Project Description
Interview With
SIMONE DENNY
Interviewer: Jemma Bird
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Soulful. Divine. Spellbinding. Simone Denny is a legend in the making. After massive success in the group Love,Inc. Simone continued to forge ahead. Denny has been thriving in a solo capacity sticking true to her roots, while keeping her original fans happy with dance tracks and a 60’s RnB, Rock and Roll flair. Simone caught up with Amnplify ahead of the national Wild Nights Tour.
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You’ve been writing and releasing music for over 20 years now. I’m interested in how your song writing process has evolved. Have you got a trusted and tested method or is it different each time?
I always try to find the hook line 1st. But generally I sit quietly and listen and go with a feel. I always prefer to co write because I usually have so many lyrics in my head. When I’m co writing with someone the other person’s opinion and perspective really helps me to lock things down into perspective and bring out my best.
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Do you take your live show into consideration when writing and recording or is it more of a natural progression and you figure out the logistics of performing the songs when it comes to a live show?
When writing songs the focus is always to create something my fans will enjoy. But when I perform live it’s natural. My reaction and performance just comes as I sing . It’s never planned. What you see on stage is a reaction to the connection and energy between me and my fans. It’s genuine. Never planned. It’s the only way I know how to be.
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You’re probably most known for your hit singles “You’re a Superstar” and “All Things (Just Keep Getting Better)” – the theme song for the television series Queer Eye for The Straight Guy. Did you pre-empt that they would be so successful during the production process of these songs?
I knew and everyone in studio knew ‘Superstar’ was an incredible song when we were recording it. We knew it would be a success. I don’t think we had any idea it would become such a massive anthem worldwide. ‘You’re A Superstar’ turns 20 yrs old this coming June. And every time I sing it I get the same ecstatic response from the audience as though it was just released yesterday . It’s a good feeling. With All Things Just Keep Getting Better , I heard it and loved it! There were so many other production teams submitting to the show to get the spot. When the Widelife producers got it, it was incredible. The song took on a life of its own. New York radio stations started making their own edits of the song . I don’t think the label anticipated such a massive response. And neither did we. I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to sing such amazing anthems.
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You now have quite an extensive list of material. Does this make it difficult to comprise a setlist? How do you decide which songs make the cut and which songs don’t?
Very simple give the audience what they want… the hits! I always perform the biggest and most popular hits! Keeps the energy up and has the audience singing all through the set. I’m all about energy!
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You released your debut solo album ‘The Stereo Dynamite Sessions, Vol 1’ in 2004 where you strayed away from your previous dance background to more of a soul and rock ‘n’ roll background. Was this a conscious decision? If so, what influenced this decision?
I started out in live music. I was a vocalist singing with live r&b , soul, funk and soca bands in Toronto. I was also a studio session singer. I’d record and demo songs for various producers in various genres. Rock , pop , adult contemporary. I’ve sung it all. So in a sense I returned to my roots with my solo album. It was long overdue. I wanted to return to live music and this was the perfect opportunity to do it. The voice that my dance music fans have enjoyed for years came from honing my skills as a vocalist on the Toronto scene. So for me it’s all connected.
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If you had to recommend one of your songs to someone who has never listened to you before, which song would you choose?
I’d choose 2 songs. You’re a Superstar and Shelter in my Arms from my solo album. Both songs showcase my voice. You hear the soul and the power of who I am and what I can do as a vocalist. Also I sing both of those songs from the heart. They each give you the best of me.
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Are you currently working on any new material, another album perhaps?
Absolutely! I’m about to start recording new dance and house music and I’m going back in studio with my band in the next few months to start writing and recording my 2ND solo album with my band.
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If so, when can we expect it’s release?
Not sure of any release dates as yet. When it’s complete you’ll hear about it.
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Do you have plans to tour anytime soon?
I’ve been on tour for the last year. I’ve been performing in the UK a lot over the last 2 years. I did the Reminisce in Manchester September 2017 and a UK Christmas tour as well that same year. More UK dates are scheduled over the summer. I’m excited!
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Do you listen to much Australian music? If so, who is your favourite Australian artist?
I’m not familiar with any Aussie artists but I’ll definitely be hitting the stores looking for amazing artists while I’m there. I love discovering new music.
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Lastly, just for fun. What’s your go to karaoke song?
Stand By Me by Ben E King. It’s one of my most favourite classic soul songs.
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Studying a Bachelor of Business, specialising in Music Industry! At just 24, Kelsey has years of experience across multiple sectors of the music industry, gaining valuable insight into this world! Kelsey joined the AMNplify team upon returning to Australia from her time living in London. While abroad, Kelsey collaborated with Sony Music UK, and an array of independent artists. Kelsey has been globetrotting since the age of ten, coming up on twenty-four countries, and counting! It’s been a struggle for us to keep her in one place! Kelsey has a vast passion for music. As she would say, “Music commands ever facet of personality”!
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