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Simon and the Island is the brand new solo mission of Canadian artist Simon Ward. Chances are you’ll recognise him because the frontman of The Strumbellas, whose explosive single “Spirits” landed them platinum standing and a number of Juno Awards. Now, taking music again to its bones, Ward’s newest music explores music in its rawest type, with easy, natural instrumentation leaving area for his stunning, lyrical traces.
His newest 9 observe, self-titled album, delves into Ward’s world and sees him be upfront and sincere about his personal struggles, whereas offering an uplifting message of discovering gentle on the finish of the tunnel. With proclamations of unconditional love, confessional anthems and symbolic odes, in 28 minutes and 23 seconds, Ward permits listeners a first-hand look into the lifetime of a platinum-selling artist. Spoiler alert: it isn’t all the time rosy, however troublesome life classes all the time make you stronger. PopWrapped caught up with Simon to search out out extra in regards to the new album, his time with The Strumbellas and his plans for 2022.
Congratulations on the discharge of your new album. How does it really feel to lastly have it out on this planet?
It feels nice! I imply, I used to be positively nervous about releasing this album simply because it is vitally susceptible and touches on some very private stuff however general, I’m simply completely satisfied it’s out on this planet.
You’re maybe greatest recognized for being a member of the tremendous widespread Indie Rock band The Strumbellas, who’ve seen large success with the breakthrough observe “Spirits”, which not too long ago blew up once more on TikTok. What made you resolve to embark on a solo enterprise alongside the band and the way does your solo music differ?
I believe as a songwriter I prefer to attempt various things. I like writing indie rock songs, youngsters’ songs, instrumental songs, EDM songs and for this album, mellow unhappy indie people songs. It’s actually enjoyable to have the ability to write completely different types of music and for this batch of songs I felt they might work greatest as a solo artist.
As a band, you’ve performed at some unbelievable venues around the globe. Is there any that you’re but to play which might be in your bucket record or that you just’d prefer to return to as a solo artist?
Wow, that’s an important query. Crimson Rocks in Colorado is one bucket record place I’d like to play! I’m additionally a little bit of a dreamer and have all the time needed to carry out on Saturday Evening Stay. However, general, I really feel fairly fortunate with the wonderful venues we’ve gotten to play. One particularly memorable gig was KROQ’s vacation present at The Discussion board in LA. I’m an enormous basketball fan, and it was so thrilling to carry out the place all of my favorite NBA gamers performed!
The shift from working alongside 5 different band members to working by your self should’ve been fairly a transition. How did you discover the method of making this new album?
Thus far in my musical profession I’ve solely had optimistic experiences making albums. Making albums with The Strumbellas is all the time tremendous enjoyable and we all the time have a blast doing it. This document was after all a bit completely different as a result of I used to be by myself, however it was additionally very optimistic and enjoyable. I labored with my brother-in-law Brian who’s the producer and he’s actually the nicest man on the planet so it made it tremendous straightforward and relaxed. And we stay on the identical avenue so I may simply pop in on him anytime I used to be feeling inventive and document my concepts, which was good.
The tracks on the self-titled album ‘Simon and The Island’ are very stripped again and contact on some actually uncooked subjects regarding psychological well being; a few of which have actually spoken to your followers. What was your inspiration behind the change of themes and style?
I truthfully attempt to write from the center. I don’t have a lot of an agenda when writing songs. I simply do my greatest to placed on paper what I’m going by. I’ve had a really arduous couple of years and this album is a mirrored image of that. I actually hope the lyrics join with individuals and assist them by arduous occasions however ultimately, I don’t have a lot of a plan after I write songs, I attempt to make songs that make my coronary heart flutter and have significant and sincere lyrics.
‘Simon and The Island’ is a superb identify, establishing your self as a solo artist, but additionally appears to epitomize the themes and tune titles on the album. Was this one thing you consciously determined to do or was it a stroke of serendipity?
The reality is, I LOVE the identify too! I used to be so excited after I considered it and simply knew I needed to create a physique of labor to launch underneath that identify. It was positively serendipitous that the identify does in truth match nicely with the music.
Do you will have a favorite observe on the album and in that case, which is it and why?
My favorite observe might be “Sweep Me Off my Ft” as a result of I wrote it with all my brothers and it’s the solely tune now we have ever written collectively. It stemmed from a jam in my brother Tod’s basement and the opening guitar lick is definitely Tod on the recording. It’s a pleasant reminiscence for me to have made a tune with my brothers as a result of we’re very shut and I’m proud and grateful we obtained to share that have collectively.
You’ve collaborated with some unbelievable artists, like FallingInSand, to your music movies and accompanying visuals that are tremendous inventive and addictive to look at. What was your inspiration behind this?
My supervisor! It was all her thought. As quickly as she despatched me the sand movies I used to be offered on the concept! She – my supervisor – is integral within the growth of my work and now we have a number of enjoyable arising with concepts collectively on visuals to characterize my music.
Lastly then, what are your plans for 2022? Can we anticipate extra new music?
I actually hope so! I spend every single day writing new songs so hopefully I can give you some new cool stuff! I’m pondering of going extra upbeat and enjoyable on the subsequent releases. What do you suppose?
Give Simon and the Island’s new album a pay attention beneath and for extra info on Simon and his music, go to his website, give his web page a like on Facebook or comply with him on Instagram. Header picture credit score: Will Fournier.