Elizabeth Fraser

Fraser was born and grew up in Grangemouth.{{cite web|url=http://www.cocteautwins.com/html/theband/index.html |title=Cocteau Twins' website |publisher=Cocteautwins.com |access-date=24 June 2012}} She described it as "a dark and stifling industrial town".{{cite journal |journal=Alternative Press|issue=January 1997|title=Embracing Otherness|first=Val |last=Phoenix}} Her mother worked in a factory.{{cite book|title=How Soon is Now?: The Madmen and Mavericks who made Independent Music 1975–2005|isbn=978-0571243907|publisher=Faber & Faber |year=2012|first=Richard |last=King|quote= Colin Wallace, their friend, confident and roadie has come from the same background as Fraser, Heggie and Guthrie. 'Liz's mum and my mum used to work in the same factory', he says, 'and God, it was awful, and I became their roadie through default. The first Cocteaus album, Garlands, was written off in the UK as another Siouxsie copy band, and Elisabeth was a huge Siouxsie fan – she had Siouxsie tattoos which she's had lasered off since'.}} She was the youngest of six children. During her teenage years, she developed eating disorders and became bulimic. In 1996, Fraser said she went through incest; then she was forced to leave the family house at 16 for having a punk look. Music was important and represented an escape; at that time Fraser had portraits of her heroes like Siouxsie Sioux tattooed on her arms.{{cite web |first=Rob |last=Chapman |url=http://www.rob-chapman.com/pages/massive.html |title=Dark Side of the Spliff: Massive Attack |work=Mojo |date=July 1998 |quote=Massive Attack have always looked outside the core trio for musical collaborations with kindred spirits, not just in old grooves but also in the flesh. Former Cocteau Twin Elizabeth Frazer was one: now living in Bristol, she'd previously been sounded out before Protection but hadn’t responded. Did she say why? "Have you met Liz?" 3D splutters with laughter. "She's a very excitable and quite mad in the best way. She threw a million words into the air and we tried to grab a few and work out what she meant. Me and Mush met her in Sainsbury's and invited her up to the studio. There was this nerve-wracking moment before she arrived and I said, It's really sterile in here, let's light some candles in here and make it funky for her. She loved our Siouxsie and the Banshees sample off 'Metal Postcard' — she'd just had this Siouxsie and the Banshees tattoo removed from her arm. |access-date=3 June 2020 |archive-date=31 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831091805/http://www.rob-chapman.com/pages/massive.html |url-status=dead }} She met her partner Robin Guthrie at 17; "What brought us together was me having no ideas and opinions of my own, and him having plenty – enough for both of us. We were attracted to each other for the wrong reasons".

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File:Cocteau Twins 1986.jpg

Fraser then became the vocalist and lyricist in Cocteau Twins in 1981, (a group founded in 1979 by Guthrie and Will Heggie): they spotted her dancing at a club one night and asked her to join their band.{{cite web |url=http://www.elizabethfraser.com/ |title=Elizabeth Fraser's website |publisher=Elizabethfraser.com |access-date=24 June 2012 |archive-date=29 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329231008/https://elizabethfraser.com/ |url-status=dead }} At the time, she was 17 years old and had never thought of herself as a singer. After an on-off phase, the band recorded some tracks which were sent as demos to John Peel and Ivo Watts-Russell of 4AD which led to their signing by the London-based label and a successful career in music.{{cite web|url=http://www.cocteautwins.com/html/history/history01.html |title=history|chapter 1: 1982 |publisher=cocteau twins |access-date=24 June 2012}} Fraser and Guthrie formed a relationship, and in 1989 had a daughter, Lucy Belle.Simpson, Dave. "[https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/nov/26/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-interview Elizabeth Fraser: the Cocteau Twins and me]". The Guardian, 26 November 2009. Retrieved 31 March 2022 Guthrie liberally used alcohol and drugs throughout the years they were together,{{cite web|url=http://www.cocteautwins.com/html/history/history16.html |title=History | chapter 16: 1993 |publisher=cocteau twins |access-date=17 April 2014}} and Fraser had a nervous breakdown during the recording of Four-Calendar Café. The couple broke up in 1993, but opted to continue a musical relationship mostly due to contractual obligations until 1998, when Cocteau Twins were finally disbanded.{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.cocteautwins.com/html/history/history18.html|publisher=CocteauTwins.com|access-date=12 June 2013}}

The group released Heaven or Las Vegas in early 1990.{{cite book|title=All Time Top 1000 Albums|title-link=All Time Top 1000 Albums|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=Virgin Books|date=2000|edition=3rd|isbn=0-7535-0493-6|page=105}} The most commercially successful of their many recordings, the album reached number seven in the UK Albums Chart immediately after its release.{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/cocteau%20twins/#albums |title=Cocteau Twins, UK charts, Albums |website=Officialcharts.com |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=8 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108142624/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/cocteau%20twins/#albums |url-status=live }} Despite the success of the record and the subsequent concert tours, not everything was well with the band. They parted ways with 4AD following Heaven or Las Vegas partly because of conflicts with the label's founder Ivo Watts-Russell, and were close to breaking up over internal problems due in large part to Guthrie's substance abuse.{{cite news |first1=Dave |last1=Simpson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/nov/26/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-interview |title=Elizabeth Fraser: the Cocteau Twins and me |newspaper=The Guardian |date=26 November 2009 |access-date=30 December 2011 |location=London |archive-date=22 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622162851/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/nov/26/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-interview |url-status=live }} Heaven or Las Vegas was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry. It eventually sold 235,000 copies by 1996, according to Billboard.{{Cite magazine|last=Bambarger|first=Bradley|date=6 April 1996|title=Radio Climate Could Boost Capitol's Cocteau Twins|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Tw0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA14|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|volume=104|issue=14|page=14|issn=0006-2510|access-date=4 August 2017}}

In 2005, Cocteau Twins were offered the opportunity to reunite and headline the Coachella concert to be held in California. It was claimed that the Cocteau Twins members – Fraser, Raymonde and Guthrie – would have received £1.5 million each to perform at the concert. Speculation also began around this time that following a performance at Coachella, the band would reunite and embark on a major tour.{{cite web |last1=Simpson |first1=Dave |title=Elizabeth Fraser: the Cocteau Twins and me |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/nov/26/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-interview |website=The Guardian |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=26 November 2009}} Fraser ultimately announced her decision not to take part in the reunion. She recalled in 2009 that she "didn't remember it being that much money and in any case that's not the reason" that she would agree to a Cocteau Twins reunion. In 2021, Raymonde confirmed that the Cocteau Twins would "never reform" to perform or record again.{{cite web |title=Cocteau Twins' 'Milk & Kisses' Turns 25 |url=https://www.spin.com/2021/03/cocteau-twins-milk-kisses-turns-25/ |website=Spin |access-date=12 April 2024}}

Fraser had a relationship with singer Jeff Buckley and recorded a duet with him, "All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun", written together{{cite book|last1=Lory|first1=Dave|last2=Irvin|first2=Jim|author-link2=Jim Irvin|date=2018|title=Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah to the Last Goodbye|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Tw9aDwAAQBAJ|publisher=Post Hill Press|page=312|isbn=9781682615751}} but never released commercially. She speaks about their relationship in the BBC documentary Jeff Buckley: Everybody Here Wants You.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/music/features/jeff_buckley.shtml |title=Jeff Buckley: Everybody Here Wants You |access-date=7 April 2015 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030811151427/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/music/features/jeff_buckley.shtml |archive-date=11 August 2003 }} – BBC 4 feature. In a 2009 interview with The Guardian, Fraser claimed that she found it "difficult" to think about her former Cocteau Twins bandmates, stating "they were my life, and when you're in something that deeply, you have to remove yourself completely".

While working as part of Cocteau Twins, Fraser also collaborated with numerous artists. She appeared on 4AD house band This Mortal Coil's first release (along with her Cocteau Twins bandmates) where her contributions included a cover version of Tim Buckley's "Song to the Siren". She provided one-off vocals for acts such as Felt (Primitive Painters), Dif Juz (Extractions LP), The Wolfgang Press, and Ian McCulloch (Candleland and Mysterio).

Fraser has sporadically collaborated with a range of performers, including The Future Sound of London (Lifeforms EP), Elliot Goldenthal, Craig Armstrong (The Space Between Us) and Peter Gabriel (the millennium project OVO). Apart from her Cocteau Twins work she is probably best known for her collaborations with Massive Attack, having recorded three songs for the band's Mezzanine album in 1998 (including the international hit single "Teardrop", on which she replaced the original choice of Madonna{{cite magazine|date=April 1999|title=Massive Attack and Teardrop|magazine=Q}}), and subsequently toured with the band in 2006, and again in 2018–2019{{Cite web |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=2018-10-30 |title=Massive Attack to embark on Mezzanine tour with Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser |url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/oct/30/massive-attack-mezzanine-tour-cocteau-twins-liz-fraser |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=post-punk.com |date=2018-10-30 |title=Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser to Tour With Massive Attack in Celebration of 1998's "Mezzanine" |url=https://post-punk.com/cocteau-twins-liz-fraser-to-tour-with-massive-attack-in-celebration-of-1998s-mezzanine/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Post-Punk.com |language=en-US}} and 2024.{{Cite web |last=Pearis |first=Bill |date=2024-06-05 |title=Watch Massive Attack bring out Elizabeth Fraser to sing "Song to the Siren" & more at their first show in 5 years |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/watch-massive-attack-bring-out-elizabeth-fraser-to-sing-song-to-the-siren-more-at-their-first-show-in-5-years-setlist-video/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Brooklyn Vegan}} She has also contributed to the soundtracks of several films including In Dreams, Cruel Intentions, The Winter Guest, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and occasionally appeared as a guest artist on other musicians' projects. In 2005, she appeared on Yann Tiersen's album Les Retrouvailles, singing in two pieces: "Kala" and "Mary".

Billy Howerdel envisioned Fraser as his first option for A Perfect Circle's lead singer, but she was unavailable for the project.{{Cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=A Perfect Circle – 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'|url=https://loudwire.com/a-perfect-circle-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/|access-date=4 July 2020|website=Loudwire|date=22 August 2018 |language=en}} Fraser also rejected a collaboration request from Linkin Park.{{Cite news|last=Simpson|first=Dave|date=26 November 2009|title=Elizabeth Fraser talks about why she finds it too difficult to even think about her old Cocteau Twins bandmates|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/nov/26/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-interview|access-date=4 July 2020|issn=0261-3077}} Fraser appeared as a guest artist on folk singer Sam Lee's single "The Moon Shines Bright", released in December 2019, and subsequently on Sam Lee's album Old Wow, released in January 2020. She sings a fragment of lyrics from a traditional Scottish folk song "Wild Mountain Thyme".[https://web.archive.org/web/20191211231321/https://www.post-punk.com/watch-elizabeth-fraser-perform-duet-the-moon-shines-bright-with-british-folk-singer-sam-lee/ Watch Elizabeth Fraser Perform Duet "The Moon Shines Bright" with British Folk Singer Sam Lee]. post-punk.com. 11 December 2019.{{cite web|url=https://samleesong.co.uk/the-moon-shines-bright-out-now/ |title=The Moon Shines Bright – Out Now | Sam Lee |website=Samleesong.co.uk |date=6 December 2019 |access-date=9 April 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://elizabethfraser.com/front-page/sam-lee-duets-with-elizabeth-fraser-on-the-moon-shines-bright/ |title=Sam Lee Duets With |website=Elizabethfraser.com |date=9 December 2019 |access-date=9 April 2020 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408211954/https://elizabethfraser.com/front-page/sam-lee-duets-with-elizabeth-fraser-on-the-moon-shines-bright/ |url-status=dead }} Under the project Sun's Signature with her partner Damon Reece, Fraser was set to release a self-titled extended-play album on 23 April 2022, via Rough Trade Records.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-releasing-new-ep-on-record-store-day-2022/|title=Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser Releasing New EP on Record Store Day 2022|last=Minsker|first=Evan|date=21 February 2022|website=Pitchfork|access-date=28 April 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-announces-first-release-13-years-record-store-day-3166228|title=Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser announces first release in 13 years|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=21 February 2022|website=NME|access-date=28 April 2022}} It was later announced the album would be released on 18 June via Partisan Records, with the single "Golden Air" released on 6 April.{{cite web|last=Minsker|first=Evan|date=6 April 2022|title=Cocteau Twin's Elizabeth Fraser Shares New Sun's Signature Song "Golden Air": Listen|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-shares-new-suns-signature-song-golden-air-listen/|website=Pitchfork|access-date=28 April 2022}}

Fraser's solo career has been intermittent, featuring guest appearances with other artists, and rare solo releases and live appearances. In 2000, a white label recording, "Underwater", was released in a limited edition of 200 copies. She contributed a cover version of "At Last I Am Free" (originally by '70s band Chic, covered by Robert Wyatt) on the 2003 album Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before, a celebration of 25 years of Rough Trade Records. In 2004, she was invited to participate in an audio exhibit, Shhh..., at London's Victoria and Albert Museum for which she produced a piece called "Expectant Mood", which has not been made commercially available.{{cite web|url=http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/p/past-exhibitions-and-displays-2004/ |title=Past Exhibitions and Displays 2004 – Victoria and Albert Museum |website=Vam.ac.uk |date=29 March 2011 |access-date=9 April 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2004/may/19/art |title=Ssh... Sounds in Space, V&A, London | Art and design |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=9 April 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/england/london-travel/sculpting-in-sound-p2thd5nm8l5 |title=Sculpting in sound |newspaper=The Times |date=15 May 2004 |access-date=9 April 2020}}{{cite journal|url=https://frieze.com/article/shhh |title=Shhh ... |journal=Frieze |date=10 September 2004 |issue=85 |access-date=9 April 2020|last1=Young |first1=Rob }}[https://web.archive.org/web/20191216124224/https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/20-may-2004/hushed-tones-as-va-goes-audio/ Hushed tones as V&A goes audio]. DesignWeek.co.uk. 20 May 2004.

She was reportedly signed to Blanco y Negro Records.{{cite web|url=http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=19872_0_2_0_C |title=Solo album by Cocteau Twins frontwoman Elizabeth Fraser out this spring |publisher=Side-line.com |date=22 February 1999 |access-date=24 June 2012}} In December 2006, NME reported that her solo album was due for release in early 2007. The album would have contained eight tracks, one of which was to be a cover version. No titles were announced and the album was not released in 2007 as suggested. In June 2012, extracts from the as-yet-unreleased album were played on BBC Radio 4.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9729000/9729011.stm |title=Today – Elizabeth Fraser's 'melody and poetry' |work=BBC News |date=16 June 2012 |access-date=24 June 2012}} In November 2009, Fraser released a solo single, "Moses", available on 12" and download through Rough Trade. The single was recorded with Damon Reece and Jake Drake-Brockman and was a memorial to the latter.{{cite web|url=http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=43895_0_2_0_C |title=Elizabeth Fraser releases new single, 'Moses' + starts work on first solo album |publisher=Side-line.com |access-date=24 June 2012}}{{cite news|first=Dave |last=Simpson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/nov/26/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-interview |title=Elizabeth Fraser: the Cocteau Twins and me |newspaper=The Guardian |date= 26 November 2009|access-date=24 June 2012 |location=London}} In August 2012, Fraser performed at Royal Festival Hall for two nights as part of the Meltdown Festival at London's Southbank Centre, curated by Anohni. Prior to the concerts, she confirmed that she had assembled an album's worth of material and would showcase these at the event in addition to performing re-interpretations of some Cocteau Twins songs.{{cite news|first=Dave |last=Simpson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/may/01/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-meltdown |title=Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser to perform at Meltdown festival | Music |newspaper=The Guardian |date= 1 May 2012|access-date=24 June 2012 |location=London}} She also referred to the physical exertion involved in her singing against the wall of sound in many of the Cocteau Twins songs, of which she said it was "like an endurance test. I don't intend to do that again. I've been using my voice more gently." Prior to her appearance at Meltdown, she played a warm-up concert at Bath Pavilion on 4 August.{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/cocteau-twins/64325 |title=Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser to play first show in 14 years | News |website=NME |date=14 June 2012 |access-date=24 June 2012}}

In addition to Damon Reece on drums and percussion, Fraser's backing band featured three other former or current members of Spiritualized – Sean Cook (guitar), Martin Shellard (guitar), Thighpaulsandra (keyboards) – and two backing vocalists (Jo Goldsmith-Eteson and Lucy Potterton, both from The Swingle Singers).[http://thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/live/elizabeth-fraser-meltdown-the-royal-festival-hall-london-070812-102206 'Elizabeth Fraser – Meltdown @ The Royal Festival Hall, London 07/08/12'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110113019/http://thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/live/elizabeth-fraser-meltdown-the-royal-festival-hall-london-070812-102206 |date=10 November 2013 }} by Jude Clarke, 'The Line of Best Fit', 9 August 2012.[http://thequietus.com/articles/09650-elizabeth-fraser-meltdown-live-review-2 'LIVE REPORT: Elizabeth Fraser'] by Chris Roberts, 'The Quietus', 9 August 2012.[http://www.clashmusic.com/live-review/elizabeth-fraser-live-at-meltdown 'Elizabeth Fraser Live @ Meltdown'] by Chris Todd, Clash magazine{{cite web|url=http://www.walesartsreview.org/elizabeth-fraser/|title=Elizabeth Fraser Live – Wales Arts Review|date=8 October 2012}} Sky Arts' 2016 drama series The Nightmare Worlds of H. G. Wells carried a score composed by Fraser and Reece.{{cite web|first=John |last=Earls |url=http://loaded.co.uk/listen-elizabeth-fraser-first-music-20-years-news/ |title=Exclusive Listen: Elizabeth Fraser's comeback music |website=Loaded.co.uk |date=18 January 2016 |access-date=29 August 2016}} Also in 2016, she collaborated with The Insects on the soundtrack to the BBC TV series The Living and The Dead. She could be heard singing "She Moves Through the Fair" in episode 1, and "The Lover's Ghost" over the end titles in episode 4.{{cite web|url=http://www.theinsects.co.uk/ |title=Film Soundtrack & Audio Production, Bristol, United Kingdom |publisher=The Insects |access-date=29 August 2016}}{{cite web|first=Miles |last=Bowe |url=http://www.factmag.com/2016/06/28/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-song-bbc-series-living-and-dead/ |title=Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser contributes song to BBC series |website=Factmag.com |date=27 June 2016 |access-date=29 August 2016}} The soundtrack has been made available as a digital download.{{cite web|url=http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/interview-the-insects-soundtrack-composers-on-the-living-and-the-dead/ |title=Interview – The Insects, soundtrack composers on The Living and The Dead |publisher=Spiral Earth |date=20 July 2016 |access-date=29 August 2016}}

Fraser made a rare appearance at the Royal Albert Hall on 23 July 2017, in conversation with John Grant. They discussed the Cocteau Twins 1988 album Blue Bell Knoll, with all proceeds from the show going to gay rights charity Stonewall.{{cite web|url=https://www.royalalberthall.com/about-the-hall/news/2017/may/spend-an-evening-with-elizabeth-fraser-and-john-grant/|title=Spend an evening with Elizabeth Fraser and John Grant|date=16 May 2017|website=Royal Albert Hall|access-date=24 October 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/articles/22431-john-grant-and-elizabeth-fraser-in-conversation-albert-hall|title=John Grant and Elizabeth Fraser In Conversation|last=Clarke|first=Patrick|date=17 May 2017|website=The Quietus|access-date=24 October 2021}} During the conversation, Fraser responded to a question from the audience about a possible collaboration with John Grant, saying "He doesn't need to persuade me!"{{cite web|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/22917-elizabeth-grant-john-fraser-cocteau-twins-blue-bell-knoll-albert-hall|title=The Quietus – News – Elizabeth Fraser And John Grant Talk 'Blue Bell Knoll'|date=26 July 2017|last=Clarke|first=Patrick|website=The Quietus|access-date=3 June 2020}} Speaking of her insecurity about recording and performing, Fraser said "I get it in the studio, it's a horror, but it's part of the journey ... I don't think I was confident, especially when I stopped singing. That's when the voice kicks in, really nagging you, telling you what a horrible person you are and 'what do you think you're doing'. But then you sing and it shuts up that voice, the other voice is louder … " On 3 September 2018, Fraser performed an intimate invitation-only performance at the "Society of the Golden Slippers" showcase in Soho where she was joined by John Grant on harmonies for "Oh Shenandoah".{{cite web|url=http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2018/09/03/elizabeth-liz-fraser-golden-slippers-performance/|title=Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser resurfaces for rare live performance in London|website=slicingupeyeballs.com|date=3 September 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.post-punk.com/cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser-makes-a-rare-live-performance-in-london/|title=Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser Makes a Rare Live Performance in London|website=post-punk.com|date=3 September 2018}}

In June 2022, Fraser, as part of Sun's Signature with partner Damon Reece, released the extended play entitled Sun's Signature via Partisan Records. The duo have also provided the soundtrack for Graham Duff's TV miniseries The Nightmare World of H.G. Wells.{{cite web | url=https://www.roughtrade.com/gb/sun-s-signature/sun-s-signature | title=Sun's Signature - Sun's Signature - 12 }} The release of the EP marked Fraser's first release in thirteen years according to Rolling Stone.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/elizabeth-fraser-suns-signature-review-1369532/ | title=Elizabeth Fraser Still Sounds Divinely Alien on Sun's Signature Debut | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=20 June 2022 }}

Fraser's lyrics with many of the Cocteau Twins's songs range from straightforward English to abstract mouth music. For some recordings, she has said she used foreign words without knowing what they meant – the words acquired meaning for her only as she sang them.{{Cite video

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She has a soprano vocal range.{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/elizabeth-fraser-royal-festival-hall-london-8014870.html | work=The Independent | first=Chris | last=Mugan | title=Elizabeth Fraser, Royal Festival Hall, London | date=7 August 2012}} Her vocals have been described as "mesmerizing," and her high notes have been called "angelic."{{Cite book |last=Morton |first=Rob |title=1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die |publisher=Universe Publishing |year=2005 |publication-date=January 1, 2005 |pages=634}} Her vocal ability led to her being dubbed as "the voice of God" and "the voice from another world" by The Telegraph. Fraser, and Cocteau Twins, were said to be "loved" by artist Madonna, and Prince wished to sign the band to his record label.

Fraser credits Nina Simone as a major influence on her career, songwriting and recording. Fraser said "Nina Simone played such a big part of my life recently. Lawrence from Felt made me a tape with "Nuff Said" on one side and "Baltimore" on the other. I thought it was brilliant then. But now I’ve developed much more, both a singer and in my own life. She’s just done so much. I don’t know much about her life but that doesn’t bother me, because I’ve learnt so much about her through her material. She’s so vulnerable. And I can really relate to that. A lot of her songs are about being fallible. She’s a really dysfunctional person. And dysfunctional people are attracted to each other. I guess that’s why I am attracted to her. We both had a rough life. She’s familiar".{{cite web |title=Elizabeth Fraser's Vocal Hero: Nina Simone |url=https://cocteautwins.com/elizabeth-fraser-vocal-her-nina-simone-melody-maker.html |website=cocteautwins.com |access-date=12 April 2024 |language=en}}

In 2023, the International Astronomical Union named the asteroid 622398 Fraser after her.{{cite web |title=Asteroid Named for Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/asteroid-named-for-cocteau-twins-elizabeth-fraser/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=28 September 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=fraser|title=Small-Body Database Lookup, 622398 Fraser (2013 TF19)|website=JPL|access-date=31 August 2024}}

Fraser lives with her partner, musician Damon Reece (from the band Lupine Howl), in Bristol. She has two daughters, the first with her former partner Robin Guthrie (born in 1989) and the second with Reece (born in 1998).{{cite news|last=Adams|first=Tim|date=24 June 2012|title=Elizabeth Fraser: 'I'm so excited to have made this decision to perform'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jun/24/elizabeth-fraser-meltdown-cocteau-twins|work=The Guardian|access-date=28 April 2022}}

{{main|Elizabeth Fraser discography}}

{{further|Cocteau Twins discography}}

Credited as Elizabeth Fraser

• The Moon and the Melodies (1986)

Credited as Cocteau Twins

• Garlands (1982)
• Head over Heels (1983)
• Treasure (1984)
• Victorialand (1986)
• Blue Bell Knoll (1988)
• Heaven or Las Vegas (1990)
• Four-Calendar Café (1993)
• Milk & Kisses (1996)

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.elizabethfraser.com Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329231008/https://elizabethfraser.com/ |date=29 March 2023 }}

{{Cocteau Twins}}

{{Goth subculture}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fraser, Elizabeth}}

Category:1963 births

Category:Living people

Category:British women rock singers

Category:People from Grangemouth

Category:4AD artists

Category:Scottish sopranos

Category:Cocteau Twins members

Category:20th-century Scottish women singers

Category:21st-century Scottish women singers