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Life can be complicated. As many of us struggle with our daily obstacles we often feel dilapidated by the adversity we’re faced with. Rising singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Alexander Simone depicts his struggles in a gripping new music video for “Man Down” directed by TwiZz.
His latest solo single is a far cry from the uplifting track “Even Now” released with the band Whodat? Live Crew. Recently, Vents Magazine caught up with Alexander to discuss his new music video, musical lineage, and so much more.
We’re happy to be speaking today with accomplished and celebrated musician Alexander Simone, a gifted artist who also happens to be the grandson of the legendary Nina Simone; greetings and salutations, Alexander! Before we dive into the deep end, how has your 2022 been treating you?
2022 has been great and altogether a learning experience, I’ve had some major wins as well as losses so I’ve just been learning to adjust and balance them both, it’s like sometimes you can’t completely enjoy the success when life is hitting at the same time. You know? But it’s all part of the process! So 2022 I’ve been learning to enjoy the process.
Congratulations on the new release of your latest single – in conjunction with your superlative band Whodat? Live Crew – Man Down! What was the genesis of this lovely tune?
Much appreciated!! Man, the genesis behind this record was a moment of transparency and raw emotion. “Man Down” was how I felt at one point in time when I was losing inspiration and going through a few life hurdles. As the world went through a pandemic, I used “Man Down” as a moment of truth. Sometimes you gotta face your truth before you can truly change your situation and circumstances.
The music video for Man Down is evocative and altogether unforgettable. Did you have complete creative control on the final cut?
I did, very much so that my partner Lee Fields (director) came together and just put our ideas in motion. From the feeling of the song to the lyrics. We tried our best to paint the picture of a stress-related mental state and I think we did well with capturing that.
You can also see more of our collaborative efforts in past music videos…
“Mama,” “Passing Time,” and “Fight The Fight”
For those stragglers that might be late to the party, can you describe your style of music?
I’d say my style of music really couldn’t be boxed into any genre because at different times you never know what sound you’re gonna get from me and my band although one thing for certain is it’s gonna touch your soul (that’s always the goal) so “ Soul Music”.
Can you introduce our ever-lovin’ readers to the members of Whodat? Who are the names behind some of these incredible sounds?
Whodat? Live Crew is made up of a league of extraordinary musicians/singers that I’ve had the pleasure of building relationships with over time to create a special experience. Jules Drucker (lead guitar), Kevin Stryker (bass), Timothy McLain (piano), Andrew Davis (drums), Kindra Graham, and Bryen Reeves (vocalist).
How is Man Down similar to Even Now? How is it different?
“Man Down” is night and day from “Even Now”. “Man Down” is a moment in time when everything wasn’t feeling so good and life was hitting me hard. “Even Now” is a song of faith and triumph that says despite feeling like a “Man Down” God is still with us.
Who was your producer on Man Down and what did that collaboration look like in the studio?
The producer of “Man Down” is a good friend of mine named Steven Mincey a.k.a. “CHXLDZ.” We’ve done a lot of collaborations in the past. We worked together on an album entitled, BlackManThoughts and continued to build our creative relationship. He’s a phenomenal musician with a great ear so a lot of times he just sends me different vibes and I’ll add my sauce and the main entree comes out with tracks like “Move On,” “Black and Blessed,” and “Man Down.”
Telegraph Hill Records is the home record label of yourself and Whodat. What makes Telegraph Hill the perfect home base for your music?
What makes Telegraph Hill so important for us at the moment is that they understand the power of independence. It’s a partnership with them. Since we’ve met we’ve helped each other develop and make huge strides in the music business. Telegraph Hill Records is our family. Make sure to go listen to our VIBE SESSION EP that we released in late March.
My wife and I actually walked down the wedding aisle to your grandmother’s rendition of Just in Time, just to underline what you already know – You come from good genes! With that said, can you talk about some of the pros of having such an icon as Nina Simone as your grandmother? And along those lines, what sort of challenges does that present as someone who is attempting to establish their own identity in the recording world?
A lot of pros and cons. I would say the biggest thing is I feel like I’m always able to get that initial listen from new fans when they realize Nina Simone is my actual grandmother. But it’s also a certain standard some hold me to with that being the case.
It’s like I’m supposed to sound a certain way, look a certain way, and speak a certain way. They eventually listen to the music and realize that I’m my own version of [Nina] Simone.
One thing I’ll always take with me from my grandmother is her quote about the artist’s responsibility to reflect the signs of the times in their music. “Man Down” embodies that message.
Can fans look forward to seeing you on the touring circuit this summer?
Indeed, Whodat? Live Crew is out here working. We have a big show coming up on July 4 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. As well as a few other shows throughout the summer.
Is it too early to ask you about the possibility of a full-length album release in 2022?
Not at all. That’s on the horizon. I would say around October or November you’ll get a full LP from Alexander Simone & Whodat? Live Crew. As well as some more Alexander Simone solo singles and major features, it’s a lot cooking in this pot [laughs].
Musically, who inspires you?
I’m honestly still inspired by the sounds of the Motown era. James Brown, Nina Simone, Prince, Donny Hathaway, and many more. Those artists paved the way and created music that touched your soul.
What do you hope fans walk away feeling after listening to Man Down and Even Now?
I hope fans can relate and understand how to adapt to life’s challenges. Learn to embrace the good and bad times. Take a loss as a lesson. Grow from it and turn it into a win. When I wrote these songs I was in two different places but either way, I embraced it. Hopefully, they can help someone who can relate to these feelings.
