Having recently returned to deliver his eagerly-awaited new album 'Strange Alien', emerging artist Simon Jacobs continues the support for his latest LP with the riveting new single 'Face The Music'.
Dabbling in more of that broad and dynamic aesthetic he has been building for himself, 'Face The Music' makes for an incredibly immersive listen. Brimming with rich and shimmering textures throughout, he continues to establish himself as one of the more interesting names doing the rounds right now.
So we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and influences over the years.
What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
10cc - I loved their eccentric pop music. In fact, Wall Street Shuffle was the first 7” single I ever bought. Maybe I was a strange 11 year old but I also loved the Chi Lites and the Detroit Spinners.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Unfortunately, yes. We were terrible. I wanted to be Bruce Springsteen but the music we were performing was all over the place. It was a mix of bad rock and ill-advised ska. We didn’t last long.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
When I was a teenager, my early songs were quite confessional, like a diary. They were very earnest singer-songwriter songs. I loved pop and soul music and wanted to be able to create something close to what I was hearing. When I heard Bridge Over Troubled Water for the first time, I was completely blown away - it still sounds enormous today. But it also made me a bit anxious because I thought the game’s up. Somebody’s gone and written a song that can never be bettered.
I l love songs with big emotions that stop you in your tracks and force you to listen. It doesn’t happen often, but I remember having to pull the car over to the kerb when I heard ‘Giving You The Best That I Got’ by Anita Baker for the first time - or Being Boring’ by Pet Shop Boys - or 'Tinseltown In The Rain' by The Blue Nile.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Undoubtedly 'Life On Mars'
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
When I was about 17, I was with some friends in a bar in Jerusalem and somehow I was persuaded to get up on stage when the band took a break. I played Piano Man by Billy Joel even though I only knew half of the words. But some people clapped and I felt triumphant.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Kate Bush. I’m sure this could work.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Frank Ocean. Sadly, I’m reasonably confident he doesn’t have my number. Seeing him perform Bad Religion on US TV was another show stopping moment. But as he’s very reclusive, I’d be nearly as thrilled to work with Rihanna.
Simon Jacobs' new single 'Face The Music' is out now. Check it out below.
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