Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Nicole.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Started writing around age 12, realized how therapeutic it was. Began learning guitar, writing, & recording songs in my closet on a 4 track recorder at 16. Started playing open mics around DFW at age 18. Met a few other musicians around town who played actual shows. With their help and through the open mics I began to play my own shows as well. Next thing I know I’m working three jobs and playing music multiple times a week.
In 2011 I released an EP “Hanging On A Cloud”. In 2012 I moved to Switzerland for a year, to rest and learn more about the other half of my family. Ended up playing a few shows there as well. Moved back to DFW for a year. Began playing and working full time again. This time with a band. After a while, I realized I wanted to learn more about the songwriting side of the industry and figured Nashville was the perfect place to learn that. 2014 I moved to Nashville for two years. Ended up writing with my favorite songwriter, Matthew Perryman Jones. Played a few shows.
But in reality, I was working two jobs to live. Not much music was happening… Ended up moving back to Fort Worth in 2016 because I wanted to play music full time and be closer to family. I feel like I had grown so much after experiencing all of the above… And I realized how much I really wanted to pursue music as a career. I took a different approach with performing this time around. It’s been working out pretty well!
I’ve met so many amazing artists/musicians, friends, neighbors. It feels like a big family. Thanks to all of the support that DFW offers, I’ve been able to play music full time since May 2017. (The only side jobs I’m doing now are my photography, graphic designing, and helping my friend start her own food prep service. (Plantset Meals). But even all of that has slowed down. Which is totally okay, because music is what I want to focus on.)
I released my first full-length album in October 2017! Something I’ve been itching to do for years! Did a mini tour around Germany & Switzerland in August/September 2017. This year has already been so different compared to last year. I’m slowly introducing more full band gigs. I’m starting to branch outside of DFW. (Played a few shows in Tennesee this past month. Casey Reid (Dallas) joined me at two shows.) I’ve got a few other things planned as well, but you’ll just have to wait and see what those are.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If it were a smooth road, I think I’d be doing something else. I’ve had to learn how to juggle work and personal life. How to properly take care of myself. I work mostly at night since gigs don’t usually start until 9 pm. So I have an opposite schedule from most of my friends. Sleep was an issue for a while. You can gain so much extra energy from playing shows that it’s hard to wind down sometimes… Constantly being around the bar environment isn’t always the best thing either.
There were about two months when I didn’t see any daylight and a lot of the depression and anxiety I struggled with in high school started coming back. I’m also an introvert, so sometimes I get so burnt out after gigging and being around people constantly, that I go into hibernation mode. Which isn’t good for relationships or business. Making sure I take time for myself is very important so that this doesn’t happen. Luckily my close friends understand this and have helped me figure some things out. It’s all about balance.
I’m also working 24/7. I don’t have management or a label. I’m doing everything independently, so I’ve got to make sure I’m on my game with checking emails, texts, messengers. There’s constant gig opportunities that pop up, cancelations, rescheduling, last minute deals… sometimes all of that can be overwhelming, especially when you decide to “take a day off” or just want a break from your phone. Again all about balance.
But besides all of the bumps and occasional cliff drops, it’s been an adventure trying to find balance in it all. I think I’ve got a pretty good rhythm now. It’s only taken 10 years to find it. haha
Please tell us about Simone Nicole.
I’m a singer/songwriter. I write and play guitar. Mostly fingerpicking. My writing is mostly about love, heartbreak, observations, feelings, coping with things. I usually describe it has melancholy since it’s a mixture of sad yet hopeful vibes. Or dreamy? I don’t know how to describe my style, but one of my goals has always been to make each song sound different. To not just stick to one genre. People tell me I have a unique voice.
The thing I’m most proud of?
I get to meet so many amazing people through what I do. I’ve heard so many life stories from strangers and friends. Even being told that my music has helped someone sleep, relax, feel, or inspire them to do something. It’s the coolest thing! I love hearing and seeing these things happen. Watching people grow, evolve, become inspired to do something, is the simplest and most unexpected reaction I could ask for.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Oh, I don’t like this question. haha, I wouldn’t want to do anything differently. If I did, I might be in a different place whether good or bad – farther or more behind. I’m glad I’ve had to go through everything that has happened. If I didn’t, my songs would be different, my attitude through everything would be different, and so on. Even though some of it has been fairly dark… I still wouldn’t want to change it because it’s shaped me into who I am now.
Pricing:
- Self-titled album “Simone Nicole” is available in CD form for $10
- EP “Hanging On A Cloud” is available in CD form for $5
Contact Info:
- Address: 3000 S Hulen Street, Suite 124-589 Fort Worth, Texas 76109
- Website: www.simonenicole.com
- Phone: 469-351-0381
- Email: simone@simonenicole.com
- Instagram: @simonenicole.music
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/simonenicolemusic
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/withlovesimone
- Other: www.simonenicolephotography.com
Image Credit:
Ron McQueen, Corey Kingsley, Steven Lawrence, Colton Newkirk, Chris Jordan
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