SHEDDING HER SKIN

A new signing to the Australian arm of Virgin Records, Simone Hardy is one of the fortunate few to have been given the opportunity to follow a dream of releasing a solo album & has done admirably with the initial single Say What I Mean, gaining commercial airplay as well as significant media interest across the board.

I recently caught up with Simone who was about to embark on a tour supporting Mark Lizotte & Taxiride through Queensland, New South Wales & Victoria, as well as gearing up for the release of her debut album Shed My Skin. She's a well grounded & realistic person who was a pleasure to talk to.

First up, I found out how she felt about getting a recording contract.

"It's very good for me, a real honour I guess I'd have to say, when there are so many others who'd kill to get the same thing & I've loved putting the album together. There's a lot of talent out there which is still to be discovered & I guess their time will come, but for now, I'm happy enough for it to be me."

The single Say What I Mean had been out for a little while prior to me hearing it & the airplay it's received has been remarkable. Simone has her own views on that score.

"Triple J have given it a few plays, but it's really the commercial stations which have been giving it the most airtime. I don't know how they make their choices or whether it's just chance, but maybe someone in the stations just likes what they hear so they play them."

Readying herself for the forthcoming tour with Mark Lizotte & Taxiride, Simone is gearing up for confronting the crowds.

"I've already done some live performances, but the first time was the hardest, though I did enjoy it. Before, I was in a band & I had them to sort of hide in & when you get out there by yourself, & it's your own songs & you're there by yourself, for me at least, I feel like I have to prove myself & my songs to the audience. Touring with Mark & Taxiride is going to be a different sort of experience. Now Mark's moved out from behind the Diesel name & he's doing some different things, I think we're sort of on the same level in a sense, he's proving his own songs to the audience in the same way I am."

The conversation inevitably turned towards technology & talk of websites.

"My flatmate has sort of taken over that. She's putting one together for me & we're working on it together. I think there's a lot to be gained from the internet, not only for myself, but for the fans who want to find out about their favourite artist or band a little deeper than they could just by going to the live shows. The experience is never going to be the same as the live performance is, but that's not the point."

Lastly, I asked Simone what we could expect from the album Shed My Skin, when it's released shortly.

"Well, there's going to be some surprises for anyone who's heard only the first single. What I've tried to do is create interesting songs that will appeal to a wide variety of people, without them saying it's really commercial or it's really alternative. I've tried to strike a balance between those so that the songs are as easily at home on say 2 DAY FM or Triple J. I hope people like it, a lot of work's gone into it."

Check out Simone's debut album Shed My Skin out soon through Virgin or see her on tour near you shortly.