Simon Andersson: A Journey Of Resilience, Creativity, And Musical Influence

Of course you hope to win! But I must say I kind of feel like a winner anyway. it's solid proof of your work and the invitation to play means a lot. That's saying something too you know.

 

To me it's a comeback. I've been fortunate enough that this is my third time nominated in Hollywood for my music. I've received one award for best song of the year but that's some time ago.

After that I had a good run with most of my success being in the US , but then it all went south and I actually lost everything. Lesson learned of the importance of who you bring on to the team.

I'm not gonna go through the details now but it was tough. I didn't have any resources whatsoever to bounce back, no team, no nothing. And quite frankly after seeing the inside of the music industry I wasn't exactly full of inspiration and eager to get back on the horse.

 

Try is about not quitting or giving up. To believe in yourself and your abilities. This nomination is proof that it works and so it's very special to me personally.

You've been recognized for your songwriting and production skills. Can you share some insights into your approach to these aspects of music creation?

Simon Andersson: Yeah, it's passion, knowledge and hard work. Talent is also a part of it but if you don't work hard to develop your talents, they are not worth anything.

Music has always been my life. I started playing drums when I was three years old and had my first teacher - who was a famous French drummer touring with Demis Roussos in the 70's - when I was five. Then picked up the guitar and the piano. Started singing early on and just kept going. This has helped me tremendously in my production skills because I can think as a drummer for instance when recording or programming drums. Since I don't practice or have practiced drums for YEARS I might not be able to play it, but I know HOW it would be played. This hand goes here, and snare comes after that tom and it should be this cymbal, not the other one because of where you are in a fill on the the drum kit. If that makes sense. It all just makes it sounding natural.

 

Production is important but it's not music. Important point. ANY great song can be played with just a guitar and vocals. That simple.

it's often forgotten these days. it's all about the song. The music and the lyrics. Polished shit will never be a diamond! Ha ha

 

I always start with the music when I write. What's the feel? Emotion, vibe. Focus on that. Get inspired. Could be a cool sound, a riff, melody whatever.

Then get the parts of the song. Verse. Chorus. A Bridge? Don't think. Play. Experiment. Don't judge or be afraid of trying things. You can re-arrange the order and re-write later.

DO NOT get stuck looking for the perfect kick drum sound. That will ruin your flow. And the perfect sound will not make it a hit. But the right hook or vibe just might.

 

I will also say that I focus on what part of the process I'm in. This is important especially if you're doing many things yourself.

Are we doing songwriting, production or mixing? Focus on the right stuff in each part of the process. Don't mix when you're producing or writhing.

I spoke English fluently before that, most people do in Sweden, but entertaining a crowd is something other than a conversation so that was good practice for me.

Never seen myself as a Swedish artist in a way that I've sung in Swedish for instance. Obviously I can but always had my eyes on the international stage.

Can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your career that helped define your path as an artist?

Simon Andersson: I was part of a big TV production on national Swedish television when I was eleven. That was big. Then at thirteen I won best solo performance at a major European music contest. That was such an amazing  moment. I'll never forget the feeling when we were on stage playing at the big gala ceremony that ended the whole thing. It was broadcasted on national television too. It was in Poland and not too long after the  Berlin wall fell so the whole atmosphere was… electric. it's hard to describe. It was unbelievable and I got to experience that at thirteen. Best performance out of hundreds if not a thousand people that were part  of it. There's a clip on YouTube. I say no more, ha ha.

How do you balance the roles of artist, songwriter, and producer in your work?

Simon Andersson: It can be a little tricky. As a producer you can produce very different things and sounds. I've also learned how to play different styles etc. That's very useful and good but not necessarily the best thing as an artist. If you're not real careful how you market that or present yourself you can get lost. Let's say the great BB King could also play heavy metal.. Not necessarily a great benefit to his brand right?

 

To manage the workload I surround myself with a great team and people I trust. Chosen more carefully than the first time around I might add.

What are some of the challenges you've faced in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?

Simon Andersson: The music industry is not about music. Period.

Understand that and get used to it.

it's run by people who don't care about music. If they say they do I can assure you they care more about money.

Lot's of musicians and upcoming artists - perhaps most - don't think like that or understand what drives others to support your successful career.

I wish I learned that sooner than I did. And a lot cheaper too! Ha ha

 

I'm NOT saying nobody in the industry cares about great music - that's obviously not the case. But it's not great music that's the driving force in the top tier of the business.

Learn how to play the game and grow a thick skin. A dinosaur skin.

Who are some of your musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

Simon Andersson: How long of an answer do you like? Ha ha! 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 long before I was born.  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. And there are many more that influenced  me over the years.