Simeon Hammond Dallas Prepares For The Release of New Single ‘A Hundred Lovers’
North London’s tiny powerhouse of an artist, Simeon Hammond Dallas, has been on our radar here at Belles and Gals for some time now. Never one to shy away from speaking her mind and tackle subjects head on with her songwriting in the past, it’s great to learn that her upcoming single “A Hundred Lovers” released 8th April, pre-save here (https://ffm.to/shd100lovers) continues in the same uncompromising vein. Written, arranged and produced by Simeon herself, she recorded the track with Leon Itzlet at Kheda Studios in North London.
Amplifying the strength of an independent woman putting herself first in a male dominated world, it’s a song I was immediately impressed with when I heard her perform it acoustically a couple of years ago. Lyrically it’s very strong and I recall Simeon delivering it with attack and a touch of playfulness which suits its message perfectly. And the even punchier studio version, which I have had a sneak preview of, hasn’t disappointed! This bluesy country-soul amalgamation’s release is perfectly timed for the “sunshine months of holiday romances and love affairs” (to quote Simeon!). The uptempo drum/keyboard introduction hits you from the off , Simeon’s attitude-laden vocals which are stronger than I’ve ever heard them kick in and the tone of the empowering track is not up for discussion. Stories of just a couple of her “Hundred lovers… none of them stay” are relayed as the song unfolds, including one who is at her beck and call but expects her to finally fall for him (such arrogance!). She brings everything down slightly in the middle of the track as she sings about accepting that some people find THE special person (“the stars above have certainly aligned for them“) but then adds that she considers her ability to “love and love again a hundred different kinds of men” as a “gift“. She’s able to love, let go and be absolutely fine with it. The song comes to an explosive conclusion, with Simeon’s vocals almost screaming out above the cacophony of the all-round fantastic and energetic accompaniment .
Talking about the inspiration behind the song, she says “I wrote ‘ A Hundred Lovers’ after a text conversation with a friend. I told her jokingly ‘I have a hundred lovers’ and subsequently wrote the song within the hour“.
The single heralds Simeon’s second studio EP,”Make It Romantic“, scheduled for release later this year. And you can catch this exciting artist performing at both Ramblin’ Roots and Black Deer Festivals as well as supporting Lady Nade on her UK tour later this year , dates shown below. Oh, and congratulations Simeon on getting Arts Council funding to develop your lead guitar… as you say, we can look forwards to some “ripping solos” during these gigs!! No pressure…
Simeon Hammond Dallas Live Dates:
23rd April – Ramblin Roots Festival, High Wycombe
17th June – Black Deer Festival, Tunbridge Wells
5th October – Greystones, Sheffield (w/ Lady Nade)
7th October – Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic (w/ Lady Nade)
8th October – More Music, Morecambe (w/ Lady Nade)
9th October – Gullivers, Manchester (w/ Lady Nade)
12th October – Cecil Sharp House, London (w/ Lady Nade)
13th October – MAC, Birmingham (w/ Lady Nade)
14th October – The Boo – Horse & Bamboo, Rossendale (w/ Lady Nade)
20th October – St Stephens Church, Bristol (w/ Lady Nade)
21st October – Pound Arts, Corsham (w/ Lady Nade)
23rd October – Prince Albert, Stroud (w/ Lady Nade)
Review written by Lesley Hastings (twitter.com/lesleyhastings)
