LA Music Review | Art, stories and advice
Rich, intense and absolutely stunning!
Hi welcome to LA Music Review! Tell us a little bit about you and your music.
I started at the age 13 and I love playing my guitar now more than I ever have. I am compelled by the instrument in all of its musical permutations and limitations as vehicle for self expression and the way it is evolving from a playing and technology point of view. I’m a Jimmy Page disciple but I am as equally inspired by new players and the way they reflect their environment and the re invention of all that has preceded them.
My music composition is driven by trying to express my emotions…
…and the mysterious sounds I hear in my head without the luxury of lyrics. In music, my guitar is my voice and the composition creates a vehicle for that, but I am constantly working towards making what I feel is beautiful, dynamic and sometimes an almost esoteric music.
Start streaming “You Know Why I Asked You Here” right here:
Congrats on the release! What was your inspiration when you were writing this project?
Released on August 2021. My latest release was initially inspired by the documentary “Vikings.” One concept in particular I find intriguing is that in even in war there are rules of engagement. When the waring sides meet and stare at each other across the Greenfield (originally my working title for the track) they know that the day will only go one of two ways – glory or oblivion!
So, in essence, it’s really the challenge that says to you on the metaphorical battle line – you know why I asked you here – now let’s get down to business!! That challenge can be a performance, race or an exam you are studying for! This tune is a musical expression of that and I feel there is a strong harmonic prosody to that description!
What is your vision for this song?
The things that push us back the hardest are often the things we need the most.
The vision for the piece was one for the listener to feel the visceral energy and the fight in there. For listeners I would love if they took this message… Face the the resistance you feel in your life and move forward one step at a time. Just start….believe…..don’t stop even if you want to.
What is your favorite part of the song?
I love the whole song! But if I was to think of one section….. it might be the outro where there is guitar/keyboard solo trade off with one of my musical heroes – keyboardist Derek Sherinian. Having him guest on the song really set the bar high and it is still a little surreal when I listen to his parts that it’s actually him on the song. He is a true rock virtuoso and was a perfect fit. Only Derek could have done what he did. It was a great motivator having him on the track.
Anything else we should know about it? Upcoming events?
Simon is continuously working on new music and he is also co-producing his own rock show titled Simon Gardner’s Big Stadium Rock Show. To read more about this, visit www.bigstadiumrock.com.au.
Connect with Simon
