After establishing himself with a wealth of shimmering delights in recent years, emerging artist SIMMY now makes his eagerly-awaited return to deliver his vibrant new single 'EASYSTAR'.
Set to feature on his forthcoming new EP 'HELLO WORLD', which is due out in the coming months, 'EASYSTAR' makes for a wonderfully warm and inviting listen. With his rich and immersive vocal style spread across a woozy indie-rock-inspired production throughout, he returns to the fold with one of his most captivating cuts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Percussion! Things that keep the beat. Growing up, I used to watch my dad’s friends make music together. I loved how the percussion instruments kept the rhythm and the vibe going.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up in Italy at a time when grunge music was popular. So, when I was out, at school, at a friend's house... I’d hear Blur, Avril Lavigne... that kind of thing. I’m Egyptian/Ghanian so at home my parents would listen to a lot of African music and then on top of that I would spend hours watching American music videos.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember was a CD of The Score by The Fugees. I don’t think it was mine though, I found it in my parent’s room. I don’t know how it got there as they didn’t really listen to American music. Also Say My Name by Destiny’s Child.
Growing up in Italy you’re pretty sheltered from what's happening more widely in music and in culture. A lot of the music that really means something to me I didn't find until later when I moved to London.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Sun is Shining by Bob Marley
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t have any habits or rituals that I go through before writing. It all happens in the moment in the studio. My approach to music is very personal, I use it as a therapeutic channel. It’s all about experimentation really, and a connection with who I am working with in the studio. The aim is to connect a sound with a feeling. If that connection happens then I can express what's in my head and my experiences. I push myself to be honest with no limitations, that is the best type of music for me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m always fucking around on the internet to find new music. It’s how I disconnect and de-stress and it's something I love to do. I can spend hours and hours alone listening to new music, it’s my happy place.
This is a difficult question for me to answer because I constantly have so much stuff on rotation. At the moment it’s FAILURE, Asakee, Schoolboy Q, Anycia, Temple Sounds, Skrapz, Len, Brent Faiyaz, MIKE, Valee, Louis Armstrong, Kid Cruise and Lil Wayne.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
There are so many. I’d love to open for Dean Blunt, for 070 Shake, for Syd, for Prince!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When the people listening feel what I’m feeling through my music. I can’t describe it, it’s the craziest thing. And the experiences I share with my peers, it brings us together, and we motivate each other to keep pushing.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The waiting. We all have bills to pay and lives to live, so we can't be creative and make music all the time.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
There are a lot of opinions about, mostly from people with no credentials. Not everyone is an artist but everyone's a critic. Fear of this can block us from putting ourselves out there. When you’re feeling that way remember that shame is free, and a lot of people don’t have any. There are people out there doing their thing badly, but thriving. You can thrive too. Always.
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SIMMY's new single 'EASYSTAR' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.