Music Influencer and Sensation LiaSimone

LiaSimone is a recording artist, singer/songwriter, and performer from Detroit,
Michigan. She is an artist entering the music industry with a unique style, rich voice,
and an unmatched vision. She describes her artistry as having two distinct perspectives.

The “Lia” side of her consists of a heavy pop influence, which relies on dance, upbeat
tempos, and custom-built visuals. In contrast, “Simone”, has a more serious demeanor,
enjoys expressing herself through R&B music, and explores dark moody themes. Her
music consists of Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop, and contains themes of self-awareness,
women empowerment, and perseverance. LiaSimone found a strong passion for the
performing aspect of music when she joined the Musical Theatre program in high
school. That taught her the importance of stage direction, costuming, lighting, & most
importantly: putting on a full show.

As a passionate musical and performing artist, LiaSimone independently released her
debut EP “Mood” in the summer of 2018, learning the importance of owning and
registering one’s own music. She directed and produced her first 3 music videos from
her EP, and began performing in multiple venues. LiaSimone is very involved in her
craft, from casting to costuming, and even editing. One of her main goals as an artist is
to inspire young women, and let them know that they are beautiful and worthy. She
aspires to teach the importance of self-worth and feels her purpose is to connect people through music and instill confidence in those who need it.

LiaSimone has had radio interviews that consist of 105.9 Kiss FM, 910 AM Superstation, and Florida’s own WMRR Radio Show. She’s performed in the Woodward Dream Cruise, Hair Wars, Aretha Franklin Jazz Café, Detroit Hot Radio Showcase, and more.

She was also featured in Detroit’s Own, Angie Starr’s, singing competition as the
spotlight artist. In addition, she was a part of 2020’s Arts, Beats & Eats — The Beats Go
On, a music festival. In September of 2020, she released her latest single titled “Can’t Be Beat”, and produced the accompanying music video, which was her largest independent project to date.

We Empower Magazine got an exclusive interview with LiaSimone.

LiaSimone

Tammy Reese: How do you intend to make history with your music?

LiaSimone: I intend on breaking barriers in the music industry. I love exploring unique themes, and trying new forms of art that may be unconventional, especially for a black woman.

I want to represent the voice of upcoming artists, and constantly remind them that anything is possible with drive, discipline, and manifestation. Musically, I’m really excited to be this breath of fresh air.

I plan to combine sultry sounds and jazz tones with uptempo beats in pop music, and believe it’ll be something the industry, and the world hasn’t quite heard of yet.

Tammy Reese: How has being a music artist made an impact on you personally?

LiaSimone: Being an artist has taught me a lot about my passion for the music industry, and my personal self-drive. Although I have wanted to sing since a young age, deciding to launch myself as an independent artist was something I would have never expected.

There are quite a few challenges I’ve encountered, and it’s taught me how much I’m able to take on, when enough is enough, and what really makes me happy. I have noticed my passion and drive increase immensely, and I’ve learned that this is my destiny.

Tammy Reese: How would you describe your music genre?

LiaSimone: I would define my music genre as R&B, Pop, and Hip-Hop. I have such a soft spot for 90s R&B, where I found a lot of inspiration from artists of that time period. I also have a huge passion for 2000s pop music.

I love pulsating beats, and music that literally makes you forget about any and everything because you can physically feel it in your soul. Fast forward to today, I aspire to find a way to combine my love for both eras, all while still making music that is relatable and relevant.

Tammy Reese: What are you currently working on?

LiaSimone: I’m working on new music for my sophomore EP! I’m currently in the planning stages of the rollout for this project, and I’m excited to be getting back into the studio soon. Planning for upcoming performances is also underway.

Tammy Reese: Who inspired and taught you to make music?

LiaSimone: As an artist, I am heavily inspired by Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, and Lauryn Hill. I notice that I tend to gravitate towards artists who are really authentic and true to who they are.

When I reflect on it, I wouldn’t say anyone necessarily taught me how to make music. I wrote my first song at 12 years old, which was inspired by my first “heartbreak”. Therefore, technically that one person inspired me to start songwriting. (lol!)

Tammy Reese: What do you enjoy most about the song creation process?

LiaSimone: I love allowing creativity to flow through me when there are no boundaries. Making your own music is such a safe space that feels limitless. I also really enjoy searching for new beats online.

I love meeting other producers and songwriters, and learning what tools they personally use to create. Another favorite of mine would be recording! I started recording music in 2016, and it STILL fascinates me hearing my own voice during playback.

Tammy Reese: How do you empower other women?

LiaSimone: I tend to empower other women by first, fully embracing and accepting who they are. I believe that is the best way to start. I’ve noticed people not only feel really comfortable when you accept them for them, but they, in turn, start appreciating, admiring, and respecting you for that.

I also believe that me being myself unapologetically empowers other women. It gives them the courage to be themselves and truly not care what others think. It allows them to fight through their self-doubts and insecurities, and remember they are worth so much more.

Tammy Reese: What women in your life have empowered you?

LiaSimone: I would credit my mom as being the woman who has empowered me the most. Ever since a young age, she has been my biggest role model and inspiration. Studying her powerhouse mentality has made me feel capable of anything.

Secondly, my high school theatre program director (and favorite teacher ever) Kathleen Sullivan has truly made me feel unstoppable. She’s taken so many chances with me as an actress, performer, and director, and really taught me that I am deserving of being on that stage. I give her a lot of credit in gaining the confidence to perform.

In addition, two of my closest friends, Alicia and Adriana, have empowered me immensely. They constantly remind me that I am beautiful, worthy, and truly deserving of any success that comes my way. I would also have to shout out all of the girls I cheered with including my favorite coaches, Jen and Chelsea. Being surrounded by a group of women constantly pushing for you to succeed just does something to you. (Alyssa, Hannah, & Alex, I love you!)

Lastly, Beyoncé has empowered me SO much as a performer. I absolutely admire women who push boundaries, and as many know, her work ethic is impeccable. She makes me feel like I, as a black woman, and an artist can absolutely do anything that I want.

LiaSimone

Keep up-to-date with LiaSimone and her amazing career by connecting on Instagram @iamliasimone