June 15, 2019 • 38 mins
In the fifth episode of Metal Maven Podcast, I’m joined by Metal goddess, Simone Simons and we discuss confidence, motherhood, photography, plus more details on Epica’s upcoming book and “Design Your Universe” Anniversary Tour.
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Episode Transcript
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Metal Maven (00:02):
Welcome to the Metal Maven Podcast, where we
explore and discover the processand passions of artists in the
metal music and art community.
We have arrived at the fifthepisode of Metal Maven Podcast
and today I'm joined by metalgoddess, Simone Simons of Epica.
(00:22):
Welcome Simone, how are you?
Simone Simons (00:24):
I'm doing great.
Excited for the podcast.
Metal Maven (00:27):
Thank you.
I'm super excited as well.
I was actually quite nervous todo this and I was like, how am I
going to begin this?
What are we going to talk about?
This one's a little morepersonal for me I guess because
you are the reason why I amdoing this in a way.
You gave me that firstopportunity.
It was what, seven years ago?
We started working with eachother.
(00:48):
Which when you think about it isquite crazy.
Maybe we should talk about howwe first started out with this?
I think I found you.
I found Epica on Spotify.
I think there was a Goddesses ofMetal or Women in Metal playlist
and after that I was like,"Iabsolutely love this band." So
(01:09):
at some point, I think it was2012, I reached out to you with
a design for SmoonStyle onTwitter.
I think it was on Twitter, andyou responded and it ended up
being, I was designing your blogand then I ended up designing
for Eipca and that has notstopped.
Simone Simons (01:32):
That's correct.
Yeah, I remember that you sentme like four drafts of how you
could make my blog prettier, andsince I had no clue of how to do
it myself, I would just usingtemplates.
I was very thankful for the helpthat you offered me.
(01:54):
So yeah, I'm happy I've got youon board on the blog.
Because of you the blog looksmore professional, so thank you.
Metal Maven (02:03):
Yeah, you're welcome.
Well, I remember we first met–October is kind of a fun month
for us too because I mean that'swhen I first met you guys, that
was the first show that I sawyou.
I was in Worcester Palladium inMassachusetts.
Simone Simons (02:18):
Yeah, I remember– with your sister.
Metal Maven (02:19):
Yes, with my sister, yup.
That was super fun.
I know.
It's funny because like allthose important moments with you
guys, or just in my life, hasbeen October.
And it's funny because, youknow, we both have little little
boys born in October and it'sfunny how that works out.
But I was driving home andwondering,"What should I open
this podcast with?" And I feltthat I should have to just go
(02:44):
for it and be confident.
And that is kind of what thiswhole podcast is going to be
about today.
So it was inspired by your"MetalMother" HuffPost interview.
And you were describing yourselfand there's a moment where you
say that, you know, you were theexample of a high school
dropout, not studying and thenplaying in a band.
And then you also said,"I'm verylucky the path was laid out for
(03:06):
me and I felt confident enoughto walk on it." So I just kind
of took your own advice and Iwas like,"You know, let's kind
of get into that with Simone,"and see how you went from baby
Smoon to who you are right now.
When you were first startingout, what reassured your
decision and gave you theconfidence to move forward with
what most would view as anunconventional life, being a
(03:29):
musician?
Simone Simons (03:31):
Well, I got the chance, or the possibility to
be, the Epica singer back in2002, but I was very young,
still in high school and Ithought,"Nah, I don't know if I
should do it." I was veryhesitant and I actually helped
the guys find other singers.
(03:52):
My vocal teacher back in theday, I asked him if he knew any
girls that would be into singingin a band.
And I was actually like Mark'sassistant, trying to find a
singer for the band, but itdidn't work out with any of the
singers, I think– not manyauditioned, but then we kind of
(04:14):
knew it was meant to be that Iwas supposed to be the singer,
but I was not confident back inthe day.
But I just had this gut feeling,I guess, to just do it.
And there's so many things weare afraid of in life– and I was
actually also afraid of it– butthat made me more intrigued by
being in a band.
As a 12 year old, I had my firstperformance– I hated it.
(04:40):
I was so nervous.
I thought,"I don't want to havethat feeling ever again in my
life." But it was a gut feelingor like, I don't know, call of
destiny.
I just decided to go with theflow and I haven't regretted it.
Metal Maven (04:56):
In another interview, you had said you
didn't tell your family you weredoing this, or it was a night of
one of your concerts– I think itwas like a choral group you were
in– but it was also the samenight as the first Epica show
and you hadn't told them yet.
Simone Simons (05:12):
Yeah, that's correct.
Yeah, I didn't tell my parentsup until the moment where I had
a double booking and I had tolet them know.
And my mom was kind of cool withit and my dad was, of course,
not that happy about it becauseI was still in high school back
(05:34):
then, but I quit afterwards.
And then like every otherparent, you are worried about
the future of your child becauselike you say, it's an
unconventional life.
But I think if you're reallydetermined and work hard and
believe in yourself, you can getreally far in life.
You know, you just have to gofor it.
Metal Maven (05:54):
Did your father discourage you in any from this
pursue or warn you to have abackup plan should the endeavor
fail?
Simone Simons (06:02):
No, not really.
But I guess he made me realizereally quickly that I was not
studying, so I was in a band andeven though we were not making
money, he saw it kind of as myjob.
Yeah, with the age of– I think Iwas 18 when I quit school
because I was allowed to quitschool, and then they couldn't,
(06:24):
you know, my parents had nothingto say anymore, so they just had
to also go with the flow.
And I think now my parents arevery proud of me, seeing what
I've achieved in life, and thatyou can make a living out of
being in a band and then, youknow, specifically in a metal
(06:44):
band.
Metal Maven (06:45):
Just takes a lot of hard work and persistence and
luck, yes.
Simone Simons (06:50):
Luck, definitely also luck.
You have to be at the rightplace at the right time.
You have to have the rightmindset.
You have to be the right personfor it because it's not just a
job, it's a lifestyle and it'snot all glitter, glamor, and
beers and stuff.
Metal Maven (07:09):
A lot of sweat, tears, and smelly trailers.
Simone Simons (07:13):
Yeah, smelly butts and tour bus toilets as
well.
Yeah, you can't imagine howstinky they are.
Metal Maven (07:20):
I know, right?
Ooh! But you're not just amusician though.
You're also now an onlineinfluencer, a lifestyle blogger,
makeup artist, and photographer.
So you have a lot of things thatyou're currently doing.
And for a moment I did want totalk about your website because
it is quite a large part of yourlife that came to fruition as
(07:43):
you started touring with Epicaand sharing your travels and
stage looks.
It currently has over 10 millionviews and has created some
really amazing opportunities foryou.
With that amount of exposure andaccolades comes just as many
unwanted opinions and judgmentsof you personally as well as of
your work.
So in the Metal world, how doyou deal with criticism from
(08:06):
people that undermine yourhobbies and criticize you for
being according to them intomore superficial, girly stuff?
Simone Simons (08:13):
Well, I think a lot of people forget that the
reason why I started the blogwas actually for the fans, back
in the day.
Mainly, the female fans becauseI got so many questions about my
makeup, and hair, and theclothes that I wore.
And before I had the blog, I waswriting tour diaries on the
(08:36):
Epica website– many years ago,because my blog is going to be
nine years old this year.
Started in 2010 I believe, Icould be wrong by one year, I'm
bad with remembering dates, butyou know.
Metal Maven (08:51):
I checked.
It's 2010.
You're right.
Simone Simons (08:56):
So, yeah, I always had a weakness for the
visual side of being in Epica,and was involved in photo
shoots, and video shoots.
And I always enjoyed that asmuch as also the live singing,
and being in the studio, andwriting songs.
(09:16):
So that's always been a part ofit.
And I've styled myself since dayone, sometimes with help of
other people, but a lot of it isjust my own personal taste.
And a couple days ago I wasdigging through a box filled
with Epica stuff and I foundthis folder with drawings of me
(09:41):
drawing my catsuits back in theday when I was wearing a black
and white cat suit with thewhite corset and, you know, my
boobs were hanging out.
If you Google me on theInternet, those were the first
photos you see.
They're ancient, but they're themost popular, I guess.
So, I designed those outfitsmyself.
I always loved doing that, and Ithink that that is a big part of
(10:02):
Epica as well.
Not only how you dress thestage, but also how you dress
yourself and present yourself.
So, working with a lot of othermakeup artists, photographers,
and videographers, I started toreally get into it more and
more.
And I started the blog because Ithought, you know, this could be
(10:24):
a cool way to bundle everythingthat I love and take photos of
it.
The first years, I did not makeany money with it.
I put so many hours into theblog, so much money I invested
in my equipment and also buyingproducts, which I could show on
(10:45):
the blog as well.
And only since a couple of yearsI've been earning a little bit
of money for the hours that Iput into creating blog posts,
photographing– and I have my ownphoto studio at home now as well
and I'm working part-time as aphotographer besides Epica.
I think it's great that if I canmake some money with it, why
(11:09):
not, you know, I'm doing what Ilove and I'm finally getting
paid for it as well.
The same with Epica the firstcouple of years– we were not
making any money.
I use my allowance money to buya battery, nine-volt battery,
for my in-ear belt-pack and,always with everything you do in
life, it takes hard work in thebeginning and it will pay off in
(11:31):
the end and that's the samething with my blog, and I will
not let any other people tear medown as long as I still have fun
at doing what I'm doing.
And of course also make money.
I got to pay the bills, I'm notliving with my parents anymore,
then I will continue to do it,you know?
(11:54):
But, of course, everybody has anopinion.
Everybody has the Internet.
But my personal opinion, if youdon't like something, swipe to
the left, you know?
There's other stuff on theInternet.
If you don't like it then youcan just not look at it– it's as
easy as that.
Metal Maven (12:14):
Just quiet the noise and continue doing what
you do that makes you happy.
Simone Simons (12:18):
Yeah.
Maybe putting the phone asidefor a couple of hours a day
would be good advise I can giveeverybody.
Let's live life offline and notonline all the time.
Metal Maven (12:30):
Definitely.
So speaking of photography, yourblog has beautiful imagery, and
that's not from a hiredphotographer, but you're the one
behind the camera.
And in regards to that, it'sinteresting that your passion
work is quite the transitionfrom being in the spotlight,
onstage in front of hundreds ofpeople, to being behind a camera
(12:52):
with the focus on others, orstill lifes if you're taking
photos of products.
Is photography a way, not tohide but perhaps deflect
attention from yourself and havea moment of anonymity and
meditation for you?
Simone Simons (13:10):
I like both sides, to be in front of the
camera and to be behind thecamera, and I know both sides as
well, so I can put myself inwhatever position I am in or the
other person is in.
If I'm taking a photo or a photois being taken, I know how both
sides look like.
And this might sound reallyweird, but I talked to one of my
(13:34):
bandmates about this as well.
I like to be onstage and thoughthe people are watching me I'm
okay with that, but when I'm noton stage, I sometimes would like
to be invisible, you know, tohave, I guess, privacy or just
be like everybody else, which ishard because a lot of people put
you on this pedestal and thinkyou're otherworldly, but I'm
(13:56):
just another normal human beingwith emotions, good and bad
days, like anybody else.
With photography, for me, Iguess I started to notice I have
this photographer's disease.
That wherever you walk around,you'll always see photos.
You're like,"Oh, this could be agreat photo.
Oh, where's my camera?" andlike,"I have to take a photo,"
(14:16):
or I wish I could take photos byblinking my eyes, you know, to
freeze the moment.
And it's hard because I guesshalf of my head is filled with
melodies and the other is withphotographs.
So, I also often don't just saythat I'm a singer, I consider
myself an artist and I've alwaysenjoyed arts when I was younger,
(14:37):
not only music.
Music is a big part of me, it'sin my blood I guess, but I
always loved movies as well.
That's where I draw a lot ofinspiration from for my lyrics.
But nowadays, I look at moviesalso from a photographer's point
of view.
You know, how they compose ashot, how they light the
scenery, all that stuff goesthrough my mind in a
(14:59):
millisecond.
So, I don't watch movies anymorelike anybody else.
And then I'm kind of aperfectionist, I can always tell
the person with whom I'mwatching a movie like,"Oh, they
made a mistake," you know, whenthey have to reshoot a scene or
that the hair is wrong or themakeup is wrong.
I see those and it's annoying– Iwish I could unsee it, but I see
(15:20):
those things really quickly.
And when it comes tophotography, I love portraiture
because I love people.
I think people are veryinteresting.
And not just classical beauty,you know, but people whom
everybody says,"Oh, they'rebeautiful." But I think
everybody has somethingbeautiful in their face and it's
just a way, the art andphotography is of how to catch
(15:44):
it, and of portraiturephotography.
Metal Maven (15:46):
So it seems that photography has always been just
this natural art form thatyou've done, but did you ever
study photography formally ortake, you know, just some small
classes to refine your skills?
Simone Simons (15:59):
I've taken a couple of classes and a lot of
self-taught books, online and byjust trying, because the thing
is you can watch as manytutorials, read books– the best
way to learn is by just taking alot of photos.
That's what a lot ofphotographers say.
(16:20):
You just have to get out thereand get a feeling for it.
Practice makes perfect.
And also the best camera you canhave is the one that you have in
your hands.
Not necessarily the mostexpensive camera.
Of course, the quality of thephotos will improve, but not the
quality of the photograph, ifthat makes any sense, you know?
(16:41):
You have to have an eye forcomposition and I try to make
the emotions transcend from aphotograph, that you feel
something when you see a photoand not just like,"Ooh that's a
pretty picture,"– to makesomebody look at it longer than
a millisecond.
Metal Maven (16:57):
Well, that's what I was wondering if there was a
deeper appeal to you as anartist for specializing in
portrait photography?
Because I know it's kind of thego-to style for like shooting
makeup and promotion images–it's that very up close and
intimate setting.
Yeah, I was just wondering whatthe deeper appeal was to you?
Simone Simons (17:16):
Yeah, I guess I also started more with
portraiture because of my son.
When he was a baby, you know–and there you see the value of
the photograph– especially withsome someone that's growing and
changing almost every day.
And those photos become a biggertreasure then any other
(17:37):
expensive piece of equipment.
I sometimes say,"If my housewould burn down, the things that
I'll save are my photo books anddrawings that my son made for
me.
You know, all the stuff can goup in flames."
Metal Maven (17:51):
You must have so many photo books though.
Simone Simons (17:53):
I am behind on doing photo books.
I don't have enough hours in aday to do everything that I
like.
Metal Maven (18:01):
Don't feel bad.
I have not made one photo book.
I have so many photos and I'veyet to actually print them and
put them in a book, so I don'tfeel bad.
Simone Simons (18:10):
I need to be on tour again in order to do photo
books.
Then I have more free time.
Too many photos!
Metal Maven (18:17):
How is Prince Vincent, by the way?
Because I remember running downthe halls backstage with him at
Epic Metal Fest a few years ago,playing hide and seek.
I remember Oli, he was justexhausted with his amount of
energy.
I remember him just bouncingaround everywhere.
I think he was maybe three orfour?
Simone Simons (18:33):
I think he was three back then.
Yeah, because it was April.
Metal Maven (18:38):
Oh my goodness, they have so much energy.
My son right now is almost two,and I definitely understand
where Oli was at.
He was just like,"Oh," justclosing his eyes as he's
bouncing around all over him.
Simone Simons (18:50):
Yeah, they're just a big ball of energy.
He's doing great.
He's going to enter school aftersummer, so it's a new phase of
our lives.
And he got his backpack, whichin Germany it's a big thing
getting that specific backpack,which is totally overpriced, but
(19:10):
yeah.
Metal Maven (19:11):
Oh, is it like a school standard?
Like everyone has to have thesame thing?
Simone Simons (19:14):
Kind of, yeah.
Here in Germany, it's differentthan in Holland.
My mom's jaw dropped on thefloor when she heard how
expensive it was and I thought,"You know, okay.
It's like a really ergonomicallydesigned backpack that looks
twice as big as my son." It'slike, all you see when these
kids are walking around in mytown, you see the backpacks with
(19:35):
a little kid attached to it.
It's hilarious.
Metal Maven (19:38):
It just overpowers their figure.
Simone Simons (19:40):
Yeah, especially when when they're starting out–
they're still tiny humans.
Metal Maven (19:45):
That's exciting, but it's also sad, and it's
happy, because he's not littleanymore, but he's growing up and
becoming a man.
So cherishing every littlemoment you can in the present.
Simone Simons (19:57):
They grew up really fast.
Metal Maven (19:59):
Well, confidence is a huge deal when being a mom,
especially a first time mom,because every aspect of your
life becomes about your child.
If there's anything that makesyou kind of question your worth
more it's your own judgments inregards to how good of a mother
you're being.
With the intensity of yourcareer– I know you guys are on
break right now– but with thenormal intensity of your career,
(20:20):
how do you maintain your balanceand happiness?
Simone Simons (20:23):
It's really hard because it's two different
worlds that you're kind ofconstantly living in and they're
kind of clashing big time–different routines.
At home.
I wake up early, I go to bedearly.
On tour, I have to be at myfittest where I normally would
be in bed after a long day of,you know, being mama, housewife,
(20:49):
cook.
Metal Maven (20:52):
All the jobs.
Simone Simons (20:52):
All the jobs, except for standing on stage.
And sometimes, when my son wasreally little, I would be
changing diapers in the morningand then the evening, I would be
standing onstage and being ametal singer again.
I talked to Mikael Åkerfeldtabout this, that you're a
mother, or in his case, afather, until the plane lands at
(21:13):
your destination and then boom,you're the rock star again.
That's so accurate.
And then, when you're homeagain, I sometimes forget that
I'm actually a metal singer orthat I stand onstage, especially
now after enjoying a littlebreak from the stage.
It's weird that the stage islike my second home, but it's
(21:35):
also not connected to my realhome.
It's two different worlds.
It's day and night.
I like both of them, but it'shard to keep a balance.
I have to admit, our touringlife was becoming– it was
getting out of balance with myfamily life, so I had to cut
back on the touring a little bitin the future because it was
(21:56):
just too much being away from mychild, my husband doing the
family work.
Besides that, he's also atouring musician, so when I
would be home he would oftenleave.
It requires good organization,family helping out as well.
As I said before, I'm aperfectionist, and never think
(22:20):
I'm doing it good enough.
So being a mother or being asinger, I always think there's
stuff to improve.
But on the other hand, nowadays,we're too harsh on ourselves–
focusing too much on the thingswe can't do or we don't have,
except focusing on what we haveand what we've achieved.
When you're a mom and your timeis limited to do things–like
(22:43):
before you had all day to dowhatever you want or work on
whatever you want.
And now you have to be moreefficient with your time.
But when you have to be creativewithin a certain time span and
you have this creative block,then it sucks.
Because I find myself useful ifI created something.
It has to be something simple,even like baking a cake.
(23:04):
If I have not done anythingcreative during a day, for me,
the day feels kind of wasted.
And that is also a little bit ofartist's dilemma that a lot of
people have.
You have to take it one day at atime and there's always going to
be good and bad days and wisewords,"Don't be so hard on
yourself."
Metal Maven (23:22):
I feel like you also have to, you know– it can
be a bit overwhelming and youjust kind of dedicate yourself
fully to the job– but you haveto carve out some time for
yourself as well.
You know, some self care momentswhere you're not just mom,
you're just you– for at least ahalf hour maybe, if you can get
it.
Simone Simons (23:41):
Yeah, that's important.
And another thing that'simportant is to not feel selfish
about it as well, because if youdon't do that for yourself, you
cannot be a good mom, a goodwife, or a good colleague.
It's all connected and it startswith yourself, so you have to
take good care of yourself.
That's why I try to eat healthy,I work out a lot, I keep alcohol
(24:05):
beverages to a minimum.
But I have to say, since acouple of years, I drink coffee
and I drink alcohol, but Ialways work out between 1-1.5
hours, a couple days a week ifmy schedule allows it.
Metal Maven (24:23):
Well, I figure you have to be always in good shape
because if you're not able torun around onstage and you're
out of breath, you're really notgoing to have a good
performance.
Simone Simons (24:33):
Yeah, but now that I'm not playing a lot, I
have to work out more, becausewhen I'm on the touring
schedule, the shows are almostlike working out because it's
1.5 hours of jumping around,singing, banging your head.
You burn a lot of caloriesduring a show and that's
something I'm missing now.
And I try to compensate withworking out more– of course, to
(24:56):
stay healthy and fit, but alsoas a way of channeling
frustration, aggression, orwhatever.
It's great to work out becauseyou get the natural drug, you
get the endorphins, and you getlike a natural high from it, and
it's me time.
And it's also not just body, butit's also for the soul to work
out.
It's really good.
Metal Maven (25:17):
Well, speaking of Epica, we've arrived at the
headliner of this little podcastand I know that's what most
people have been waiting to hearabout.
It's been quiet lately as theband has been on hiatus, and
it's a well-deserved break sinceyou've all been going non-stop
since before I even startedworking with you guys, and that
was seven years ago, so a bit ofrest was definitely an order.
(25:41):
But Epica is always creatingsomething behind the scenes and
at the start of May, pre-orderswere announced for Essence of
Epica, your 208-page, tell-allbook.
What can fans expect from thisartifact of Epica history?
Simone Simons (25:58):
Well, we spend a lot of time doing interviews
with the main, I would saywriter of the book.
Everybody in the band had acouple of sessions with the
writer to kind ofchronologically go through
Epica's discography from thePhantom Agony up until The
Holographic Principle, or evenAttack on Titan, and tried to
(26:20):
recollect as many memories ourbrains, that got damaged from
all the headbanging, still had.
We all had to dig through ourown personal archives of
whatever we accumulated throughthe years.
And also our family photo booksto see if we have some
embarrassing childhood photosourselves.
Metal Maven (26:42):
I'm sure there were many.
Simone Simons (26:43):
Yeah, I guess I have a couple, but since I'm the
most active on Instagram, Ialready put some on the
Internet, but I found a coupleof– my mom actually helped and
then dug through her photos tosee if she had photos of me
being a teenager, because I hada lot of baby photos, but the
(27:06):
teenage years were somehow– Iwas shy of the camera.
And yeah, so we all had theseinterviews and so many memories.
Everything we've done from thebeginning up until now, and it's
quite a lot.
And we've been going so fast,touring so much, that sometimes
you don't have time to reflecton everything you have already
(27:28):
experienced in the life of amusician.
And for me, this book also showsanniversary shows or Retrospect
or the 1000th Anniversary Showwe did recently.
Those are moments where you'relike,"Sit back and stop that
high speed train," and just lookback on everything you've
(27:50):
achieved already and how specialit is.
And writing, creating this bookkind of put a pause on us going
super fast, and even though wehad a break from touring, we've
been writing the book and, ofcourse we had to read it, we had
to correct it, and change somestuff here and there.
(28:12):
We're still working on theartwork at the moment– yeah,
it's great, I'm looking forwardit.
I know we have another book,"TheRoad to Paradiso," but that is
so old, it's vintage, and I'mlooking forward for this, for
"The Essence of Epica" to seethe light of day and to have the
fans read a little bit more ofwhat it's like being in a band,
(28:33):
the good and the bad.
So...
and the good and the bad photosas well.
Metal Maven (28:37):
And a little bit of ugly, maybe, from childhood
photos.
We'll see.
Simone Simons (28:43):
Yeah.
I think everybody was– all theguys were really cute when they
were little boys.
Metal Maven (28:50):
I can't wait to see their photos.
Where did the name,"The Essenceof Epica," the title of this
book, come from?
Simone Simons (28:58):
We had a couple of names, and of course it's a
little bit of"The Essence ofSilence"–"The Essence of Epica"–
it was kind of a no-brainer totake that name because it sums
up everything really well,because we're describing what
Epica is for us as individuals,as a band, and what it's like
(29:19):
being in a band touring.
Everybody always just sees thesuccess and the great things,
but we've been been through somehard times as well.
And that's also details thatwill appear in the book.
Well, I think it's going to be avery interesting read and people
will get to know us better– getto know the essence of Epica.
(29:40):
I'm very curious to find outwhat people think about the
book.
So, just a couple more monthsand then it's out.
Metal Maven (29:46):
Yay! That's going to be fun.
I can't wait to see it– I'mexcited for that.
There's also the main event of2019 for you guys– the"Design
Your Universe" 10th AnniversaryTour starting in October.
I saw on Epica's Instagram storythat there's a"Design Your
Universe" surprise in the works.
(30:06):
Is there anything you can sharewith Epicans about these
exclusive shows or what you guyshave in store for everyone?
Simone Simons (30:13):
Good question...
Metal Maven (30:15):
I don't want to get you in trouble.
Simone Simons (30:18):
I'm also– I don't want my management to call me in
a couple of days, like,"What didyou just say?" I cannot lift the
veil of the surprise.
Just, I can only say that it's areally nice treat that the Epica
fans are in for.
I'm very happy with the surpriseand I'm sure that the Epica fans
(30:40):
will love it.
I know the majority of our fans,and I know that this is
something they will absolutelylove, and I'm very excited
myself to play many songs fromDesign Your Universe again for
this.
It is one of my favorite Epicaalbums and for example,"Tides of
Time" is one of my all-timefavorite Epica ballads, and I
have not performed it in so manyyears.
(31:01):
It remains a classic– it's stilla great song and one of the
songs that, after all thoseyears, I still think I would not
change a thing about it.
And with other songs, after acouple of years, especially the
ones you perform live, youthink,"I could have changed this
or that," but,"Tides of Time" istimes perfect, I think.
Metal Maven (31:21):
"Tides of Time," it is– it's a total Epica classic.
I can't wait to hear it again.
I will try.
I want to really go to the Parisshow, if I can get there.
I know it's sold out.
Simone Simons (31:31):
Yeah, you can do a holiday.
Metal Maven (31:32):
I know...
Simone Simons (31:33):
There might always be a guest list spot for
you.
We can arrange that.
Metal Maven (31:38):
We'll see what's going on.
But, Paris is sold out andNetherlands is sold out as well,
so, so far so good.
And then you've expanded thetour dates in South America.
They needed you more, theyneeded you to stay there longer.
They're very passionate aboutEpica in South America.
Simone Simons (31:55):
That's correct.
Yeah.
And I think it proves thatDesign Your Universe is a
special album, that a lot ofpeople would like to hear these
songs again.
I'm very curious to see howthings will go.
I started listening to DesignYour Universe again, the album,
and of course, the songs thatwe've been playing live all
(32:17):
those years, I remembered.
But then I thought,"Hey, there'squite a lot of other great songs
on there and why aren't they howthey were in my brain?" I could
still sing along pretty well tothem.
And Design Your Universe is justone of those albums I connect
with and think it will always bean Epica classic album and the
(32:39):
message that's behind DesigningYour Universe, the fans know,
and it's a little bit symbolicas well for what we've been
doing, you know, doing what welove and, and designing our own
universe.
Metal Maven (32:54):
Yeah.
So, as a singer too, you haveevolved greatly, vocally, since
Design Your Universe came out.
And I was just wondering– I knowonline there's always been metal
fans who prefer your moreclassical singing style in the
earlier days of Epica versus thelatest albums.
(33:14):
You know, there's always goingto be resistance to an artist
evolution, and I was wondering,are you currently satisfied with
the power, and flexibility, andcontrol you have of your voice,
your instrument, and how willthat translate into your
performance of these oldersongs?
Are you going to kind of breathenew life into them, or do you
(33:35):
feel you're going to just singthem as you always have?
Simone Simons (33:40):
Design Your Universe is the first album in
the discography that I like tolisten to because I'm happy with
how my voice sounds.
The first two albums, all threemaybe, I don't like so much, or
I think, you know, I improved alot over the years.
I sing with what the songs need,and which style I sing in,
(34:04):
certain style, that the songsneed, or that it calls for.
And just the classical singingeverywhere becomes boring in my
opinion.
And I think it was one of mystrengths that I can sing in
different styles nowadays, and Ienjoy doing that as well, but I
still love classical singing alot– that's how I started out
(34:25):
with classical singing lessons.
And the file that I recentlyfound with my drawings of my
early Epica outfit– the blackcat suit with the corset– I also
had the scores for my singinglessons, when I was having
classical singing lessons, andbrought back great memories.
So, I don't know if I will bringthat back to Epica, like big
(34:49):
time, or if I'll just dosomething in a classical solo
album one day.
Still so many plans and solittle time.
I like to be able to do a lot ofdifferent styles and I think,
especially with Attack on Titan,the latest release that we've
created, was proof that I cansing in different styles and I
was very happy with how myvocals turned out.
Metal Maven (35:10):
Well, it seems too that transition from recording
in the studio to stage– I don'tknow, I just feel like the
transition is smoother and Idon't know if that was something
that you had wanted to improveon for yourself.
Simone Simons (35:24):
I guess also the technique– I've improved my
technique, so that's a big part.
And when it comes to the DesignYour Universe songs, depending
on which ones we will sing live,or we perform live, I will adapt
my technique on the melodies,but I will not– I don't want to
(35:44):
try to alter it.
Only the parts that could bedone better or would work better
live.
That's also a thing, you know,when you're in the studio you're
very comfortable and you can geta couple of tries to sing a
song.
When you're onstage you'resometimes extremely tired, you
might be sick, you might besweating your ass off, you might
(36:06):
not be able to hear yourselfcorrectly, and you have one shot
– and sometimes you're not thathappy with that one shot.
Especially when you get a brainfart and you forget the lyrics.
Stuff like that happens, butwe'll see.
Next week is our first showsince, I think half a year.
That half a year flew by...
Metal Maven (36:26):
Well, it's good to– I mean it's been a bit, so
Download should be very fun foryou guys to just kind of get
back a little bit into thegroove and just have a good
time.
Speaker 3 (36:35):
Yeah, and to have a great festival like Download as
well.
Metal Maven (36:38):
That's awesome.
So, that is all the questions Ihave for you today Simone.
Thank you for chitchatting withme today.
This is something I've alwayswanted to do with you since we
first met, so I reallyappreciate you sharing your
time, energy, and wisdom withme.
Simone Simons (36:56):
Yeah, you're very welcome.
I had a good time chitchattingwith you as well.
Metal Maven (37:02):
To view Simone's portrait photography, visit
simonesimons.com.
And if you're interested in allthings beauty, fashion, travel,
and food, check out herlifestyle blog at
smoonstyle.com.
"The Essence of Epica" iscurrently available for
pre-order.
With over 200 pages, this fullyillustrated book tells the story
of the band's history throughintimate accounts and rare
(37:24):
photos– so be sure to reserveyour copy and go to
epicabook.com.
Epica will also kick off their"Design Your Universe" 10th
Anniversary Tour this Octoberand tickets are currently on
sale.
You can purchase them, and joinin on the celebration, at
epica.nl/tour.
Visit metalmavenpodcast.com forlinks to Simone's social
(37:45):
profiles, photos, videos, andread the full transcript of this
interview.
Thanks for tuning in, and besure to subscribe to Metal Maven
Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher,Spotify, and Google Play.
Welcome to the Metal Maven Podcast, where we
explore and discover the processand passions of artists in the
metal music and art community.
We have arrived at the fifthepisode of Metal Maven Podcast
and today I'm joined by metalgoddess, Simone Simons of Epica.
(00:22):
Welcome Simone, how are you?
Simone Simons (00:24):
I'm doing great.
Excited for the podcast.
Metal Maven (00:27):
Thank you.
I'm super excited as well.
I was actually quite nervous todo this and I was like, how am I
going to begin this?
What are we going to talk about?
This one's a little morepersonal for me I guess because
you are the reason why I amdoing this in a way.
You gave me that firstopportunity.
It was what, seven years ago?
We started working with eachother.
(00:48):
Which when you think about it isquite crazy.
Maybe we should talk about howwe first started out with this?
I think I found you.
I found Epica on Spotify.
I think there was a Goddesses ofMetal or Women in Metal playlist
and after that I was like,"Iabsolutely love this band." So
(01:09):
at some point, I think it was2012, I reached out to you with
a design for SmoonStyle onTwitter.
I think it was on Twitter, andyou responded and it ended up
being, I was designing your blogand then I ended up designing
for Eipca and that has notstopped.
Simone Simons (01:32):
That's correct.
Yeah, I remember that you sentme like four drafts of how you
could make my blog prettier, andsince I had no clue of how to do
it myself, I would just usingtemplates.
I was very thankful for the helpthat you offered me.
(01:54):
So yeah, I'm happy I've got youon board on the blog.
Because of you the blog looksmore professional, so thank you.
Metal Maven (02:03):
Yeah, you're welcome.
Well, I remember we first met–October is kind of a fun month
for us too because I mean that'swhen I first met you guys, that
was the first show that I sawyou.
I was in Worcester Palladium inMassachusetts.
Simone Simons (02:18):
Yeah, I remember– with your sister.
Metal Maven (02:19):
Yes, with my sister, yup.
That was super fun.
I know.
It's funny because like allthose important moments with you
guys, or just in my life, hasbeen October.
And it's funny because, youknow, we both have little little
boys born in October and it'sfunny how that works out.
But I was driving home andwondering,"What should I open
this podcast with?" And I feltthat I should have to just go
(02:44):
for it and be confident.
And that is kind of what thiswhole podcast is going to be
about today.
So it was inspired by your"MetalMother" HuffPost interview.
And you were describing yourselfand there's a moment where you
say that, you know, you were theexample of a high school
dropout, not studying and thenplaying in a band.
And then you also said,"I'm verylucky the path was laid out for
(03:06):
me and I felt confident enoughto walk on it." So I just kind
of took your own advice and Iwas like,"You know, let's kind
of get into that with Simone,"and see how you went from baby
Smoon to who you are right now.
When you were first startingout, what reassured your
decision and gave you theconfidence to move forward with
what most would view as anunconventional life, being a
(03:29):
musician?
Simone Simons (03:31):
Well, I got the chance, or the possibility to
be, the Epica singer back in2002, but I was very young,
still in high school and Ithought,"Nah, I don't know if I
should do it." I was veryhesitant and I actually helped
the guys find other singers.
(03:52):
My vocal teacher back in theday, I asked him if he knew any
girls that would be into singingin a band.
And I was actually like Mark'sassistant, trying to find a
singer for the band, but itdidn't work out with any of the
singers, I think– not manyauditioned, but then we kind of
(04:14):
knew it was meant to be that Iwas supposed to be the singer,
but I was not confident back inthe day.
But I just had this gut feeling,I guess, to just do it.
And there's so many things weare afraid of in life– and I was
actually also afraid of it– butthat made me more intrigued by
being in a band.
As a 12 year old, I had my firstperformance– I hated it.
(04:40):
I was so nervous.
I thought,"I don't want to havethat feeling ever again in my
life." But it was a gut feelingor like, I don't know, call of
destiny.
I just decided to go with theflow and I haven't regretted it.
Metal Maven (04:56):
In another interview, you had said you
didn't tell your family you weredoing this, or it was a night of
one of your concerts– I think itwas like a choral group you were
in– but it was also the samenight as the first Epica show
and you hadn't told them yet.
Simone Simons (05:12):
Yeah, that's correct.
Yeah, I didn't tell my parentsup until the moment where I had
a double booking and I had tolet them know.
And my mom was kind of cool withit and my dad was, of course,
not that happy about it becauseI was still in high school back
(05:34):
then, but I quit afterwards.
And then like every otherparent, you are worried about
the future of your child becauselike you say, it's an
unconventional life.
But I think if you're reallydetermined and work hard and
believe in yourself, you can getreally far in life.
You know, you just have to gofor it.
Metal Maven (05:54):
Did your father discourage you in any from this
pursue or warn you to have abackup plan should the endeavor
fail?
Simone Simons (06:02):
No, not really.
But I guess he made me realizereally quickly that I was not
studying, so I was in a band andeven though we were not making
money, he saw it kind of as myjob.
Yeah, with the age of– I think Iwas 18 when I quit school
because I was allowed to quitschool, and then they couldn't,
(06:24):
you know, my parents had nothingto say anymore, so they just had
to also go with the flow.
And I think now my parents arevery proud of me, seeing what
I've achieved in life, and thatyou can make a living out of
being in a band and then, youknow, specifically in a metal
(06:44):
band.
Metal Maven (06:45):
Just takes a lot of hard work and persistence and
luck, yes.
Simone Simons (06:50):
Luck, definitely also luck.
You have to be at the rightplace at the right time.
You have to have the rightmindset.
You have to be the right personfor it because it's not just a
job, it's a lifestyle and it'snot all glitter, glamor, and
beers and stuff.
Metal Maven (07:09):
A lot of sweat, tears, and smelly trailers.
Simone Simons (07:13):
Yeah, smelly butts and tour bus toilets as
well.
Yeah, you can't imagine howstinky they are.
Metal Maven (07:20):
I know, right?
Ooh! But you're not just amusician though.
You're also now an onlineinfluencer, a lifestyle blogger,
makeup artist, and photographer.
So you have a lot of things thatyou're currently doing.
And for a moment I did want totalk about your website because
it is quite a large part of yourlife that came to fruition as
(07:43):
you started touring with Epicaand sharing your travels and
stage looks.
It currently has over 10 millionviews and has created some
really amazing opportunities foryou.
With that amount of exposure andaccolades comes just as many
unwanted opinions and judgmentsof you personally as well as of
your work.
So in the Metal world, how doyou deal with criticism from
(08:06):
people that undermine yourhobbies and criticize you for
being according to them intomore superficial, girly stuff?
Simone Simons (08:13):
Well, I think a lot of people forget that the
reason why I started the blogwas actually for the fans, back
in the day.
Mainly, the female fans becauseI got so many questions about my
makeup, and hair, and theclothes that I wore.
And before I had the blog, I waswriting tour diaries on the
(08:36):
Epica website– many years ago,because my blog is going to be
nine years old this year.
Started in 2010 I believe, Icould be wrong by one year, I'm
bad with remembering dates, butyou know.
Metal Maven (08:51):
I checked.
It's 2010.
You're right.
Simone Simons (08:56):
So, yeah, I always had a weakness for the
visual side of being in Epica,and was involved in photo
shoots, and video shoots.
And I always enjoyed that asmuch as also the live singing,
and being in the studio, andwriting songs.
(09:16):
So that's always been a part ofit.
And I've styled myself since dayone, sometimes with help of
other people, but a lot of it isjust my own personal taste.
And a couple days ago I wasdigging through a box filled
with Epica stuff and I foundthis folder with drawings of me
(09:41):
drawing my catsuits back in theday when I was wearing a black
and white cat suit with thewhite corset and, you know, my
boobs were hanging out.
If you Google me on theInternet, those were the first
photos you see.
They're ancient, but they're themost popular, I guess.
So, I designed those outfitsmyself.
I always loved doing that, and Ithink that that is a big part of
(10:02):
Epica as well.
Not only how you dress thestage, but also how you dress
yourself and present yourself.
So, working with a lot of othermakeup artists, photographers,
and videographers, I started toreally get into it more and
more.
And I started the blog because Ithought, you know, this could be
(10:24):
a cool way to bundle everythingthat I love and take photos of
it.
The first years, I did not makeany money with it.
I put so many hours into theblog, so much money I invested
in my equipment and also buyingproducts, which I could show on
(10:45):
the blog as well.
And only since a couple of yearsI've been earning a little bit
of money for the hours that Iput into creating blog posts,
photographing– and I have my ownphoto studio at home now as well
and I'm working part-time as aphotographer besides Epica.
I think it's great that if I canmake some money with it, why
(11:09):
not, you know, I'm doing what Ilove and I'm finally getting
paid for it as well.
The same with Epica the firstcouple of years– we were not
making any money.
I use my allowance money to buya battery, nine-volt battery,
for my in-ear belt-pack and,always with everything you do in
life, it takes hard work in thebeginning and it will pay off in
(11:31):
the end and that's the samething with my blog, and I will
not let any other people tear medown as long as I still have fun
at doing what I'm doing.
And of course also make money.
I got to pay the bills, I'm notliving with my parents anymore,
then I will continue to do it,you know?
(11:54):
But, of course, everybody has anopinion.
Everybody has the Internet.
But my personal opinion, if youdon't like something, swipe to
the left, you know?
There's other stuff on theInternet.
If you don't like it then youcan just not look at it– it's as
easy as that.
Metal Maven (12:14):
Just quiet the noise and continue doing what
you do that makes you happy.
Simone Simons (12:18):
Yeah.
Maybe putting the phone asidefor a couple of hours a day
would be good advise I can giveeverybody.
Let's live life offline and notonline all the time.
Metal Maven (12:30):
Definitely.
So speaking of photography, yourblog has beautiful imagery, and
that's not from a hiredphotographer, but you're the one
behind the camera.
And in regards to that, it'sinteresting that your passion
work is quite the transitionfrom being in the spotlight,
onstage in front of hundreds ofpeople, to being behind a camera
(12:52):
with the focus on others, orstill lifes if you're taking
photos of products.
Is photography a way, not tohide but perhaps deflect
attention from yourself and havea moment of anonymity and
meditation for you?
Simone Simons (13:10):
I like both sides, to be in front of the
camera and to be behind thecamera, and I know both sides as
well, so I can put myself inwhatever position I am in or the
other person is in.
If I'm taking a photo or a photois being taken, I know how both
sides look like.
And this might sound reallyweird, but I talked to one of my
(13:34):
bandmates about this as well.
I like to be onstage and thoughthe people are watching me I'm
okay with that, but when I'm noton stage, I sometimes would like
to be invisible, you know, tohave, I guess, privacy or just
be like everybody else, which ishard because a lot of people put
you on this pedestal and thinkyou're otherworldly, but I'm
(13:56):
just another normal human beingwith emotions, good and bad
days, like anybody else.
With photography, for me, Iguess I started to notice I have
this photographer's disease.
That wherever you walk around,you'll always see photos.
You're like,"Oh, this could be agreat photo.
Oh, where's my camera?" andlike,"I have to take a photo,"
(14:16):
or I wish I could take photos byblinking my eyes, you know, to
freeze the moment.
And it's hard because I guesshalf of my head is filled with
melodies and the other is withphotographs.
So, I also often don't just saythat I'm a singer, I consider
myself an artist and I've alwaysenjoyed arts when I was younger,
(14:37):
not only music.
Music is a big part of me, it'sin my blood I guess, but I
always loved movies as well.
That's where I draw a lot ofinspiration from for my lyrics.
But nowadays, I look at moviesalso from a photographer's point
of view.
You know, how they compose ashot, how they light the
scenery, all that stuff goesthrough my mind in a
(14:59):
millisecond.
So, I don't watch movies anymorelike anybody else.
And then I'm kind of aperfectionist, I can always tell
the person with whom I'mwatching a movie like,"Oh, they
made a mistake," you know, whenthey have to reshoot a scene or
that the hair is wrong or themakeup is wrong.
I see those and it's annoying– Iwish I could unsee it, but I see
(15:20):
those things really quickly.
And when it comes tophotography, I love portraiture
because I love people.
I think people are veryinteresting.
And not just classical beauty,you know, but people whom
everybody says,"Oh, they'rebeautiful." But I think
everybody has somethingbeautiful in their face and it's
just a way, the art andphotography is of how to catch
(15:44):
it, and of portraiturephotography.
Metal Maven (15:46):
So it seems that photography has always been just
this natural art form thatyou've done, but did you ever
study photography formally ortake, you know, just some small
classes to refine your skills?
Simone Simons (15:59):
I've taken a couple of classes and a lot of
self-taught books, online and byjust trying, because the thing
is you can watch as manytutorials, read books– the best
way to learn is by just taking alot of photos.
That's what a lot ofphotographers say.
(16:20):
You just have to get out thereand get a feeling for it.
Practice makes perfect.
And also the best camera you canhave is the one that you have in
your hands.
Not necessarily the mostexpensive camera.
Of course, the quality of thephotos will improve, but not the
quality of the photograph, ifthat makes any sense, you know?
(16:41):
You have to have an eye forcomposition and I try to make
the emotions transcend from aphotograph, that you feel
something when you see a photoand not just like,"Ooh that's a
pretty picture,"– to makesomebody look at it longer than
a millisecond.
Metal Maven (16:57):
Well, that's what I was wondering if there was a
deeper appeal to you as anartist for specializing in
portrait photography?
Because I know it's kind of thego-to style for like shooting
makeup and promotion images–it's that very up close and
intimate setting.
Yeah, I was just wondering whatthe deeper appeal was to you?
Simone Simons (17:16):
Yeah, I guess I also started more with
portraiture because of my son.
When he was a baby, you know–and there you see the value of
the photograph– especially withsome someone that's growing and
changing almost every day.
And those photos become a biggertreasure then any other
(17:37):
expensive piece of equipment.
I sometimes say,"If my housewould burn down, the things that
I'll save are my photo books anddrawings that my son made for
me.
You know, all the stuff can goup in flames."
Metal Maven (17:51):
You must have so many photo books though.
Simone Simons (17:53):
I am behind on doing photo books.
I don't have enough hours in aday to do everything that I
like.
Metal Maven (18:01):
Don't feel bad.
I have not made one photo book.
I have so many photos and I'veyet to actually print them and
put them in a book, so I don'tfeel bad.
Simone Simons (18:10):
I need to be on tour again in order to do photo
books.
Then I have more free time.
Too many photos!
Metal Maven (18:17):
How is Prince Vincent, by the way?
Because I remember running downthe halls backstage with him at
Epic Metal Fest a few years ago,playing hide and seek.
I remember Oli, he was justexhausted with his amount of
energy.
I remember him just bouncingaround everywhere.
I think he was maybe three orfour?
Simone Simons (18:33):
I think he was three back then.
Yeah, because it was April.
Metal Maven (18:38):
Oh my goodness, they have so much energy.
My son right now is almost two,and I definitely understand
where Oli was at.
He was just like,"Oh," justclosing his eyes as he's
bouncing around all over him.
Simone Simons (18:50):
Yeah, they're just a big ball of energy.
He's doing great.
He's going to enter school aftersummer, so it's a new phase of
our lives.
And he got his backpack, whichin Germany it's a big thing
getting that specific backpack,which is totally overpriced, but
(19:10):
yeah.
Metal Maven (19:11):
Oh, is it like a school standard?
Like everyone has to have thesame thing?
Simone Simons (19:14):
Kind of, yeah.
Here in Germany, it's differentthan in Holland.
My mom's jaw dropped on thefloor when she heard how
expensive it was and I thought,"You know, okay.
It's like a really ergonomicallydesigned backpack that looks
twice as big as my son." It'slike, all you see when these
kids are walking around in mytown, you see the backpacks with
(19:35):
a little kid attached to it.
It's hilarious.
Metal Maven (19:38):
It just overpowers their figure.
Simone Simons (19:40):
Yeah, especially when when they're starting out–
they're still tiny humans.
Metal Maven (19:45):
That's exciting, but it's also sad, and it's
happy, because he's not littleanymore, but he's growing up and
becoming a man.
So cherishing every littlemoment you can in the present.
Simone Simons (19:57):
They grew up really fast.
Metal Maven (19:59):
Well, confidence is a huge deal when being a mom,
especially a first time mom,because every aspect of your
life becomes about your child.
If there's anything that makesyou kind of question your worth
more it's your own judgments inregards to how good of a mother
you're being.
With the intensity of yourcareer– I know you guys are on
break right now– but with thenormal intensity of your career,
(20:20):
how do you maintain your balanceand happiness?
Simone Simons (20:23):
It's really hard because it's two different
worlds that you're kind ofconstantly living in and they're
kind of clashing big time–different routines.
At home.
I wake up early, I go to bedearly.
On tour, I have to be at myfittest where I normally would
be in bed after a long day of,you know, being mama, housewife,
(20:49):
cook.
Metal Maven (20:52):
All the jobs.
Simone Simons (20:52):
All the jobs, except for standing on stage.
And sometimes, when my son wasreally little, I would be
changing diapers in the morningand then the evening, I would be
standing onstage and being ametal singer again.
I talked to Mikael Åkerfeldtabout this, that you're a
mother, or in his case, afather, until the plane lands at
(21:13):
your destination and then boom,you're the rock star again.
That's so accurate.
And then, when you're homeagain, I sometimes forget that
I'm actually a metal singer orthat I stand onstage, especially
now after enjoying a littlebreak from the stage.
It's weird that the stage islike my second home, but it's
(21:35):
also not connected to my realhome.
It's two different worlds.
It's day and night.
I like both of them, but it'shard to keep a balance.
I have to admit, our touringlife was becoming– it was
getting out of balance with myfamily life, so I had to cut
back on the touring a little bitin the future because it was
(21:56):
just too much being away from mychild, my husband doing the
family work.
Besides that, he's also atouring musician, so when I
would be home he would oftenleave.
It requires good organization,family helping out as well.
As I said before, I'm aperfectionist, and never think
(22:20):
I'm doing it good enough.
So being a mother or being asinger, I always think there's
stuff to improve.
But on the other hand, nowadays,we're too harsh on ourselves–
focusing too much on the thingswe can't do or we don't have,
except focusing on what we haveand what we've achieved.
When you're a mom and your timeis limited to do things–like
(22:43):
before you had all day to dowhatever you want or work on
whatever you want.
And now you have to be moreefficient with your time.
But when you have to be creativewithin a certain time span and
you have this creative block,then it sucks.
Because I find myself useful ifI created something.
It has to be something simple,even like baking a cake.
(23:04):
If I have not done anythingcreative during a day, for me,
the day feels kind of wasted.
And that is also a little bit ofartist's dilemma that a lot of
people have.
You have to take it one day at atime and there's always going to
be good and bad days and wisewords,"Don't be so hard on
yourself."
Metal Maven (23:22):
I feel like you also have to, you know– it can
be a bit overwhelming and youjust kind of dedicate yourself
fully to the job– but you haveto carve out some time for
yourself as well.
You know, some self care momentswhere you're not just mom,
you're just you– for at least ahalf hour maybe, if you can get
it.
Simone Simons (23:41):
Yeah, that's important.
And another thing that'simportant is to not feel selfish
about it as well, because if youdon't do that for yourself, you
cannot be a good mom, a goodwife, or a good colleague.
It's all connected and it startswith yourself, so you have to
take good care of yourself.
That's why I try to eat healthy,I work out a lot, I keep alcohol
(24:05):
beverages to a minimum.
But I have to say, since acouple of years, I drink coffee
and I drink alcohol, but Ialways work out between 1-1.5
hours, a couple days a week ifmy schedule allows it.
Metal Maven (24:23):
Well, I figure you have to be always in good shape
because if you're not able torun around onstage and you're
out of breath, you're really notgoing to have a good
performance.
Simone Simons (24:33):
Yeah, but now that I'm not playing a lot, I
have to work out more, becausewhen I'm on the touring
schedule, the shows are almostlike working out because it's
1.5 hours of jumping around,singing, banging your head.
You burn a lot of caloriesduring a show and that's
something I'm missing now.
And I try to compensate withworking out more– of course, to
(24:56):
stay healthy and fit, but alsoas a way of channeling
frustration, aggression, orwhatever.
It's great to work out becauseyou get the natural drug, you
get the endorphins, and you getlike a natural high from it, and
it's me time.
And it's also not just body, butit's also for the soul to work
out.
It's really good.
Metal Maven (25:17):
Well, speaking of Epica, we've arrived at the
headliner of this little podcastand I know that's what most
people have been waiting to hearabout.
It's been quiet lately as theband has been on hiatus, and
it's a well-deserved break sinceyou've all been going non-stop
since before I even startedworking with you guys, and that
was seven years ago, so a bit ofrest was definitely an order.
(25:41):
But Epica is always creatingsomething behind the scenes and
at the start of May, pre-orderswere announced for Essence of
Epica, your 208-page, tell-allbook.
What can fans expect from thisartifact of Epica history?
Simone Simons (25:58):
Well, we spend a lot of time doing interviews
with the main, I would saywriter of the book.
Everybody in the band had acouple of sessions with the
writer to kind ofchronologically go through
Epica's discography from thePhantom Agony up until The
Holographic Principle, or evenAttack on Titan, and tried to
(26:20):
recollect as many memories ourbrains, that got damaged from
all the headbanging, still had.
We all had to dig through ourown personal archives of
whatever we accumulated throughthe years.
And also our family photo booksto see if we have some
embarrassing childhood photosourselves.
Metal Maven (26:42):
I'm sure there were many.
Simone Simons (26:43):
Yeah, I guess I have a couple, but since I'm the
most active on Instagram, Ialready put some on the
Internet, but I found a coupleof– my mom actually helped and
then dug through her photos tosee if she had photos of me
being a teenager, because I hada lot of baby photos, but the
(27:06):
teenage years were somehow– Iwas shy of the camera.
And yeah, so we all had theseinterviews and so many memories.
Everything we've done from thebeginning up until now, and it's
quite a lot.
And we've been going so fast,touring so much, that sometimes
you don't have time to reflecton everything you have already
(27:28):
experienced in the life of amusician.
And for me, this book also showsanniversary shows or Retrospect
or the 1000th Anniversary Showwe did recently.
Those are moments where you'relike,"Sit back and stop that
high speed train," and just lookback on everything you've
(27:50):
achieved already and how specialit is.
And writing, creating this bookkind of put a pause on us going
super fast, and even though wehad a break from touring, we've
been writing the book and, ofcourse we had to read it, we had
to correct it, and change somestuff here and there.
(28:12):
We're still working on theartwork at the moment– yeah,
it's great, I'm looking forwardit.
I know we have another book,"TheRoad to Paradiso," but that is
so old, it's vintage, and I'mlooking forward for this, for
"The Essence of Epica" to seethe light of day and to have the
fans read a little bit more ofwhat it's like being in a band,
(28:33):
the good and the bad.
So...
and the good and the bad photosas well.
Metal Maven (28:37):
And a little bit of ugly, maybe, from childhood
photos.
We'll see.
Simone Simons (28:43):
Yeah.
I think everybody was– all theguys were really cute when they
were little boys.
Metal Maven (28:50):
I can't wait to see their photos.
Where did the name,"The Essenceof Epica," the title of this
book, come from?
Simone Simons (28:58):
We had a couple of names, and of course it's a
little bit of"The Essence ofSilence"–"The Essence of Epica"–
it was kind of a no-brainer totake that name because it sums
up everything really well,because we're describing what
Epica is for us as individuals,as a band, and what it's like
(29:19):
being in a band touring.
Everybody always just sees thesuccess and the great things,
but we've been been through somehard times as well.
And that's also details thatwill appear in the book.
Well, I think it's going to be avery interesting read and people
will get to know us better– getto know the essence of Epica.
(29:40):
I'm very curious to find outwhat people think about the
book.
So, just a couple more monthsand then it's out.
Metal Maven (29:46):
Yay! That's going to be fun.
I can't wait to see it– I'mexcited for that.
There's also the main event of2019 for you guys– the"Design
Your Universe" 10th AnniversaryTour starting in October.
I saw on Epica's Instagram storythat there's a"Design Your
Universe" surprise in the works.
(30:06):
Is there anything you can sharewith Epicans about these
exclusive shows or what you guyshave in store for everyone?
Simone Simons (30:13):
Good question...
Metal Maven (30:15):
I don't want to get you in trouble.
Simone Simons (30:18):
I'm also– I don't want my management to call me in
a couple of days, like,"What didyou just say?" I cannot lift the
veil of the surprise.
Just, I can only say that it's areally nice treat that the Epica
fans are in for.
I'm very happy with the surpriseand I'm sure that the Epica fans
(30:40):
will love it.
I know the majority of our fans,and I know that this is
something they will absolutelylove, and I'm very excited
myself to play many songs fromDesign Your Universe again for
this.
It is one of my favorite Epicaalbums and for example,"Tides of
Time" is one of my all-timefavorite Epica ballads, and I
have not performed it in so manyyears.
(31:01):
It remains a classic– it's stilla great song and one of the
songs that, after all thoseyears, I still think I would not
change a thing about it.
And with other songs, after acouple of years, especially the
ones you perform live, youthink,"I could have changed this
or that," but,"Tides of Time" istimes perfect, I think.
Metal Maven (31:21):
"Tides of Time," it is– it's a total Epica classic.
I can't wait to hear it again.
I will try.
I want to really go to the Parisshow, if I can get there.
I know it's sold out.
Simone Simons (31:31):
Yeah, you can do a holiday.
Metal Maven (31:32):
I know...
Simone Simons (31:33):
There might always be a guest list spot for
you.
We can arrange that.
Metal Maven (31:38):
We'll see what's going on.
But, Paris is sold out andNetherlands is sold out as well,
so, so far so good.
And then you've expanded thetour dates in South America.
They needed you more, theyneeded you to stay there longer.
They're very passionate aboutEpica in South America.
Simone Simons (31:55):
That's correct.
Yeah.
And I think it proves thatDesign Your Universe is a
special album, that a lot ofpeople would like to hear these
songs again.
I'm very curious to see howthings will go.
I started listening to DesignYour Universe again, the album,
and of course, the songs thatwe've been playing live all
(32:17):
those years, I remembered.
But then I thought,"Hey, there'squite a lot of other great songs
on there and why aren't they howthey were in my brain?" I could
still sing along pretty well tothem.
And Design Your Universe is justone of those albums I connect
with and think it will always bean Epica classic album and the
(32:39):
message that's behind DesigningYour Universe, the fans know,
and it's a little bit symbolicas well for what we've been
doing, you know, doing what welove and, and designing our own
universe.
Metal Maven (32:54):
Yeah.
So, as a singer too, you haveevolved greatly, vocally, since
Design Your Universe came out.
And I was just wondering– I knowonline there's always been metal
fans who prefer your moreclassical singing style in the
earlier days of Epica versus thelatest albums.
(33:14):
You know, there's always goingto be resistance to an artist
evolution, and I was wondering,are you currently satisfied with
the power, and flexibility, andcontrol you have of your voice,
your instrument, and how willthat translate into your
performance of these oldersongs?
Are you going to kind of breathenew life into them, or do you
(33:35):
feel you're going to just singthem as you always have?
Simone Simons (33:40):
Design Your Universe is the first album in
the discography that I like tolisten to because I'm happy with
how my voice sounds.
The first two albums, all threemaybe, I don't like so much, or
I think, you know, I improved alot over the years.
I sing with what the songs need,and which style I sing in,
(34:04):
certain style, that the songsneed, or that it calls for.
And just the classical singingeverywhere becomes boring in my
opinion.
And I think it was one of mystrengths that I can sing in
different styles nowadays, and Ienjoy doing that as well, but I
still love classical singing alot– that's how I started out
(34:25):
with classical singing lessons.
And the file that I recentlyfound with my drawings of my
early Epica outfit– the blackcat suit with the corset– I also
had the scores for my singinglessons, when I was having
classical singing lessons, andbrought back great memories.
So, I don't know if I will bringthat back to Epica, like big
(34:49):
time, or if I'll just dosomething in a classical solo
album one day.
Still so many plans and solittle time.
I like to be able to do a lot ofdifferent styles and I think,
especially with Attack on Titan,the latest release that we've
created, was proof that I cansing in different styles and I
was very happy with how myvocals turned out.
Metal Maven (35:10):
Well, it seems too that transition from recording
in the studio to stage– I don'tknow, I just feel like the
transition is smoother and Idon't know if that was something
that you had wanted to improveon for yourself.
Simone Simons (35:24):
I guess also the technique– I've improved my
technique, so that's a big part.
And when it comes to the DesignYour Universe songs, depending
on which ones we will sing live,or we perform live, I will adapt
my technique on the melodies,but I will not– I don't want to
(35:44):
try to alter it.
Only the parts that could bedone better or would work better
live.
That's also a thing, you know,when you're in the studio you're
very comfortable and you can geta couple of tries to sing a
song.
When you're onstage you'resometimes extremely tired, you
might be sick, you might besweating your ass off, you might
(36:06):
not be able to hear yourselfcorrectly, and you have one shot
– and sometimes you're not thathappy with that one shot.
Especially when you get a brainfart and you forget the lyrics.
Stuff like that happens, butwe'll see.
Next week is our first showsince, I think half a year.
That half a year flew by...
Metal Maven (36:26):
Well, it's good to– I mean it's been a bit, so
Download should be very fun foryou guys to just kind of get
back a little bit into thegroove and just have a good
time.
Speaker 3 (36:35):
Yeah, and to have a great festival like Download as
well.
Metal Maven (36:38):
That's awesome.
So, that is all the questions Ihave for you today Simone.
Thank you for chitchatting withme today.
This is something I've alwayswanted to do with you since we
first met, so I reallyappreciate you sharing your
time, energy, and wisdom withme.
Simone Simons (36:56):
Yeah, you're very welcome.
I had a good time chitchattingwith you as well.
Metal Maven (37:02):
To view Simone's portrait photography, visit
simonesimons.com.
And if you're interested in allthings beauty, fashion, travel,
and food, check out herlifestyle blog at
smoonstyle.com.
"The Essence of Epica" iscurrently available for
pre-order.
With over 200 pages, this fullyillustrated book tells the story
of the band's history throughintimate accounts and rare
(37:24):
photos– so be sure to reserveyour copy and go to
epicabook.com.
Epica will also kick off their"Design Your Universe" 10th
Anniversary Tour this Octoberand tickets are currently on
sale.
You can purchase them, and joinin on the celebration, at
epica.nl/tour.
Visit metalmavenpodcast.com forlinks to Simone's social
(37:45):
profiles, photos, videos, andread the full transcript of this
interview.
Thanks for tuning in, and besure to subscribe to Metal Maven
Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher,Spotify, and Google Play.
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