Simone Simons

Simone Johanna Maria Simons (born 17 January 1985)[2] is a Dutch singer-songwriter. She is best known for being the lead singer of Dutch symphonic metal band Epica, which she joined at the age of seventeen, releasing seven studio albums and touring the world. In her singing career, she has also collaborated with bands such as Kamelot, Leaves' Eyes, Primal Fear, Ayreon, and Angra. She also has a side pursuit as a lifestyle blogger, via her website SmoonStyle.[3]

Not to be confused with Simone Simon.
Simone Johanna Maria Simons
Simons in 2018 during a concert with Epica.
Background information
Birth nameSimone Johanna Maria Simons
Born (1985-01-17) 17 January 1985[1]
Hoensbroek, Heerlen, Limburg, Netherlands
OriginNetherlands
GenresSymphonic metal, Classical music, Progressive metal
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2002–present
Associated acts
Websitewww.epica.nl Official blog

Early life
Simone Simons with Epica live at Wacken Open Air 2018
Simone Simons performing with Epica live @ Revolution Live, Ft. Lauderdale

Simons was born in Hoensbroek, Netherlands. She has a younger sister named Janneke who was born on Simone's second birthday.[4] Simons cited her musical influences as Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, Tristania, Kamelot, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Tiamat, and some classical music such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Simons started playing flute for two years after joining music school at the age of 12.[5] At 14, she had one year of pop singing lessons, and at 15, she switched to classical singing after listening to Nightwish's Oceanborn,[6] which remains her favorite Nightwish album.[7] At one point she was invited to join in a rehearsal for a black metal band; she joined it, although was a little afraid to sing.[8] Simons sang in a choir for a few months, and later joined Epica at the age of 17.[9]

Epica
Simons performing with Epica in 2014

In early 2002, Mark Jansen left After Forever over creative differences. He then began looking for musicians who would work towards a more classical/symphonic type of music project; this was initially named "Sahara Dust".[10] In late 2002, the band courted Helena Michaelsen[10] (from Trail of Tears) as its frontwoman, but shortly after she was replaced by the then unknown Simons, who was Jansen's girlfriend at the time.

Personal life

In January 2008, Simons was suffering from recurrent MRSA infections. This forced Epica to cancel many of their shows. In February, her condition improved, but she had not completely recovered. In March, Epica toured with Amanda Somerville, replacing Simons for their United States tour until May 11, 2008, when Simons performed again at their show in Bibelot, Dordrecht.[11]

Asked about her looks as one of the factors that attract attention to Epica, Simons said: "First of all the most important is the sound of the band, because beauty will fade one day, and I hope my voice won't [Laughs]... But, yeah, you have two aspects of the band – the music (the CD's) and then the live side of it (the show), and part of the show is also that it has to look nice, so I take good care of myself, I make sure that the fans have something to look at during the show."[12]

Simons and long-time partner, Kamelot keyboard player Oliver Palotai have a son, Vincent Palotai, born on October 2, 2013.[13] In December 2013, Simons announced on her blog that she had recently married Palotai.[14] They reside in Stuttgart, Germany. In the past, she had a relationship with Mark Jansen.

Simons runs a blog called "SmoonStyle", where she writes about her fashion, makeup, food and experiences she has had as a member of Epica, as well as in her personal life.[3]

Discography

With Epica

Albums

Singles
  • "The Phantom Agony" (2003)
  • "Feint" (2004)
  • "Cry for the Moon" (2004)
  • "Solitary Ground" (2005)
  • "Quietus (Silent Reverie)" (2005)
  • "Never Enough" (2007)
  • "Chasing the Dragon" (2008)
  • "Unleashed" (2009)
  • "Martyr of the Free Word" (2009)
  • "This Is the Time" (2010)
  • "Storm the Sorrow" (2012)
  • "Forevermore" (2012)
  • "The Essence of Silence" (2014)
  • "Unchain Utopia" (2014)
  • "Victim of Contingency" (2014)
  • "Universal Death Squad" (2016)
  • "Edge of the Blade" (2016)
  • "Beyond The Matrix" (2017)
  • "The Solace System" (2017)

DVDs

Other releases

Guest appearances

Filmography

References
  1. Simone Simons. Epica.nl. Retrieved on 2011-12-04.
  2. "Simone Simons / Band / Epica". Epica.nl. 1985-01-17. Archived from the original on 2012-10-28. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
  3. "SmoonStyle ❯ A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog by Simone Simons". Smoonstyle.com. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  4. "Smoon's Snoepjes (Smoon's Candies)". smoonstyle.com. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  5. http://www.spotlightreport.net/slider/on-the-spot-epicas-lead-vocalist-simone-simons-interview Archived May 1, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  6. "Simone Simons – Official Website". Simonesimons.nl. Archived from the original on 2013-01-12. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
  7. "Twitter / SimoneSimons: Fav NW album is 'Oceanborn'". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
  8. "Simone Simons 3rd interview in heavyworlds.com". www.heavyworlds.com. Retrieved 2007-09-10.
  9. "Simone Simons : A New Age Dawns – Fã Clube Oficial Brasileiro do Epica". Anewagedawns.com.br. Archived from the original on 2013-09-27. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
  10. "Epica – Metal Storm". Metalstorm.ee. Retrieved 2012-11-19.
  11. Archived November 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  12. ":: Metalist Magazine :: Interviews :: Epica – הקונספירציה חוזרת לישראל". Metalist.co.il. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
  13. "Simone and Oliver have a little boy!". epica.nl. October 4, 2013. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  14. Simons, Simone (2013-12-25). "Vrolijk Kerstfeest! ❯ SmoonStyle". Smoonstyle.com. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  15. "First singer for Avalon II revealed!". Avalon Opera.com. 7 October 2013. Archived from the original on 24 October 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  16. "New Album "Secret Garden" Announced By Angra". Metal Underground. 17 November 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  17. Countermove (2014-12-08), THE POWER OF LOVE | DUTCH METAL FOR SERIOUS REQUEST 2014, retrieved 2018-03-29
  18. "Guest Musicians". New Ayreon Album. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  19. theholographicalena (2017-12-14), TARJA - Feliz Navidad (Barbuda Relief and Recovery Charity Version), retrieved 2018-03-29
  20. "Electric Castle Live And Other Tales (2CD/DVD)". 27 March 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
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