With her heart set on bigger things in life, Simone said goodbye to the small town and hello to more opportunities. Spending a decade admiring one of the best music has to offer, she is making her way towards the top of the R&B scene with her latest release, ‘SZNS.’ We talked about the inspo, the album, and more – including sexy bassist – in this back and forth exchange.
Kendra: Where did your love of music come from?
Simone: I’ve always loved music, and I don’t remember a day in my life I didn’t. I come from a family who loves music like a lot of other artists, and like me, they probably agree that music is something they were born with. That’s the best way for me to describe it.
Kendra: Did you always have your sights on being an artist?
Simone: I always knew I wanted to sing and perform. Performing was the biggest piece of my dream, so yes in a way I knew it was a calling I would eventually answer.
Kendra: You’ve noted you’re a small-town girl. I also come from a tiny area on the map. I was always driven to do anything in life just to move. Were you the same way at all?
Simone: I was the same. I was always testing the waters and doing something new. I have always wanted to try everything that appeals to me, and here I am.
Kendra: Your latest EP, ‘SZNS,’ is out now. Do you feel that each track does in fact represent each season we see throughout the year?
Simone: Not to sound too “deep” but those seasons on my EP are more like seasons of our lives. You could call it moments, phases, chunks of time. The project explores scorn, forgiveness, healing, and love. I wanted to create something women could relate to as I wanted to create something personal to me.
Kendra: As for one of the songs, “Bass Bae,” we get this wonderful R&B moment about a bass player. Was this inspired by an actual bassist?
Simone: A very sexy bassist, yes…my boyfriend. He’s truly a genius when it comes to music. I admire his talent and the intense faces he makes when he plays. Hence the lyrics, “let me see it on your face.”
Kendra: With it being March, I’d love to know what song you feel lucky enough to have heard in your lifetime? Like, what’s a song you’re thankful has existed while you’ve been here?
Simone: Honestly, all of Mariah Carey’s albums in the 90s are my favorite pieces of art. I’ve always admired her range and style of writing. I loved everything about Mariah during that time in her career.
Kendra: Lastly, with ‘SZNS’ out now – what can fans both new and old be on the lookout for from you in the coming months?
Simone: If you’re in the Philly or Tri-State area you’ll be seeing me out and about performing more often! I’ll be working on building up my YouTube while I continue to promote some videos to the songs on the EP.
