Swedish singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Simon Alexander emerged in 2017 with the self-released debut EP “Won’t Be Found”, breathing new air into the modern folk scene. By continuously releasing several self-recorded acoustic tracks he quickly gained recognition for his profound lyrics and heartfelt vocal melodies, getting comparisons to Matt Corby and Dylan LeBlanc.
After a collaboration with producer Tobias Ekqvist, from Hurricane Love, two singles, ’Slide‘ and ’Last Dance‘, was released in 2018 after signing with Swedish record label Rehn Music Group. The new singles showed a wider range of songwriting, venturing into a more pop-infused direction, and was featured on Spotify curated playlists such as New Music Friday in several countries.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
Definitely a lot of 70’s rock bands. Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Pink Floyd etc. My father showed me a lot of bands I still listen to today.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
It always begins with a small idea, often a melody, that I’ go around humming before I get the time to sit down with a guitar. From there I just let the creativity flow and see where it ends up.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Listening to some good music & drinking coffee.
As a musician, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?
I believe that there should be a more common consensus about paid gigs. It’s pretty tough in the beginning to both get gigs and then get paid for them, and I think many people have a hard time seeing performing artists as working. But there’s a lot of time and effort going into playing live, and I really think young performing artists should be treated more fairly.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
Honestly, I love both, but the rush from playing live is something else.
I think hearing people covering my music is pure magic. Just knowing that someone actually sat down and learned a song of mine feels incredible.
What’s on your current playlist?
Khruangbin and their new collab with Leon Bridges is gold.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you in the near future?
A whole lot of music. First my new EP “In the Rust”, and then we’ll be releasing some of my acoustic tracks on Spotify so that feels great. Then hopefully I’ll get to head out for some new shows this summer, but I can’t announce anything quite yet.
Famous last words?
Don’t forget to check out my new EP “In the Rust”, which comes out February 28th!
Follow Simon Alexander online
Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Instagram | Soundcloud
