At just 15-years-old, Simone has already proven that she is a capable artist deserving of success in the music industry. Her songs sound refreshingly youthful, but offer mature lyrics on topics ranging from breakups to depression. Her well-written verses are accompanied by fun bedroom pop beats reminiscent of Clairo. SHEESH! was lucky enough to chat with Simone about how she got her start, and where she hopes her talent will take her.
Growing up in New York City, Simone had many artistic opportunities at her fingertips, which she has always considered incredibly valuable. “I grew up doing musical theater in Manhattan and that really helped me discover my passion for performing. It’s also really inspiring going to open mics and seeing so many people with the same goals and lifestyle as me.”
Despite the creative hustle that surrounded her in NYC, Simone’s first open mic was actually in Nashville, Tennessee. “I went to Nashville for spring break with my dad, and the ultimate goal was to play an open mic before we left. We called the bar day-of, not expecting to get in because of my age.” Simone was only 11 at the time, but she managed to get inside the bar to perform. Simone reflects back on that day: “It was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been. I feel like I completely blacked out on stage, but I remember feeling so happy after. I knew I wanted to keep playing shows because of how accomplished and excited I felt when it was over.”
After her onstage debut, Simone’s passion grew and she began performing more frequently in NYC. In what she characterizes as a “crazy coincidence,” Simone was introduced to her producer after his friend watched her perform at a bar. Together Simone and her producer created her first EP, “Stories in My Mind,” and two singles thereafter.
Have you ever felt like people did not take you seriously because of your age?
“I definitely feel like it happened a lot more in the beginning of my career, just because I didn’t have any experience and honestly didn’t know what I was doing. I was just excited to be doing it. I don’t think I felt it at the time but I look back now and feel like my voice wasn’t really heard or welcomed. But honestly I blame a lot of that on me, I’m a really shy person and it’s so hard for me to speak up if I don’t like something or if I have a different idea because I’m so afraid of hurting people’s feelings or being annoying. I’m working on it!”
How has the pandemic and social distancing affected your music career?
“I’ve had a lot of time on my hands, which has really benefited me in my career. I tend to get really stressed out with school and regular life stuff, but having this break from everything has given me the time to work on my music and my brand as much as possible. I feel like I’ve grown a lot as an artist these past months being trapped with myself. It’s been good for me.”
Can you tell us about your EP “Sad Songs for Depressed Girls”?
“It was my first time producing my own songs, which is something I’ve always wanted to do and never had the time to learn. At first I was just doing it for fun, but I got really excited about it and wanted to be spontaneous, which is not like me at all. I knew that I wanted to make a smaller project of all slow, acoustic songs because I was writing a lot of those at the time. It was a really fun experience and I’m glad that the EP connected with so many people, because that’s always the goal when I release music.
One artist that Simone has always empathised with is Taylor Swift, and she talked about the musician’s influence in her own work. She explains, “She’s the reason why I care so much about lyrics and storytelling. That’s my favorite part of any song.” This aspect is clearly seen in Simone’s songs, as they are all beautifully constructed stories and easy to connect with. As for her opinion of folklore? She admits, “When [Taylor] drops a new record it’s usually the only thing I listen to for a couple months. I’d say “august” has been the standout song for me. I’m obsessed with anything Taylor and Jack Antonoff make together.”
But Taylor isn’t Simone’s only influence. She also lists Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo, and HAIM as other female artists she looks up to. She finds these artists particularly inspiring because “they are who they are and they own it.”
Since her last release, Simone has been working on a few new singles for fans. “I’m so excited about them all and anxious to get them out, but I also wanna take my time and make sure they are the best they can be.” We trust her judgment, and can’t wait to hear the new tracks once they are finally released.
Listen to Simone’s work on Spotify, and follow her Instagram to stay updated on new releases.
To find more budding artists you may enjoy, check out 3 Musicians to Keep on Your Radar.
