gahan’s mental and physical state, Tim explains how he oversaw a classic album made in the most perilous circumstances…

The first ever remix you did as Bomb The Bass was for Strangelove. How did you get the break?

Bomb The Bass were signed in 1987 to Rhythm King, whose office was in the same building as Mute. I’d see Daniel Miller a lot and he knew I was a fan. They heard my stuff, and he suggested me. That was a steep learning curve, but so exciting. They used my remix for the single in the US, so it was amazing. That got me hooked into the band.

How did that progress into producing Ultra?

I did a few more remixes for Mute, and I’d go into their office to pick up records and chat to Daniel. Also, Martin and Dave liked the Gavin Friday album I produced in ’95, Shag Tobacco. I was one of a handful of producers in the frame, not necessarily first choice. Martin, Fletch, Daniel and myself met in the band’s office in Kings Cross to see if we connected. Martin played a couple of demos – Useless was the first song. We’d met a few times, but it was the first time we’d sat around properly to talk music. We had a cup of tea after, then Daniel called a week later and said the band would like to give it a go.