[INTERVIEW] Getting Acquainted with Simon XO

Hey everyone! Welcome back for another Q&A! 22-year-old singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Simon XO has just released his brand new single My Love and I had the chance to interview him about it, his musical influences and more – an opportunity for us all to get acquainted with this talented artist more thoroughly! So let’s dive right in below and watch!

First and foremost, I’d like to let you know how much I enjoyed your previous single, “There’s A Way Out.” Can you share with us who your musical inspirations are and how this informs how you create music yourself?
Thank you so much for the lovely compliment. My influences vary widely: growing up listening to Neil Young, Wilco, Radiohead and Elliott Smith were my go-to artists; but as an adult I’ve become interested in Kendrick Lamar, D’Angelo Kanye West Jack Garratt Chance the Rapper etc – their songwriting inspired my production techniques so now when creating music.

Why did “How Do I Fight It” remain your favourite song to write and why?
Of all of your compositions so far, which one stands out to you as your personal favorite and why? JW: To me personally, “How Do I Fight It” holds special meaning as it represents all aspects I just listed.

Your new single, “My Love”, appears to have some political overtones – can you share with us how this came to be?
Yes, it’s definitely political haha. Comedy (and some television) have taken up their artistic roles to oppose what’s happening, yet I was disappointed by how music industry responded. So why not start here with me? My musical idols had always been at the forefront of politics so it has always been part of why music means so much to me.