Simon Katz (born 16 May 1971)[1] is an English songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his work with the band Jamiroquai from 1995 to 2000. Katz was a recipient of the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo Or Group With Vocal for Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity" in 1997,[2] and the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection with Jamiroquai in 1999.[3]
In 2001, Katz joined Damon Albarn's group Gorillaz, an animated quartet with actual musicians providing the voice and instruments for the animated "band members." During live performances and on the 2002 remix album Laika Come Home, he played guitar as the character of Noodle, a 14-year-old Japanese schoolgirl and guitar prodigy.[8] Katz was featured in the 2008 film Bananaz, which documents the development of the Gorillaz band from 2000 to 2006.[9]
For Mali Music, Albarn's project exploring the music of West Africa, Katz performed with Albarn in Mali alongside kora player Toumani Diabaté and guitarist Afel Bocoum.[10]
In 2010, Katz co-wrote the ballad "Be Good to Me" for Sia's fifth studio album, We Are Born.[14]
Katz occasionally works in film. He has been featured on the scores for the 2002 film City of God and the 2006 documentary ...More Than 1000 Words, and served as music supervisor on the 2008 film Ball Don't Lie.[15]
Katz (left) on stage with Gorillaz at La Cigale in Paris, 2001.
Personal life
Katz was born and raised in Nottingham, England. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
