Swedish artist Simon Andersson, a name synonymous with versatility and resilience in the music industry, recently shared his profound insights and experiences in a candid interview. From his early influences in Sweden to his remarkable journey on the global stage,
Andersson delves into the heart of his music creation process, the significance of his World Entertainment Awards win as Best Pop song 2023 with * Try*, and the challenges he has faced and overcome in his career. His reflections offer an intimate glimpse into the life of an artist who has not only weathered storms but emerged stronger, inspiring many with his story.
Simon Andersson is a musical powerhouse and an award winning artist. With music influences that span from the early days of rock ’n’ roll to the contemporary music scene, he’s a very talented songwriter and a producer from Malmö, Sweden.
At age eleven, he made his first appearance on national TV and held his first award at age thirteen. After high school he later graduated from Malmo Music Academy and attended the music producer program wanting nothing short of a professional career. This led to him – a few years later in 2013 -walking off the Fonda theater stage in Hollywood as the winner of ”Best Song of The Year”.
The win didn’t go by unnoticed and Simon soon found himself performing live on American TV, breaking the top 80 on Music Row’s Break-out Chart and participating at the CMA Festival two years in a row.
In 2019, Simon teamed up with with different artists and DJ’s to explore uncharted territory and looking for new sounds. His musical background and instrumental skills lay a solid foundation for a music journey that has just begun.
Where are you based?
Malmö, Sweden. It’s the south of Sweden right next to Copenhagen which makes international traveling really easy. And there’s a lot of that happening.
How long have you been making music?
All my life really. For as long as I can remember. The songwriting part has evolved over time of course but there’s always been the creation and playing with music. It’s such a creative process and I love it.
What genre would you consider your music to be?
Mixed. I’m the worst person you can ask that, ha ha! I have my roots in rock. Maybe you can say pop too but it depends on what pop music we’re talking about. I mean it’s real easy to tell you all the stuff I like and what I think that is. But my own music is more difficult. Let’s say: rock, pop or alternative. There I said it.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
The inspiration comes from the love of music. And that is also what keeps you going. Your fans too I should point out. They are my complete focus along with making music that is real and based on feelings and something you want to say or express. A career in music … that’s easier said than done. The business side of music is not as inspiring as the music itself I can tell you that. It’s like the AC/DC song: ”It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ’n’ roll”.
What are your biggest musical influences?
Early on I watched a VHS tape my father had with videos of John Fogerty, Little Richard, Fats Domino and The Eagles etc. That made a big impact on me as a kid and I watched that tape over and over. Later on when I was around eleven, I was heavily influenced by Chicago. The early era many seem to have forgotten about. I’m talking about the 70’s. So much great music they did back then! And their guitarist – Terry Kath – who was an amazing player really impressed me. Then during high school it was a lot of ToTo on the menu and I should also say that growing up I listened to Swedish Pop/Rock group Roxette. Most people internationally would probably know their music from Pretty Woman. It Must Have Been Love.Nowadays I listen to as much different music as I can. I love taking influences from all over the place.
Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
My sings are released by Yellow Rhinestone Records,an Independent Label
What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
Breaking through. Creating a team – I should say first finding the right people – then making a team. There’s so much BS out there it’s really challenging making sure you’re in the right spot. Finding or creating the necessary funding and still have control over you music and your life. All these things and interests fighting. You need to find the right balance. It’s not easy.
How many songs or albums have you released to date?
ust one album actually. A bunch of singles. I have written A LOT of music but it hasn’t been released. Partly because of the reasons in your previous question. The timing wasn’t there. But that’s all changing now.
Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
It’s actually the first song I produced in my new studio. I grew up listening to it a lot and I really love that song and Tracy Chapman. Very talented songwriter. I was playing around and wanted to find my own sound. A Simon Andersson sound. I’m really happy with how it turned out and I hope people li
Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
Lots of plans! We are going in to my most active period yet and I love it. I feel really inspired and happy and I’m looking forward to releasing all this music that’s in the pipeline. A bunch of releases this year and a new album coming next year. I can’t wait!
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