SOPHIE SIMMONS is a multi-faceted singer, songwriter and now author of the poetry book Secrets I Would Never Say, But I Would Sing. The book will be released digitally on November 27, 2020. The written collection of short poems serves as an expansion of Sophie’s ever-growing artistic palette, along with her widely popular music. Sophie’s eclectic music catalog includes both indie-pop lovesick ballads and electronically-infused dance tracks.
AC: Let’s talk about your new poetry book. What does this body of work mean to you?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – This book is two years in the making! If the pandemic had not come, I bet I would still be editing it. The state of the world really gave me a “now or never“ mentality. I hope to make this a series and for each book to get better and better. It is definitely very scary to share things from my writing journals as they’re usually private thoughts. However, I was always encouraged by my co-writers in studio sessions to share what I have in them, so this book is really me facing a fear.
AC: Where did the initial idea for this book come from?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – My co-writers and studio sessions always told me to share what I write down in my books and I guess I finally listened.
AC: Do you think music and poetry exercise similar creative muscles?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – I think music and poetry are very similar, although sometimes with lyric writing, I feel that we have to bend the meaning of something to fit with the melody.
For you, which came first, music or poetry?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – Music definitely came first and then I realized I was writing some lyrics that didn’t have melodies yet. Some of them just sat better as poems since they did not have a proper verse, pre-chorus, and chorus structure.
AC: In the studio, do you have a fear you’d like to conquer?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – I feel that every time you’re making music out of thin air it’s a scary thing. You have to be so vulnerable, open, and willing to make mistakes for anything great to come out. I’m still learning for sure.
AC: What about outside of the studio?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – A fear outside the studio? Probably something to do with skydiving. I really do like being in control and something like that would definitely be a fear for me.
AC: Where does the creation of a song begin for you?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – It’s honestly different every time. Sometimes we start with melody, sometimes the lyric, or sometimes a concept. I think it’s better to keep the origin process as open as possible so it’s the most organic.
AC: Who do you feel inspired by in the music industry?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – I love seeing all these strong female pop artists come to the forefront of the industry. Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus‘s newest era, Lennon Stella, Julia Michaels… women that are also writing their music. I think that’s really inspiring.
AC: As a music artist, what are you still trying to learn?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – I feel like I’m still learning every aspect. It’s a never-ending process of getting better and trying to write something better than the last song.
AC: How important is social media to you right now?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – I really don’t care too much about social media. I used to when I was younger and gave a lot of thought to it. Now I find I’m barely using it because I’m working so much and it’s just not a priority to me. Unfortunately, it’s a huge priority for record labels and really determines who gets signed as an artist. I guess I’m a little old-fashioned thinking it should really be about the music and not about the social media following.
AC: Ahead of a gig, do you have any pre-show rituals?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – I honestly haven’t had a gig in so long I don’t remember…I think a good bowl of pasta and some breathing exercises.
AC: What’s the biggest realization you’ve had this past year?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – I learned that success is when opportunity meets preparation. The pandemic has really put that in perspective for me and the opportunities I was given as a songwriter purely because I knew how to record my own vocals and how to make a demo.
AC: What makes you feel nostalgic?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – Christmas lights, tomato soup, and campfires.
AC: What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
SOPHIE SIMMONS – I hope the world’s climate is doing a lot better in 10 years. I hope there is positive change with all of us doing our part to help fix global warming. I also hope that countries are more willing to work together…I think we’ve all seen during this pandemic how useful it would’ve been if the whole world went by one plan. I know this is probably very wishful thinking, but I’ve noticed the more adult I’ve become, the more adults are really still children sometimes.
You can pre-order Sophie Simmons’ new book here.
Social Media: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Music: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
Philanthropy: Learn about Sophie’s child advocacy center “Sophie’s Place” here
PHOTOGRAPHY: MCLAREN RAY
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
