Who is Simone Simons?

A 22-year-old woman from the South of the Netherlands who got the chance to sing in a metalband called Epica. Travelled all around the world and found her place in Germany.


To what music did you listen as a kid?

I mostly listened to the radio and always loved film music and Disney songs…..

How and when did you discover you could sing?

At the age of 12 I sung a song in our school musical. My music teacher said that I had talent and that I should work on it. I decided to take singing lessons.


There’s a quiz online where you can check out who of the female metal singers you are alike. Your description is: “You are Simone Simmons of Epica. You are opinionated, logical, on a constant journey for the truth.  You refuse to lets others hold you down or influence you. You're a free thinker.” Is this an accurate description of your character?

They forgot to say that I am very silly! It is a good description and I am glad that some people know me for who I am. Another little fact is that I am not such a party animal, I prefer to lie in the bed and watch DVD’s all day long. I have quite a collection now ;)


If you change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would like to be less chaotic and more into sports. I am kind of lazy.


What’s your favourite song you like to sing when taking a shower?

A compilation of alternate lyrics that me and my boyfriend came up with. Mostly I never Sing when taking a shower.


If you could pick one song that describes your life, what song would it be and why?

Mother of Light from Epica, that is a true story but you have to read between the lines. I also love the songs from Muse, some of the lyrics on Absolution lie close to my heart.


What is the best movie you’ve ever seen?

Nightmare before Christmas from Tim Burton. It is simply a piece of Art. I love the songs Danny Elfman wrote for it. There is one song called; Sally’s Song, covered by Fiona Apple. It is one of my favourite songs.


You have seen many places all over the world, which one had the biggest impact?

Egypt, I went there once for a holiday. I always dreamt of it and wondered how it would be like. It was exactly how I imagined it to be, wonderful. I would really like to go back there one day and spend more time in the Museum of Cairo. I find it very fascinating.


If you could sing a duet with anyone, dead or alive, with whom would you sing a duet?

Tori Amos, Imogen Heap, Fiona Apple, they have all special voices. I wonder if my voice would fit one of them. We’ll see, everything is possible if you just believe in it and work your ass off and don’t watch DVD’s all day long ;)

What is the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?

I never felt embarrassed before, I am aware of my silliness and always laugh the loudest. People should not take themselves so seriously. If you laugh yourself, some people even don’t notice that something went wrong.


What is the most pleasant memory you have?

I must say that I am happy now, I found a great apartment in a beautiful town where I feel at home. I had many nice memories and am very thankful for that. Besides that I love to travel and make pictures of all the beautiful surroundings that I encounter.


If you could live in another era, in what era would you prefer to live and why?

Around the 16th century, I would love to wear those nice dresses. Or my boyfriend would like to see me in one of those dresses :) I must say I like our age too, the technology and hygiene. I love flushing toilets and running hot water. I just watch Elisabeth to feel a bit connected to that age :)


Are you familiar with some of the others band that will play at summer darkness?

I know My Dying Bride of course. We played with them before on Wave Gothic Treffen in Leipzig, Germany. Great dark ambience their music has, cannot listen to it for too long, it saddens my mood a bit.


Do you feel connected to the goth scene?

For me real goth is about industrial metal, the Cure, Depeche Mode give me that feeling. I don’t dress like a typical goth. Epica is sometimes described as a gothic metal band. For me it is more symphonic metal. As for the people itself, I find them very kind and spiritual people.


Any last words for the readers?
 
I would like to meet them at an Epica concert. We will be touring a lot this year. For more information please check out the epica webite.

Website:
www.epica.nl