10-bit Q&A with Simon Curtis

In the coming months, we will witness the further evolution of our favourite boy robot, LA-based singer/songwriter Simon Curtis. Simon’s been busy working on new songs for an upcoming mixtape/album, which, like the wonderful 8-bit Heart (which is the best ‘unsigned’ record of 2010 thus far), should be available for free online later this year. To further add to the evolution, Simon is performing his first all-acoustic show on Thursday July 29 at The Mint in L.A.

In among all of these crazy preparations, Simon took some time to answer some questions for us in this ’10-bit’ Q&A:

1. For an independent artist, your fan base exceeds amazing. I know you recognize and respond to this support, including the videos and artwork that your fans have done, and the message boards that they’ve created. Can you tell us something that you would love to say to your fans outside of the U.S.A. who only know you through your music, You Tube videos , Facebook , and Twitter ?

I am so incredibly grateful for the fanbase I’ve been fortunate enough to start creating, I love them all dearly. I feel truly honored to have people gravitating toward it so much!

2. Suddenly there are a number of solo young indie male pop singers on the rise like you – Mike Posner (now signed to J/Sony), Adam Tyler, Sam Taylor, to name three – and you all have your own diverse takes on pop music. I think it’s more than a case of being the guys’ turn, and it may have actually started with a record like Jesse McCartney’s Departure album in 2008. Though women still dominate the charts, do you think the focus might be shifting, and if so, why?

Well I think that for a long time women have dominated pop music because it’s so easily acceptable for a woman to make pop music. It tends to seem that a lot of people don’t quite take men seriously when it comes to music of the pop persuasion, but I think the recent influx of boys pursuing it like I am myself is indication that it’s not just a game for girls. I definitely think the world is ready for a strong male pop perspective.

oldstyleboyrobot — The Old Style Boy Robot

3. Your ‘boy robot’ persona and the nerd glasses have definitely struck a chord with fans, along with the hopeful stories in 8-bit Heart that talk about loneliness and wanting to find love. Can you give us a little more perspective about this character and what you hoped to accomplish with him through your songs?

Well the character created in making the album was essentially me in my most raw, musical form. I needed an image to associate with the music, and the neo-futuristic Buddy Holly look just fit right in with it, totally complimented the simple yearnings for love that I was expressing in the album with a look associated with an era of innocence. It all just seemed to come together rather well.

4. I’m sure you have to be budget conscious, knowing where to draw the line to spend more money on something, such as an elaborate video, that might not really help you out in the long run. So many people were impressed with the acapella black and white video for “8-bit Heart” – how well do you think that video served its purpose?

The 8Bit Heart Acapella Tyler Shields video portrait was just supposed to be a teaser. I was in early talks with a record label at the time of my first show, and afterward they wanted to hear “more of my voice”… so I went the next day and made that to prove to them that I could really, truly sing. I’m incredibly proud of that video.

Download 8-bit Heart at http://www.simon-curtis.net if you already haven't!!

5. Looking at 8-bit Heart as a whole, what are a couple of things that totally exceeded your expectations, and what are a couple of things you would do differently on your next record?

I honestly am still blown away by the reaction it elicited from the collective internet. I mean, it’s opened so many doors for me I can’t even comprehend it. I am really looking forward to working with a proper budget on my albums. I want to make videos, etc. and it’s just so hard when you’re completely independent and starting all of this on your own. I am a hard worker though, and quite up for the challenge 😉

Beware of feline conspiracy theories...

6. You have a few references in 8-bit Heart to conspiracy theories and other matters of intrigue. Fans know that you’re an avid reader, but how did you become interested in them and decide to incorporate them into your music?

Well, I’ve always been a little cerebral when it comes to writing music. I don’t think I could ever write a song about dancing at the club, etc. without having some sort of deeper layer beneath it, some sort of commentary, something. I am obsessed with fantasy and science fiction, and I think it’s just a natural reflex for me to insert it into my music. I am in love with pop music, it’s one of my biggest passions, and that love translates right into the music that I make myself. The idea of creating commercial pop with a broad appeal that is laced with hidden-meanings and subtle references just elates me to the core.

7. A lot of fans would love a sequel to 8-bit Heart and are hungry for more story-songs and conceptual themes. But I think you’ve probably got a few other things in mind! Can you speak a bit about your next record?

Well, as it is right now I can only say that the overarching theme of the next album is a very militant one. The first album was an introduction, this one is me taking my flag and thrusting it into the ground and staking my claim. The songs on this album are dealing with my struggle to achieve, the deep-rooted yearning within me. Despite the fact that I tend to write in themes and use a lot of references, I still write very much from the heart. Everything I’ve written is something I have most certainly felt. With that said, there’s a lot dealing with betrayal on this record as well. It’s turning out to be a bit heavier than 8Bit was.

8. Could you name one other current singer and one other current songwriter that you would like to collaborate with, and say why?

There are so many it’s ridiculous. I’ve been able to strike up a bit of a friendship with Rod Thomas (BrightLightBrightLight) and I absolutely love him and what he does. Darren Hayes is an idol of mine, so working with him in any capacity would truly be a dream come true. I’ve always been obsessed with Bloodshy and Avant, and of course Max Martin has essentially been my Jesus since I was 13.

plus

equals

??????

(hint: Cherrytree/Interscope should

put them together and find out!)

9. Could you identify a pop song and a pop album that, for you, recently made a significant change or impact, and how? Basically, records that say ‘OK music as we know it now is different’.

Gaga’s Fame Monster was a huge turning point in music. It showed everyone that pop, pure pop, was back. I applauded that record so much for what it did for pop music. I mean, Gaga has single-handedly brought the world back to pop, and that made me incredibly happy.

10. Some talented fans tell you that they would like to do the same thing that you’re doing – what kind of advice would you give them on how to handle the demands that the entertainment biz can offer?

The entertainment business is a hard, hard world to navigate, you have to know precisely who you are and what you want and pursue it relentlessly for years and years. Be smart, know your talents, and know that it is first and foremost a job. A job that you must work incredibly hard at!

Thank you Simon! We’re all happy to stay along for the ride and look forward to the follow-up to 8-bit Heart.

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