Check out our interview with singer/songwriter and guitarist Simon Lunche who recently released his new single, “Grace,” part of his album, Never Knew The Night.
Simon Lunche began playing the guitar at an early age starting at just 5 years old. A childhood prodigy of sorts, Simon Lunche used GarageBand on an old iMac to record hundreds of songs. From there Simon used M-Audio and graduated to using studios around the area and eventually Los Angeles.
“Every song except Kiss Me was mixed by Dave Reitzas who worked with Whitney Houston and The Weeknd. Kiss Me was mixed by Darrell Thorp who has worked with the Foo Fighters and Beck to name a few so in terms of instrumentation, each song on the record has real star power on it,” Simon Lunche explained.
Bass on the album was done by Sean Hurley who has worked with John Mayer and Idina Menzel. While drums were performed by Aaron Sterling who also worked with John Mayer, Maren Morris and pop sensation Harry Styles.
Follow Simon @simonlunche
Hi Simon, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a freshly twenty two year old singer, songwriter, producer from The Bay Area in California. I’ve been writing music for nearly my whole life and I’ve spent the last two years writing and recording my first project as a solo artist which just came out to the public on September 25th.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Driven, Different, Romantic
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
When I was around nine I started a band with a few of my friends called The Blondies. I was the primary songwriter, lead vocalist and rhythm guitar player and we made records and toured until I was nineteen. That group turned into something way more serious than I think any of us initially imagined. Being the main creative force in that band I got tons of experience both on stage and in the studio at a super young age. We recorded 4 albums and I learned what it meant to be a producer and get a song from my head to the speakers through those times in the studio making that music. It was always my plan to forego college and pursue my music full time after high school and for a year I did that with the band. Although it became evident pretty quickly that a few of the members wanted to finish college and take a more traditional route. We all still loved the time we were spending with each other but it was clear then that our professional musical journey as a band was coming to a close. That was the point when I stopped writing songs meant to be The Blondies songs and slowly started writing for what would become my own solo adventure. The transition was seamless and here I am now nearly 3 years later having come quite a long way in my journey.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Melodic, Romantic, Live
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I started playing guitar when I was 5 years old after hearing an Eric Clapton CD. There was a piano in the house and my mom had a beat up old classical guitar but they never really appealed to me until I heard Layla and White Room blaring through the speakers. The day I picked up the guitar I started writing songs and I haven’t stopped since. I think I had a lot to express even as a little kid and songs just became my way to do that. 17 years in and here we are. I can’t imagine myself without music.
Do you play any instrument?
Yep! The main instrument I play is the guitar. That’s the one I’ve most mastered and the one that people come to my shows to see me play. I do also play the bass and piano although I’m not nearly as good at those.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time. Usually it’s about completely irrational things that should cause me no worry at all but nevertheless I always do. Musically there’s not a whole lot that makes me nervous other than the general fear of failure or not living up to my potential, but in life, yes I get nervous all the time.
Tell us about your new single “Grace?”
I’m always a little unsure of how to classify my music in terms of genre but I can pretty confidently call Grace a blues pop song. It’s light hearted with a cool groove and lots of guitar. There’s a lot of really interesting musical elements in play from all the mallet instruments to the slightly odd time signature, but the whole thing is grounded in this melodic pop sensibility that I think makes it all just sound natural and pleasing to the ear.
What’s the story behind the song?
Grace was one of the first songs I wrote for the album. I remember being down in LA on tour and driving around to a bunch of guitar stores on a day off. I ended up getting back to my hotel room with a 52 Martin 00-18 that I just couldn’t leave at the store. I’d wanted a Martin for a while and I ended up writing pretty much the entirety of Grace on that guitar the same day. It was one of those songs that just happened easily in terms of the writing process. I’d had a particularly memorable time at the gig the night before and was ripe with inspiration so that’s what the whole song ended up being about. Funny enough, even though Grace was written really quickly, the recording process ended up being a lot more lengthy. Since it was written so early on in the album process it really served as a testing ground for a lot of the other songs. Many of the ways that I was playing the electric guitar were brand new to me and stylistically ended up informing the way I approached the electric on every other session after that. In that time period I was discovering myself as a lead guitarist and I genuinely can’t say this album would have turned out the same without Grace as one of the jumping off points. I must have spent a hundred hours jamming over the chords. I probably spent an additional hundred playing the song to little live audiences when it was just acoustic and then I made three different recordings of it before the final one. Point being, all that time exploring the ins and outs of this song and living in its world served as a massively important thing for me because it informed my playing as a lead guitarist on pretty much the whole album.
What we can expect of your album “Never Knew The Night?”
A collection of really honest songs with an unfathomable amount of time and care put into them. Some will make you want to get up and dance, some will make you want to sit in your feels, and some exist in a space somewhere in between. I was the producer, writer, singer and guitar player on all of this stuff so what you’re going to get are melodies, words and sounds that are completely true to who I am as a person. I hope people feel the humanity in it all. Instrumentally lots of guitar and other live instruments. I had the pleasure of working with a group of absolutely amazing musicians on this album. Dave Reitzas put the final touches on it as the mixing engineer and you can hear the care he put into polishing off each track as well.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
Tons was cancelled. I always thought that this year was going to be all about touring for me. My album was finally going to be finished, and after the years cooped up in the studio I was ready to go promote myself on the road. Alas with the coming of Covid all the gigs I had scheduled were cancelled or postponed. Since then I’ve definitely had some cool opportunities to do live stream sets as well as a few intimate zoom meets for my most dedicated fans. Nothing is quite like a live show but those are surely fun alternatives to connect with people and bond over some music.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
There’re too many to count! I feel like a lot of good work is ahead of me right now. On the simplest level, I know I’ve still yet to write my best song so that’s what I’m always chasing. I’m not somebody who’s easily satisfied with their work so I just keep trying to make each song a little bit better than the last both in terms of writing and production. Other than that there’re a ton of people I still want to work with on both the musical and production side of things. I’m a big fan of people like Greg Wells and Jaquire King’s production and I feel like I could learn a lot from co producing a song with somebody like that. In terms of current artists, I’ve been super inspired by people like Leon Bridges, Kacey Musgraves and John Mayer and It’s definitely on my bucket list to work on something musical with them as well.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
There’s this completely indescribable feeling that I get when a song comes together that’s unlike anything else in the world. It’s ultimately that feeling that makes any struggle or self doubt totally worth it. Aside from that I’m also just a total nerd when it comes to production. My mind is constantly cycling through ideas for sounds from mic placement to compressor function and effects chains. It’s insanely rewarding to have an idea of how I want something to sound and then finally getting my hands on the tools to hear it materialize into a real noise playing back through speakers. The thing thats not the most fun is the amount of pressure I put on myself being in the position I’m in. Pretty much my whole life feels like it rides on me doing the best work I can in these next few very ripe years for me and that stress can definitely get to me at little moments. It never lasts long though, and ultimately I think it motivates me more. I expect a lot of myself as an artist and I think thats a large part of whats gotten me this far. I know who I am, I know what I’m capable of and I know the music I have inside of me. It’s just about bringing those melodies to the light. I think I feel the most reward in the moments I can do that.
What’s next for Simon Lunche in the last months of 2020?
I’ll be doing two things. Promoting this album the absolute best I can without having shows and working on new music for my next project, whatever that may be. I know deep down what these songs are worth and the love they deserve. When Covid first hit I felt this huge depressing wave hit me of “Oh great I’ve put all I’ve got into this music and now I have no way to go put it out there.” And I think I’m coming out of that. I’ve realized all the things I can do while quarantined and I’m determined to get these songs out there in the way I know they deserve. With that said, I also know that my best songs are still ahead of me and I know I can do better, so I’m also putting a fair amount of time into developing new ideas. I’ve got a pretty great home studio set up so I’ve been recording demos and messing with new sounds.
What is you favorite song? And why?
In total honesty I don’t think I could ever pick one favorite song. My favorite song on any given day is the one I can feel. Feeling is my compass so if something is connecting with me on that level that’s what I’m listening to. That being said, I could probably confidently say that if you gauged the songs that have most done that for me over the course of my life its probably Beatles songs. Probably a song off Abbey Road or something. I have so many completely precious youthful memories associated with those tunes that they’ll always be madly special to me.
Any loves other than music?
I love the ocean and catching waves in any form. It could be on a surfboard or just body surfing. I’m also better than your average person at all the board sports and I spent a lot of time growing up skateboarding and snowboarding as I’m partial to those. I also love reading and writing but I think those go hand in hand with writing music pretty typically. Other than that I love to build things and I’m usually pretty good with my hands. Sometimes I’ll make a bookshelf or something like that to decompress and clear my head. I also built my whole studio. I think at the center of all these things for me is music. Ultimately if you take music out of the equation I’m not much of anything anymore. Music is everything.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Probably Paul McCartney. I grew up idolizing The Beatles and I still do. The amount I’ve learned from listening to their records both from a songwriting perspective and a production/ recording perspective is incomparable to any other musical influence I’ve had. I remember seeing Paul live at Candlestick Park in San Francisco many years back. I was with one of my friends and our seats were absolutely terrible, but even so, it was a totally surreal experience for me. It was almost like seeing some sort of prophet.
Best advice ever given?
Just keep going. Keep being you.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Up at 10:30, Either eggs or French toast for breakfast. If I’m in a total rush probably a bagel. I always have a cup of tea with whatever I’m eating in the AM. I love starting off the day with something warm and soothing on my vocal chords. Then a quick workout and sauna to energize for the day. Once I’m all showered up and dressed, I get to the meat of my day. If I’m working on a song I’ll boot up my protools rig and spend the whole day from noon to 2 in the morning in the studio. If it’s a more casual day I’ll probably sit in the backyard for a little while and read, play a bunch of guitar and work on writing while I jam on the electric. In the spring and summer time I love taking walks around my neighborhood in the midst of all the flowers blooming and enjoy the sun. In the evening I usually try to talk to my friends for a while. That always does a good job keeping me grounded in what’s really important in life. Even on a more relaxed day I’ll usually go to the studio for a little bit in the evening. The late night has become a largely productive time for me. My phone doesn’t ring, there’re no outside distractions, and I often feel some huge wave of inspiration hit me once the dark comes along. It’s when the idea that’s been building up all day comes out. If I’m lucky I’m in bed by 2 or 3 and I do it all again the next day.
Name one your strengths?
As it pertains to making music, I can get laser focused in on something. I’ll think about a song all day and night, working on it until it sounds just like it does in my head.
When It comes to just being human I like to think one of my strengths is just being a really loving individual.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Ooh this is an easy one. Morning pastries from the bakery up the street from my house, a bit of jamming on the guitar, and a hang with my friends. Probably a lot of food from my favorite local restaurants mixed in there. Sunday is a fantastic day. I know a lot of people don’t like it because they just think about having to go back to work or school the next day but I’ve always loved it. To me it’s the most Grateful day of the week. I always look forward to Sunday.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
It changes all the time. Today its Canyon Moon by Harry Styles. Yesterday it was Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being able to do something you love, and spending time with people you love equally. Feeling the love you give reciprocated back to you. Being without worry, and with purpose.
Do you support any charities?
Currently, all I have to give is my music and my voice. One of the organizations I have supported is called Sing Me a Story Foundation who’s mission is to bring voices of children in need to the world through music. Children, no matter what circumstance, have vivid imaginations and great stories to tell. The foundation’s mission is to bring those stories to life through pairing the children and their stories with musicians who then create the musical score for their stories. Someday when I have financial support to give I will. I surely hope that day comes. There are a lot of living things and places I wish I could help.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Vegetable tacos. I have them almost everyday for lunch. Its just a bunch of chopped radishes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and other goodness in a tortilla. My parents call it rabbit food and I definitely inherited the meal from them. Now I’ve got a bunch of my friends eating it too.
And your favorite cheat food?
I wouldn’t say I really have a cheat food just because I don’t adhere my eating to any sort of strict diet. If I had to pick one thing that I think most people would consider a cheat it would be ice cream. I can’t go about my day without my Rocky Road. I probably eat nearly half a pint of it every night. Oops.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
If somebody is being disrespectful to a waiter or doesn’t tip them that’s a big one for me. Can’t do it.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Touring and working on the album that will define my career. I hope I’ve nearly found the thing I’m chasing.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Sometimes classic, sometimes extravagant, most times a mixture of both. I love a good pair of selvedge denim jeans, nice pair of slacks, and a good pair of leather boots. I also love pearls, silk and floral embroidered clothing so put that all together and you get my look ha!
What do you think of Social Media?
Like most people I think I’ve got a bit of a love hate relationship with the Socials. I love the crazy amount of things that I’m exposed to through social media, and the scope of life that it allows you to see is out there. I love that it helps you feel close to people that you might miss, even if they’re hundreds or thousands of miles away. At the same time I hate the way it always feels like some sort of crazy game for somebody like me who is using it to promote or get themself out there. It can make you feel real small real quick, and it’s important to remember that your worth is in no way tied to your likes or followers or anything of that nature.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram and Twitter @simonlunche as well as Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, and anything else you can think of just by typing in “Simon Lunche”.
Quote: It changes constantly although right now its, “Then too you are in love. Do not forget that is a religious feeling.” (Said by the character Count Greffi in Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”)
Movie: Star Wars. Any of the originals or prequels. I’m a huge Star Wars nerd.
Travel Destination: Anywhere with warm water where I can catch some waves. Usually that’s somewhere in Southern California for me. I’ve had some of my best times ever down there.
Sports Team: Golden State Warriors. As an East Bay native though I have to say I’m sad they moved to San Francisco. Oakland brought the best energy.
