Nicole Simone is the arcane singer-songwriter from Canada, who found her artistic haven while growing up between Toronto and Southern California. Her unique style is an amalgamation of surf pop, indie pop, and 80s nostalgia. She manages to converge having grown up between Toronto and SoFlo and her Sicilian heritage alongside her diverse life experience to create a tapestry of emotions like no other. While Nicole’s talent is undeniable, she remains refreshingly grounded, often finding comfort in the simple pleasures of life, especially when surrounded by knives at the dinner table. The mysteries of the cosmos act as fuel for her creativity, driving her relentless pursuit of musical excellence through her deep-seated passion for the unknown.
Nicole will be releasing one of her most important projects to date, and we had the opportunity to give it a listen before its official release. In “Past Life” she masterfully paints a sonic canvas that effortlessly blends the 80s and 90s emotional energy with a contemporary introspection on failed relationships. Throughout the song, she explores karmic connections between people who enter our lives with an uncanny familiarity, as if we have danced this same duet countless times before.
The release date for “Past Life” is set for June 7th, and we can guarantee it will not disappoint. As we eagerly anticipate its arrival, we are fortunate enough to have Nicole herself join us to share all the insider details about the single. From her creative inspiration behind the song to her past musical experiences, and a glimpse into her own past life. Join us and let’s see what Nicole Simone has in store for us this day!
What was your experience like growing up between Toronto and Southern California?
Growing up between Toronto and Southern California was like growing up between the sun and the moon. I was born in downtown Toronto, but I don’t have any early recollections of Canada. I moved to the States when I was a toddler. Living on the coast of southern California was a really idyllic childhood, and there were lots of extended family around all the time. The beach was always around the corner and it was my playground. Earthquakes and wildfires were expected. It just felt very serene and adventurous. When I moved back to Canada it felt very insular and uniform, but Canada has its own magic that from a distance I can admire now, but January in Toronto is not something I think I’ll ever enjoy.
Can you tell us about your birthdate coinciding with the infamous “official hangover day” and its significance?
I was born the day after St. Patrick’s Day, on March 18th. As a redhead, I do feel lucky I wasn’t born on St. Patrick’s Day, especially because I’m not even Irish. Everyone is always hung over on my birthday. I remember once a bunch of kids didn’t show up to my 7th birthday party because the parents had partied the night before and my mom had to invite random neighborhood kids off the street. It was hilarious and I really didn’t care.
What role does your Sicilian heritage play in your life?
I think being Sicilian is destined to be an admired outlier. Sicily is a very unique place, it feels as though it should be its own country, and many Sicilians consider it just that. Sicilians are very cunning, creative people who have a lot of gumption. I am a first-generation Sicilian and I think about my family moving at a time when they hadn’t even seen a picture of Canada and leaving the dreamy coast of Sicily. I think even as much as being Sicilian is being entrepreneurial and loyal, I think being raised by someone who immigrated means you learn to just keep walking, so long as it’s the right direction.
How did your initial interest in death metal eventually lead you to the telecaster guitar and influence your music style today?
I think I was just into new metal at the time it became really popular but once I discovered Jeff Buckley through a Chris Cornell interview, I wanted to do everything Jeff did. I spent a lot of time and money tracking down magazines and lost interviews with Jeff, who gave great advice on music, movies, and films. Artists can be real tastemakers outside of their own art.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in evolving from a death metal shredder to an indie pop artist with cinematic influences?
I think that my image never matches my music. I would say this has constantly been a criticism. I always feel sick when people say that my image ‘caters to the male gaze’ when really I’m just being myself and dressing how I like to dress. I think there’s a uniformity, especially in LA, where everyone is beautiful but looks the same. Or artists in the same genre look the same. As a woman, you get hyper-criticized about how you dress and how you come off on film in your genre, and I don’t think guys get that at all, especially in indie pop. There’s a lot of gender bias in music.
Could you tell us about your musical influences and the artists who have inspired your music career?
At my core, I’m an indie rock girl, so… The National, Phoenix, The Strokes, Interpol. Newer artists like Krooked Kings and The Wallows I think are really great. On the broader spectrum, artist’s artists like Tom Waits, Jeff Buckley, Elliott Smith, and Nina Simone always inspire me.
Is there a particular genre of music that you feel has the greatest impact on your work?
I think the indie sleaze/indie alternative era. I think the 2000s was a fantastic era of music with real bands playing real instruments and packing dive bars with people who weren’t hyper-attached to their phones. I think nostalgia is sweet but I love that the sound is coming around again. I remember here “Is This It?” by the Strokes and I think that’s the closest thing I’ll have in my life to someone hearing the Beatles in the 1960’s for the first time.
“Past Life” has a very nice 90s vibe. Is your work influenced by that period? Maybe by artists such as Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple, and Sheryl Crow?
I loved the 90s and am very influenced by Pavement, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Breeders, The Cocteau Twins, Jeff Buckley, Weezer, etc. I think there’s an idea that women are only inspired by other women artists but I don’t feel that music is gendered that way.
What’s next on the horizon? Are you already working on your next project?
I am always working on new music and becoming a better writer.
Is there anything else you would like to add? Maybe something for your fans 🙂
I can’t think of anything!
For more info on Nicole Simone: INSTAGRAM
