Interview with Simone Miller
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
There wasn’t one specific thing that got me into music! I was engulfed in a community of music with my family growing up. I had music all around me and fell in love with it ever since I was born! If I wasn’t into music I would be into acting (like I am now!). It is similar in the sense; I can express myself creatively.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
That would be a rare occasion! I always walk around with headphones. I’m constantly listening, singing, and playing music. However, I do have a lot of creative hobbies. I like acting, cinematography (I love learning about different camera angles and learning how the camera moves can affect the mood even if it’s subtle.) I’m a very hands-on person, so I also love painting, drawing, knitting, sewing, as well as poetry, literature, and writing.
How long has your band been around?
I officially started writing and connecting with producers in 2020. I released my debut single “Dry Eyes” in March 2021.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I live in the middle of nowhere! Seriously! I’m thankful for that because I was never influenced by my peers and the media and music they consumed. I was able to find and discover the music I liked, and I didn’t go through the stage of liking something because it was “cool.” I was able to have my own individuality.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
It was the Oakville Festivals of Film and Art (OFFA) International Women's Day Film Series event. I wasn’t performing live, but I got to showcase my “Older” music video. They showcased movies and music by female artists, and it was so amazing, humbling and empowering all at the same time.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
There isn’t one specific place I’m dreaming of playing at. I’m just so happy to share my music, I don’t care about scale or degree of the venue. It could be 5 or thousands of people! I just want to share my music. The numbers don’t influence me too heavily!
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Stevie Wonder, Georgia Smith, Queen, and Daniel Caesar.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
I absolutely love to write. So, my advice would be to write as much as you can, even if it doesn’t make sense. You’ll always have that first draft to look back on but once you start writing more ideas will flow.
My advice to my younger self would be to not be too precious about lyrics, they will get cut. When I first started working with producers, we did have to cut lyrics and some of my musical transitions to make it more digestible for an audience. I’m so glad now my songs make more sense and have all come together beautifully.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
Trust yourself a little bit more, in both acting and music. It’s in the industry to be self-deprecating or a perfectionist. There’s a reason you have these opportunities, even if you are working with people who are older than you, it doesn’t mean you know less than them. It took me a while to learn that I can learn different skill sets from everyone. Trust in yourself and your abilities. You are good enough and you don’t have to have a million credits on your resume to be good at what you do!
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
All my songs mean so much to me for different reasons. I would have to say “Older.” “Older” is a letter to myself I wrote to process the way I was feeling. I loved watching how it bloomed and then I was able to visualize it into a music video as a director. I was able to have creative control over everything.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
Although I haven’t performed it live yet, Acquaintance is my favourite song to sing and hopefully to perform to people soon! It is more of an upbeat song and a lot of fun. It has a bit of teenage angst and attitude even though it’s not me, it’s fun to have that persona.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
I find that my creative process has been unique to each song. Funny enough, I don’t have a structure or process, the songs just flow out of me. I find inspiration everywhere. “Older” is a strong emotion I was feeling, “Acquaintance” was my imagination of a party. I like how I get to play and be creative because I’m not on a timeline, I can create music when it’s right and organic.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
There isn’t one specific message. I often focus on humility and hopefully get it across in my songs. I want someone to take away that I’m just a person talking to them. I like to write in a way that’s relatable and real.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I definitely want to continue making music. I have a couple performances/ projects coming up that I can’t mention but I’m very excited!