12 Questions With Simon Howard
We had a chat with Liverpool-born, singer-songwriter Simon Howard who just released his brand new Americana-folk-infused single ‘Not Like Superman’.
The singer’s delicate songwriting is encapsulated within his new offering that’s doused in folk and Americana sensibilities alongside effortless heart wrenching and smooth vocals. Simon’s influences range from the likes of Bob Dylan to Simon & Garfunkel and Bruce Springsteen which takes shape and is presented within his music perfectly.
Continue below to find out more about Simon and his music
NSG: Hello Simon and how are you today? What have you been up to this morning?
SH: Hey! I’m very well thank you, I’ve just been mapping out my day with a coffee and seeing what’s on the to-do-list, a very relaxed start to the day.
NSG: It’s amazing to finally get a chance to catch up with you! So I hear you are from our amazing city of Liverpool. What was it like growing up here and do you think the city has influenced your music at all?
SH: Yeah, I have a very strong connection to Liverpool even though I grew up in Southport, I use to go to Bootle every Saturday growing up as a kid then as I got older started studying here and going into town with my mates. The city has definitely had an influence on my music, especially from the people in it. Music is obviously a massive part of the city and that pours out of it in bucket loads which I wouldn’t want to have any other way.
NSG: We’ve just been listening to your new single titled ‘Not Like Superman’, which was released on the 20th of May this year and absolutely love it, I think it has a vibe of the artist Passenger!
SH: Wanna tell us a bit about it? What’s it about? Thank you very much! Yeah, I’ve had the Passenger comparison once or twice which is always a nice thing. So ‘Not Like Superman’ is about trying to be your best but never feeling like you’re being good enough in some people’s eyes. I’d say it expresses a lot of frustration from you constantly trying to do the right thing and not getting much in return in certain scenarios.
NSG: How would you describe your sound? And what would you like someone listing to you for the first time to get from it?
SH: In genre terms, it’s hard to pinpoint just one so I’d have to say it’s a cross between Folk & Indie. A lot of my songs alternate between both electric and acoustic guitar which I love doing because it helps me write songs in different ways. For a first time listener I’d like to think it’s got a bit of everything for whatever mood you are in, either up-beat and fast paced or if you’re looking for something a bit more stripped back and chilled I’ve got a few of those too.
(Simon Howard)
NSG: Do you have a specific writing process?
SH: I usually want to try and start with the chorus because that’s what sets the idea of what the song should be about and it’s also the thing you will hear the most so you wanna try make sure it sounds good. After that, it’s about filling in the rest with structure and verses etc.
NSG: Do you have any cool or strange hobbies?
SH: I wish I had something a bit more cooler than going to the match but that’s my main hobby I’m afraid. Don’t mind a bit of tennis and running as well to be fair.
NSG: What are your thoughts on the local music scene in Liverpool right now?
SH: Love it. There’s so many local artists around at the moment and it’s so diverse which is exactly what it should be like. Want to try and see as many of them as possible.
NSG: When will people get a chance to see you live?
SH: I’ve got a few shows coming up in the South, one in Cheltenham on the 2nd of July and one in Devon at the Folk Fringe Festival on the 1st of August. Locally I’ve got one or two things in the pipeline so once I’ve got them confirmed I will definitely be letting you know.
NSG: If you could sit down and have dinner with three people from history, who would they be and why?
SH: John Lennon because…Obviously, Freddie Mercury to ask him what Live Aid felt like and Robin Williams because he was so inspiring in so many films and also he’d leave me in stitches.
NSG: What’s the best film ever made in your humble opinion?
SH: Toy Story 1,2,3 & 4
NSG: What music are you listening to at the moment? Like what’s on your playlist?
SH: Flyte… On repeat, discovered them last year and I can’t stop listening to them. I saw them at the Arts Club and they were ridiculously good.
NSG: How is the rest of 2022 looking for Simon Howard?
SH: Busy! Got a few more releases lined-up and a few more shows to add to the list, fingers crossed, be able to announce it all very soon!
NSG: Thank you so much for your time, we wish you all the luck in the world! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
SH: Thank you so much for having me! Really enjoyed it, hope to speak to you again soon!
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