PHILADELPHIA, PA. (Simon Apple Official Wwebsite) - Philadelphia based band,
Simon Apple, has cracked the U.S. Adult Contemporary Top 10 with their song "Hold Me (Like A Lover)", by reaching No 10 on the national weekly radio chart and trade publication, Friday Morning Quarterback (FMQB). The song entered the Adult Contemporary FMQB chart the week of
September 19 at No 245 (with only
Santana and
Jim Brickman gaining more stations), and within a month cracked the Top 40. The song continued to gain upward momentum and reached No 10 the first week of December.
What makes this so unique is the fact that Simon Apple is self-funded, on their own label (Trunk), without the luxury of a 6-figure major label promotion budget. "Hold Me", however, has moved ahead of many major label artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Green Day, Nickelback, Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Eagles, Michael Buble, and others.
"Hold Me", is the first single released from the band's current studio album, "River To The Sea", which features several Grammy-winning and multi-platinum guest artists, including: Bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Pink Floyd), guitarist Buck Dharma (Blue Oyster Cult), saxophonist John Helliwell (Supertramp), cellist Hugh McDowell (Electric Light Orchestra), and acoustic bassist Steve Rodby (Pat Metheny Group).
Simon Apple was co-founded by two Philly area natives, keyboardist/guitarist/producer, Jeff Miller, and drummer/lyricist, Buzz Saylor. They are joined by lead vocalist/guitarist, Dan Merrill, a resident of Portland, Maine. "River To The Sea" is the trio's latest creation that is receiving critical acclaim world-wide, being favorably compared to the likes of Sting, Steely Dan, Genesis, Dave Matthews Band, Marillion, Peter Gabriel, Bruce Hornsby, and John Mayer.
Simon Apple is also very involved in Cystic Fibrosis charities. On February 11th, 2006, they will be performing in Reading, PA., at the 5th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Valentine's Gala. An event that was created by Miller's sister and brother-in-law, Melissa and Jeff Sowers. Their 9 year old daughter, Stephanie, was diagnosed with CF within a month of birth. Simon Apple has performed freely, every year, helping to raise about $150,000 in the first 4 years of the event. Simon Apple also donates a portion of all sales of "River To The Sea" to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - forever, until there is a cure. For further information on the CF Gala, Cystic Fibrosis, and Simon Apple, visit: www.simonapple.com.
The single/radio edit of 'Hold Me' is available for free download at MySpace: https://www.myspace.com/simonapple
