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Upcoming New York Superstar Simone Shares Her Musical Journey on Tour

Music & Podcasts

July 03, 2024

New York City, known as the "Big Apple," is home to many talented people. New York has nurtured a wide range of musical talent, from superstars like Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, and Alicia Keys to artists such as Jennifer Lopez, who proudly claims her identity as 'Jenny from the Block,' hailing from the Bronx. Simone will hopefully join the ranks of famous singers from New York City by sharing her music with her fans and community.

The Teen Magazine has had the amazing opportunity of sitting down with Simone and hearing her story of how she went from being a regular girl in the concrete jungle of NYC to an artist with hundreds of thousands of fans and listeners.

Photo by Shervin Lainez

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Getting to Know Simone

1. Can you tell us about your background and how it has influenced your music?

I grew up in Manhattan, and I definitely credit growing up in New York as a huge reason why I've always been so interested in the arts. My parents were both so supportive of any creative endeavors I wanted to try, and they always encouraged me to be as expressive and imaginative as possible. I was the kid that annoyed everyone because I was always singing, all the time.

2. Can you describe a moment when music had a profound impact on your life?

My whole life changed when I first started to play guitar and write songs. I grew up very shy and quiet, never really knowing how to process and communicate my emotions. Writing songs helped me to understand myself and how I was really feeling.

3. Reflecting on your journey so far, what has been the most rewarding experience in your musical career, and why?

Getting to meet the people who listen to my music is always the most incredible and surreal thing. There's really no way to describe the feeling I get when I meet someone after a show and they tell me they traveled hours to be there or that they've been listening to my music for years. Those conversations are moments I'll never forget.

4. Can you describe your songwriting process?

I feel like I'm subconsciously writing all the time. I see the world through the lens of a song. So when I actually sit down to write, it feels like a collection of lyrics and ideas I've gathered throughout my day, week, or entire life.

I always go into writing a song with intention because storytelling has always been the most important thing to me. I have to figure out what I want to say, and then I just make it rhyme.

5. How do you stay motivated and inspired as a musician?

I'm always trying to learn new things because I just think that keeps life interesting. I find that the more I consume things, the more inspired I am to make things. I watch many movies and read many books - not even about music, just about things that interest me and that I like to think about. It keeps me creative.

Photo by Shervin Lainez

6. You just had your "Open Book Tour: Chapter Two." How does performing in such an intimate and unique setting influence your connection with your audience and the way you present your music? What inspired you to choose bookstores as the venue for this tour?

I have never had a more personal experience with the people who listen to my music. I was literally looking them all in the eye while singing my songs. It couldn't have been more intimate.

I'm so grateful that people were willing to come and experience a more unconventional show like that. That was really the goal. It was so much fun.

7. How do you prepare for a tour, both physically and mentally? What rituals or routines do you have to stay grounded on the road?

I'm really lucky cause I can't drive, so my Dad had to come on tour with me, which was the best. Having him around kept me sane. I think one of the hardest parts about being on tour is being away from home for so long, but because I was with my Dad, I had a sense of home everywhere I went.

We tried to explore as much as we could in the little time we had in each city, which usually just meant finding the best local record store. But doing things outside of loading in, playing the show, and loading out helped us both feel more relaxed and human.

Photo by Shervin Lainez

8. How do you balance your personal life with the demands of being a musician? What's one thing you do to maintain a sense of normalcy?

I'm naturally very introverted, but I can be extroverted when I need to be, which I think helps. Being a musician demands a lot of movement and energy, which is so much fun, but it's nice to have a personal life that is quieter and more relaxed. That way, I never really crave one over the other because it feels like I have a healthy balance of both. Therapy also helps.

9. What do you hope your listeners take away from your music?

I can only hope that my music makes people feel something because that means it affects them in some way. The music that connects with me the most is the music that puts into words what I didn't know how to say. If someone feels that way listening to my music, that's pretty cool.

10. As you continue to evolve in your music career, what can your fans and listeners expect from you in the future? Are there any exciting upcoming projects or collaborations you'd like to share with us?

I have a new EP coming out this year, which I'm so happy about. I'm really proud of these songs, and I can't wait for them to be released in the world. This project feels the most like "me" out of everything I've put out before, so I'm really excited for people to hear it.

Photo by Shervin Lainez

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Fun Questions

1. If you could be a character in any TV show or movie, which one would it be?

I just started watching S*x and The City, so I'll say Carrie Bradshaw. Unless she becomes super problematic, then I take it back. I'm on episode 8.

2. If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would love to sing with Ryan Beatty one day. Even if it was just a karaoke night and he didn't know who I was, we got pulled up on stage together. That would be awesome.

3. Favorite Food?

There's a restaurant in Manhattan that makes the best burrito I've ever had. I think about it all the time. I'm gatekeeping it, though.

4. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the music industry?

Work with women.

5. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three items, what would they be?

A stress ball, a guitar, and an iPod with music downloaded on it because I came prepared.

6. If you could only wear one color for the rest of your life, which one would it be?

Probably blue, because jeans are blue, and I don't think I could pull off red pants.

7. What's the most adventurous thing you've done?

I played a house show in Brooklyn the other week, and my set wasn't till 11:30 pm. That was crazy.

8. Something you never leave the house without?

My headphones. Most of the time, I don't even listen to music. I just don't want people to talk to me.

9. Your hobbies aside from music?

I have a Letterboxd account so that's a big part of my personality. I watch as many movies as I can. I've only seen 55 so far this year, which is embarrassing. I need to step up my game.

10. What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up and immediately check my phone. The rest of the day is a mystery. A song will likely be written.

I will probably call my mom to complain about something at some point. There's no telling whether or not I'll go outside. I'm unpredictable in that way.

Photo by Shervin Lainez

Keeping up with Simone!

If you've loved learning more about Simone and can't get enough of her, or you're a long-time fan, follow her on social media and check out her website! She also has an upcoming EP, "Someone You Remember," coming out in September, so make sure to stream it!

Instagram: @simonemusic

TikTok: @simonemusic

Website: simone.com

Youtube: @simone

Williana Serve
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Writer since Apr, 2022 · 95 published articles

Formerly TTM's Associate Editor of Youth Voices/Regular Editor.

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