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Keaton Simons

Get lost in the soul and sound of Keaton's music.
By: Gian Erguiza - - December 26th, 2008 - 11:33 am PST



Keaton Simons has come out ahead of the pack with 'Can you Hear Me,' a collection of soulful rock tracks, molded into one passionate album. A singer songwriter from the start, Keaton is steadily spreading the word about his music, one person at a time, city to city. We got a chance to shoot Keaton some questions via email and here are the results.

Hey Keaton, could you please enlighten our readers as to who Keaton Simons is and how it all began?

I was born directly into water on a summer morning in Los Angeles three weeks past my due date. My mother was producing a TV show called, "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" and brought me to work with her every day. As a result, my infant ears were blessed by the likes of James Brown, Chuck Berry, and many many more. I have always been passionate about music. I started singing from the time I could talk and playing piano around the same time. I picked up the guitar when I was 12 and haven't put it down since.

What’s new in the world of Keaton Simons or what are you currently up to?

My focus right now is on touring. I'm trying to stay on the road as much as possible.

"This album is a culmination of a lot of hard work and energy over many years. The songs represent my entire songwriting lifetime. The goal was to express myself and my songs clearly, honestly and organically."

‘Can You Hear Me’ is wonderful album full of melodies and great songs. What kind of work went into making this album and what was the most challenging aspect of putting the album together?

Thank you very much! This album is a culmination of a lot of hard work and energy over many years. The songs represent my entire songwriting lifetime. The goal was to express myself and my songs clearly, honestly and organically.

How much fun did you have recording ‘Can You Hear Me’ and where did you derive inspiration from writing the album?

I had a blast making this record. The feeling is indescribable. I look for inspiration everywhere.

Your lyrics on the album have a lot of emotion matched with your honest voice. How natural do lyrics come to you and when are you at best when writing lyrics?

Thank you so much! Lyrics come quite natural to me actually. They seem to drop into place like puzzle pieces. I feel great every time I come up with a lyric or line that I'm proud of. I try not to censor myself and allow ideas to flow freely. Sometimes it's like spilling puzzle onto a table. Some are already linked, but most of them need to find their home.

So tell me Keaton, has the album met or exceeded your expectations so far?

I try very hard not to create expectations. I've done a good job on this one. Haha.

Some of your songs have ended up on TV shows like ‘Mama Song,’ playing on a recent episode of the TV show ‘The Cleaner.’ How has this helped your mission as an artist/musician and how did this all come about?

TV placements have become an extremely powerful and important tool for promotion. I believe my music works very well in this way.

Touring for some bands are an absolute burden. Some bands absolutely love being out on the road and some absolutely find it to be not such a great time. Which are you and what do you love about being out on the road?

I love being on the road more than almost anything. I feel at home when I'm on the road. Being on tour not only enables me to get my music out to people but I get to see the world!

Let’s talk about the axe. What type of axe do you play on and what in your opinion does a guitar player need to be capable of to be a great guitar player?

Ohhh I have many axes. I've been touring acoustic a lot lately and I always use my Gibson J-200 with my Fishman Aura pedal. I think the most important thing any musician needs is a deep love of music.

Is Keaton Simons going green anytime soon? With the world in the midst of a global warming threat, are you going green anytime soon Keaton?

I already live quite the "green" life. I've been touring in my own Hybrid Toyota Highlander. I eat organic as often as possible and I don't smoke or drink. I would love to go even more green by incorporating bio diesel and solar power.

What is the most satisfying thing about getting onstage and playing your songs in front of people?

My favorite is when the whole crowd is engaged. When I feel connected with music and myself but still open enough to let everyone in. There are moments on stage that feel like heaven.

Alright, it’s time to pick your brain. Give me the 5 best rock albums of al l time or 5 best rock phrases of all time?

I can only think of one.

1. Jim Morrison - Jim: Does anyone out there believe in astrology?
crowd: yeaaaaaah!
Jim: Well I think it's a bunch of bullshit.
crowd: Me tooooo!

Keaton Simons is in love with _______________________________.

Music!

Hey Keaton, do you ever pay attention to what’s happening on the radio or the charts?

I pay too much attention to what's happening on the charts. I'm trying to pay less attention. That shit can drive you crazy!

What else can we expect from Keaton Simons for the rest of 2008, going into 2009?

More touring, more songs, more love.



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