About to Pop: Keaton Simons

Adam Horne
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PopEater
posted: 195 DAYS 16 HOURS AGO
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Keaton Simons
CBS Records
Who: Keaton Simons
Album: 'Can You Hear Me'
Video: 'Good Things Get Better'
Hails From: Los Angeles
For Fans Of: John Mayer and Josh Kelley
Why He's About to Pop: Keaton Simons was born to be a performer. Coming from a talented pedigree (his aunt is Julia Roberts), the Los Angeles-native was entertaining people when he was just a baby, mastering the guitar by age 12. He knew music was his calling before he entered his teens and went on to study world music at Evergreen State College in Washington state. Eventually, Keaton met Tre ?Slimkid? Hardson of the Pharcyde, which led to notable work the Black Eyed Peas and Snoop Dogg. The singer-songwriter landed his own record deal with Maverick, with whom he released his debut EP, 'Currently.' His career was on the rise as his blues-infused rock tunes were tapped for movie soundtracks and national television shows, but his label subsequently dissipated. His soulful songwriting caught the ear of CBS Records, however, and now Simons is hard at work promoting his latest album, 'Can You Hear Me.' Catch the troubadour on tour now through March 20, when he will play Austin's 2009 SXSW Festival.
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Six Questions with Keaton Simons:

Your voice is very distinctive. Who are some of your vocal influences?

John Lennon, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Howlin' Wolf, Joni Mitchell, Ali Farka Toure, Bob Marley, Prince ... the list goes on.

Your song 'Good Things Get Better' has a very positive vibe. What do you do to cheer up when you're in a bad mood?

Play music, of course!

Is there anything you've learned from your experiences in the hip-hop world that you've been able to apply to your own music?

Groove, restraint and a sense of humor.

Who would be your dream collaboration?

There are so many: John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix and Ray Charles to name a few.

How did you and Josh Kelley become collaborators?

We met through mutual friend and amazing singer-songwriter Joe Firstman. We did the typical L.A., "we've gotta hang and write" schmooze. But we actually made it happen, and became great friends and collaborators.

What's your favorite song on your new record, 'Can You Hear Me'?

That answer changes a lot. It's between 'Without Your Skin,' 'Unstoppable,' 'Misfits' and 'Burch Mog.'
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2009-01-20 15:21:48
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