It's getting exciting !

Hello, and welcome back to my blog.





Well, lots has been going on, a recent departure from a band, (things didn't quite work out like I had hoped !), another recording session with Elizabeth Fields at Magic Garden studio's in Wolverhampton and most importantly the mastering of my tracks for my upcoming EP "Organic"!! >>>





Spent a few hours with my great friend and superbly gifted Odilon Marcenaro mastering, was brilliant to hear the tracks through the studio system, and there was not much to do, as my producer, Jackanory and the guys had done such a great job on the mixes.


It was nice to be back in the old studio, I used to do alot of my recording there, and it was the studio where I recorded my demo "Burning".


The tracks are sounding amazing, and I am very excited about the forthcoming release on July 31st .





I have to say, I am really starting to relax and enjoy myself now. I think all the years of up and downs, let downs, unprofessional people and sharks..and I am sure there will be more, have taught me well. I have released the pressure, and insecurity and excepted I am on my own personal path. It takes a while to do that, I spent years trying to fit into place, you know, trying to do what others thought I should. I learned that everyone has an opinion, and they are very entitled to it, however you should always trust your instincts and believe in yourself.


It's great to be in this place now, enjoying the process of networking and making music, working on various projects etc, the whole music business/industry can really fry your brain..and I can totally understand why some artists and musicians throw in the towel.


I have been close many times myself, but I know deep down I am a musician and how unfulfilled I would be being anything else !





The way I see it, If people like the music I make and I achieve some success that would be the icing on the cake..but I admit I would continue on making music irrelevant. It's what we all dream of, acceptance, success etc, but it is certainly not guaranteed. Ultimately for me, it is about doing the things that make me happy, after all you only get one life !!





So, the EP will be released July 31st..along side a re-launch of my new look website ! I also have a number of radio interviews set up and hopefully a few appearances and a little promo vid..I am on a serious promotion mission !!


I will keep you updated of dates/times etc..and where my EP will be available for download.





Aja and I have taken a break from radio for a little while, we are doing hour podcasts at the moment, you can download them at Aja & Claire Simone's Ketch A Vibe Podcast site

And don't forget to visit my website for updates ! Claire Simone






See you next time !!
Have fun :-)

Claire xxx

Making music !

Hello, welcome back to my blog !







Though I recently published a blog on my thoughts about the music industry, It's been a few months now since my last entry and lots has been happening !







The EP I recorded back in January is very close to completion, so I am getting ready for all the hard work of self promotion. I consider myself a bit of a veteren now when it comes to promoting my music, as I am sure all independant artists are these days. I have done very well in the past, securing plenty of airplay and building great contacts. I am very proud of this work, and I am looking forward to getting it out for people to hear ! So gearing up now !!





The track I recorded with Dee C'rell "Black From the day" is now available on the compilation album "Lounge Du Soliel" through Lemongrassmusic and other reputable download sites. The track has aslo been doing well, and received airplay on ono other than Jazzfm if you please !!




Recently, I have become invloved with Blues Is Truth, a wonderful blues band. I recorded a track with them a few months ago, called 'Coming Home'. I have to tell you the story, because I still can't quite believe it myself.



We left lovely Wales for Reading, gave ourselves plenty of time..but alas..just my luck, they had closed off the bridge just as we got there, an accident in the fast lane. So one and a half hours later we were back on our way. Almost 2 hours late I arrived at the studio, I walked in, the guys said "Hello Claire, right are you ready then ? " So on went the cans, and I did the track in one take, and then did another straight away for a backup, how about that for professionalism !!!! I had only heard the song twice before aswell, so I just went with my instinct. Since I recorded it, it has received airplay all over the world ! It is doing really well which is very cool !


Last week we had the Blues Is Truth album 'Today's Specials' launch which was wicked..band were mega..and the crowd was brilliant !! If you were there, huge thanks for coming along.

I am so chuffed to be able to finally say I am officially a recording artist..yeay..now I want to just do more and more..make lots of music.

See you next time
Love
Claire xxx

2010 here we come !!!

Hello all, and welcome back !

Happy New year, and what a year so far !

I have had a very exciting and busy start to 2010, I am finally doing what I have always dreamed of..making music with very talented producers and musicians. I feel a little like I have been living in recording studio's these past few weeks, but I am not complaining, it is exactly what I have always dreamed of !

I have to start by saying, how very lucky and privileged I am to be surrounded by immensely talented musicians and friends, including my web designer, photographer , not leaving out all my friends in radio, promotions and production...I am honoured and forever grateful for all the support..and a special mention must go to Mr Ken Short, who had made the impossible, possible for me..I am forever thankful and honoured to have your belief and support...xxx

I am very excited to report that I have just completed the recording of my upcoming new EP, we recorded at the famous Britannia Row Studio's, London..where many many bands and artists have recorded, my favourite being Soul II Soul's Keep On Moving ! The studio was phenomenal, and really had an energy...the creative juices were flowing to the max.
Huge thanks to my producer, Michael Randall aka Jackanory, who not only produced incredible music for my tracks, but is an immensely talented musician, playing on the Bass and all of the keys..and I just have to mention this, the Hammond organ used on my tracks belongs to Pink Floyd, and was the very one they used on The Wall album..how COOL is that !!!!
I would also like to thank, Richard Molyneux ( guitars ), Davide Veno ( studio engineer and all round genius ) and Tim Rickard aka Trickard ( drums ) and the rest of the guys that helped out at the studio. I had the best time of my life !!!!
We were all working until 3am 2 days in a row...heartfelt thanks for the effort and amazing playing.
I cannot wait to hear the results, and I will let you know when I will be releasing the EP.

I have also just returned from a recording session at The Magic Garden Studio's, working with Elizabeth Fields, laying some vocals down for her upcoming EP with producer Gavin Monaghan. I had a great time, and met some super talented musicians. I would like to thank Elizabeth for inviting me to be involved in her music..it was a pleasure and I look forward to making more music together in the future !

My Collaboration with Dee C'rell is due out very soon on Lemongrass Records, so it's all happening :-)

I shall let you know the details of all the release dates etc as soon as I have them.
Once more, thanks for visiting my blog..hope you enjoyed reading my news, and see you next time !

Love Claire xx