Simo Interview

Nashville power trio Simo are set to release Rise and Shine on September 15th, the followup to 2016’s Let Love Show The Way. Blues Rock Review caught up with frontman JD Simo to discuss the new album and more.

Rise and Shine is a shift in sound from Let Love Show The Way. What inspired this?

Not being happy with what we’d done. It took a bit of touring to realize that I wanted to grow and find something that was my own, not me interpreting someone else’s thing. It was part of a huge personal growth period for me and one I’m grateful to have gone through. I’m proud of where I’ve come from but I’m even more so of who I’ve become. As a man and an artist.

Many of the songs on the album were recorded in the very early hours of the morning when most people are sleeping. Do you find yourself more inspired and creative in these hours?

Yes, I do. I am nocturnal by nature. I feel best in the middle of the night. I always have. I prefer to sleep from 6 or 7am till 3 or 4 in the afternoon.

Is there a song on the album that sticks out to you that you are particularly proud of?

I’m proud of all of them fairly equally. I like “I Want Love” a lot because of extremely personal reasons though.

You started playing guitar at age 5 and formed your first band at 15. Did you always think you’d be a musician and if you weren’t a musician, what do you think you’d be doing?

Yes, I always knew. Luckily it’s all I’ve ever had to do. I’m very fortunate. It’s not always been easy but somehow God’s always shown me which way to go.

You’re constantly on the road touring. What’s your favorite and least favorite part of touring?

I love playing music. I hate being away from my wife.

Interview by Pete Francis