We spoke with Simone Nicole about her influences, how personal challenges have impacted her music, and her newest track and video for ‘Tangerine.’ Read the full post below.
When did you start making music? What inspires you to create and write songs?
I began writing at 12 years old. It was a safe way for me to release emotions I didn’t understand or feel comfortable talking to anyone about. I was very much and still am an internal analyzer. I picked up the guitar at 16 and that’s when I started writing complete songs and dabbling with a 4-Track recorder. Everything I write comes from my own emotions, events around me, memories, dreams. Anything I’m trying to make sense of or wanting to release and let go.
How have your travel experiences influenced your music? What’s been your favorite or most impactful place you visited?
I don’t know if traveling has influenced my music per se, but it has certainly made writing easier. When I take a break from my everyday life, my comfort zone, and travel, everything that swims in my head becomes clearer. It gives me time to concentrate on my thoughts and feelings. I can ponder on memories, dreams, and pick out individual moments that catch my attention. Memories from Sweden and Iceland are definitely at the top of my list so far. Although I only got to spend a long Layover in both countries, it was quite amazing to see how clean, healthy, and friendly these places were. And the nature and architecture is so beautiful! I’d love to go back and stay for a week or more.
Mental Health is something that while people have been dealing with for a long time, it’s only now getting the open dialogue it deserves. How have these effected you and played a role in your music?
I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for a long time. The main reason I began writing was to try and understand myself better; those dark days that feel too heavy. Navigating both, while pursuing music, has been an interesting challenge. It’s also not something I’ve openly talked about until recently. On one hand, I can express it through music and maybe help someone feel less lonely; I’ve gotten to hear some amazing stories from others because of songs I’ve shared. I feel so honored to have been trusted with such delicate information that will forever stay confidential. On the other hand, I constantly re-live it all through music. Some days, I don’t want to play certain songs that are triggering for me. But it also makes a performance more raw and real. It’s a weird juggle. On days when I have to “fake it” is probably the hardest. I’ve come to dislike covering up my emotions. It makes it worse. Feeling is so important and I think sometimes we are scared to feel. Music has always helped me with that. Sharing with those close to me has helped. Changing my diet and lifestyle has also helped. I wish Mental Health was spoken of more; whether it’s depression, anxiety, bi-polar, trauma, etc. No one should have to hide a part of themselves because it’s not socially acceptable.
We loved your song and video fro your latest track “Tangerine”, it’s beautiful and nostalgic. What can you tell us about how that song came about?
That’s awesome! Thanks so much for checking it out! I was trying to write a cute love song with this song, but I couldn’t think of a happy ending. “The stars have aligned” was actually a quote that stuck in my head and I wrote all the versus around it. I struggled for a good hour on the chorus and ended up flipping through my songwriting journal and took the word “Tangerine” from some other scribbles I wrote. It seemed to pull the whole song together. That’s all I will share for now. The rest remains a mystery.
What do you have planned musically for the rest of 2020?
I’ve been doing a lot of research, writing, and planning for something very new! I don’t want to spoil the surprise. But I’m pretty excited about it!
What can our followers do to support you?
The best way to support me is by streaming / buying my music, purchasing merchandise, attending shows, sharing my music with others. (:
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