Interview with SIMONE WADDELL

(25th July 2024)

Interview with Dave Bruce

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Have you always wanted to be an artist?
Yes! I have loved singing, dancing, and playing the piano since I was very young. Music has always moved me, and I have had a very deep and lifelong connection with music. As I became older, I had an increasing interest in justice too. Art and justice have an incredible link. I have only ever imagined myself as an artist first and foremost, and it was all I ever wanted to do and be.
When did you get the song writing bug? I wrote my first “proper” song at age 14. I write almost exclusively alone at the piano, however once I have an idea I have been known to collaborate on some songs to adjust things here and there. It can really elevate a song when someone else brings their ideas to the canvas. Mostly though, it is my ideas being birthed at the piano, and usually the music arrives first. Occasionally music and lyrics arrive simultaneously.

Briefly describe your journey to date.
My life journey has had highs and lows. The music definitely represents a lot of the highs! I have been fortunate to travel internationally and perform in some amazing places, and with some amazing people, including Japan, China, Europe, Africa, USA, New Zealand, and around Australia. I have released five albums, three EPs, and multiple singles. A body of work I am proud of, as there has been unbelievable opposition for me to overcome throughout. It makes it all even more special.
I completed a Bachelors Degree, and a Research Masters Degree, both in Music. I have been a voice coach for thirty two years, delivering thousands of voice sessions, as well as designing and facilitating vocal and recording workshops, and stunning natural retreats.
I also experienced extreme abuse, trauma, and injustice, which has opened up further pathways of study into attaining qualifications in trauma healing, life coaching, mindfulness, and natural health, as well as working to create legislative change, so that we will one day have a safer society.

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How would you describe your sound?
I think my musical influences from my youth have a large part to play in informing how I sound. I loved the Australian female singers that were popular through my teenage years. Kate Ceberano, Tina Arena, and Margaret Urlich were constants. I also discovered and adored singers like Anita Baker, Diane Reeves, Sade, Aretha Franklin, Rachelle Ferrell, and Oleta Adams in my earlier years, and I loved their soulful sounds.
Male singers such as Luther Vandross, Bob Marley, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and Australia’s icons John Farnham and Vince Jones were also a huge part of my early years. Those influences, combined with my natural voice, all created the final outcome, which continues to expand and evolve.

Why do you think fans resonate with your music?
I think every artist has something unique, or a few things, that set them apart. For myself, I am very interested in what is authentic and, “singing from the soul.” One of my favourite compliments I ever received was from a man I had never met. He watched a performance of mine at Manly Jazz Festival and he wrote to me afterwards saying he loved seeing someone sing, “from the inside.” For me, that is the goal. Having the ability to sing or write from the soul freely is something that people tend to resonate with. I also seek to empower and encourage the listener, which is important to me.

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Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
Kerrie Biddell was extremely impacting and inspirational. I first heard her sing when my first singing teacher Fairlie Garven took me to a vocal workshop where Kerrie was one of the teachers. I was blown away. The next year I sang for Kerrie at that same workshop, I was sixteen years old and nervous that she would perhaps be unimpressed! I sang, “God Bless The Child.” Instead, she was totally positive! That day, she sang, “Cry Me A River.” She sang it with every single part of her being, and I have never witnessed anything like it. Absolutely unmatched.
My Masters research and thesis was about Kerrie Biddell, and she was an incredible mentor to me, right up until the day she passed away, and her legacy lives on. She taught me so many things about rhythm, phrasing, vibrato, scenarios in songs, the music industry, self love, and so much more, that will always be there.

Your latest single ‘Calling You’ has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution.
I first performed Calling You in 1995 with my friend Damien Cooper. We were both studying music together at Southern Cross University in Lismore, and we played the song as a vocal/guitar duo. I really loved it, and many years later, I decided I wanted to record it.
Damien now lives in London and plays on the West End for the some of the best shows in the world, so I contacted him in London. He recorded the guitar and sent it to me in Sydney. I invited another wonderful singer, James Napier, to sing with me. We recorded our vocals with the magnificent ARIA award winning Michael Tan, who also mixed the track, and it was mastered by Grammy award winning mastering engineer Will Bowden. So the song already had a long life with us before it was recorded! Now it has a brand new iteration.

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Your last album ‘The Art Of Collaboration” came out in 2022 and was a great success. Can you tell us about the album, and the many great achievements you had with it.
I collaborated with Australia’s leading jazz musicians to pay homage to five iconic Australian hits; Beds Are Burning (Midnight Oil), Burn For You (John Farnham), Fall At Your Feet (Crowded House), The Horses (Daryl Braithwaite) and Mystify (INXS) and recontextualised them into the jazz genre. The album also features my original music, it was in four categories in the 2023 Grammy’s, and was the #1 Highest Selling Australian Jazz Album of 2022!
It features some of the greatest talents in Australian Jazz: Tommy Emmanuel, James Morrison, Rai Thistlewayte, Paul Grabowsky, and more. ‍Grammy award-winning producer and engineer, Erik Zobler, brings his world class mixing skills to the album. Erik’s credits include Miles Davis, Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Sara Vaughn and Dianne Reeves.
The track “My Diamond” was mixed by Grammy Award winning engineer George Massenburg, and the album was mastered by Paul Blakemore, also a Grammy winner who recently mastered the hit album, “The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions.” I really believe in the world class talent in Australia, and wanted to celebrate all that we have here. The album received incredible feedback and reviews:

“Simone Waddell has taken a classic Phil Buckle song, “Burn For You” and made it her own. What a great sounding masterpiece it is! Simone smashed it!” – Tommy Emmanuel World’s Greatest Acoustic Guitarist

“We’ve been waiting for something like this and you’ve done it. This is “The Record of The Year!” – Leigh Drew: Casey Radio 97.7FM

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Is there an upcoming EP or ALBUM on the drawing board?
There are ALWAYS things on the drawing board! The next album is a beautiful selection of songs from The American Songbook. It features Paul Grabowsky, (piano) David Jones, (drums) Philip Rex, (bass) and will have a special feature role for my friend Nadje Noordhuis (trumpet.) The version of, “The Way We Were” is particularly beautiful. I look forward to releasing it, hopefully in 2025!

What tours and events are coming up? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I am performing with my superb band on September 1st at Brass Monkey in Cronulla in Sydney which will include my original music, and I am performing my show: “The Great Ladies of Jazz” on September 17th and September 18th 2024 at Twin Towns in Tweed Heads and Redlands Performing Arts Centre in Queensland. I always look forward to having the opportunity to play with incredible musicians. It is an amazing experience to create music with others on the live stage. People can expect versatility, soulful melodies with groove, heart stopping ballads, as well as songs they know and love.

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If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
Prince. He was an amazing artist and he often performed with, and empowered women. He is someone I have admired for decades. He was an extraordinary musician. Songs like, “Thieves in the Temple” and “Sometimes it Snows in April” and so many more of his songs are such incredible works of art.  

What are your long-term aspirations as a music artist and how are you progressing towards them?
Life is about service. It is the secret to all success. How can I serve, and be of service? This is the question I ask myself and I do my best to live according to the answers that arise. For me, if my music or any musical endeavour I am involved in can uplift, empower, heal, inspire, educate, entertain, remind, or inform someone, then that is how I reach my aspirations for both life and music. I continue this path, and follow my own intuition, ideas, vision, and whatever opportunities come my way, and this is how I know for sure, that my steps are going in the right direction!

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With that in mind, what piece of advice would you give to an artist starting out?
For a young artist starting out, 100% commitment is required. And artists, especially singers, are storytellers and are here to serve. The Performing Arts is too fickle and inconsistent for anyone to bring anything less than full commitment. People involved in the Performing Arts have a unique and profound mix of deep sensitivity, creativity, and artistry, and they also embody a toughness and resilience. All of these qualities are required to pursue the life of an artist long term. Having something to “fall back on” or having a, “if it doesn’t work out” mindset, can be unhelpful, and even detrimental. Once the commitment is there, a life of your dreams can open up, and take you places you can hardly even imagine. Perseverance, determination, and commitment are non – negotiable traits in the Performing Arts.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience?
The best thing about live audiences is the spontaneity. Anything can happen! It is fantastic to have the engagement of an audience, and to have people listening and being present. Having an audience can also inspire new things and new musical moments in the performance. There is a saying I agree with: “there is no substitute for the live gig.” It does not matter how much you practise or prepare, there is still nothing that can replace the actual live gig! Whether it is a jam packed dancefloor, or a quiet concert style room, a live performance can energise, move, and inspire in indescribable ways.

What’s been the career highlight so far?
I have had countless highlights! I recall walking along the street in Shenzhen in China, the morning after an amazing show, and simply pondering the thought that music has taken me to so many places. It opens the door to endless opportunities. Every gig is a highlight for me. I am still amazed every single time I perform, that I have the chance to do this. I used to play the piano and sing as a young girl in the living room, alone, and no one paid me anything. It did not even cross my mind. Now I do the same thing, as a career! It never ceases to amaze me. Decades down the track, I am still so grateful.
I loved touring with Taylor Dayne, and working with the incredible band. I loved vocal coaching in Africa. That was unforgettable. I have loved performing songs from my latest album at intimate soirees sharing songs and stories. I loved being the opening act for Vince Jones who I have treasured for such a long time. I also cherish the precious friendships and relationships I have, which are formed through our shared love of music.

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Here are three general questions your fans will find interesting about you:
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done? A Masters Degree! Haha. Actually it was amazing to do.
What is the one topic you can talk about for hours? Spiritual growth
What is the thing you like most about yourself? I am the strongest person I know

Finally, just a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Impossible question! Too many!
Artist – Also impossible! Too many!
Movie – To Kill A Mockingbird – because justice matters
Place to visit – Heaven in Bali Retreat Centre
Venue to play – Anywhere that will have me!
Food – Dark Chocolate
Drink – Water
Person in History – Nelson Mandela
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?)  I do not have one – the word LOVE

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Check out Melanie Griffiths review of CALLING YOU HERE

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Follow SIMONE WADDELL

Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify – Apple Music – X – Soundcloud – YouTube

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Press Release 12th July 2024 (below) HERE

SIMONE WADDELL & DAMIEN COOPER featuring JAMES NAPIER release new single “CALLING YOU”

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