Interview: Ronnie Simmons

Published on 26 August 2022 at 09:40

1: What inspires you to create?

The world around me, my life and accumulated experiences. 

I’ve always written songs and lyrics for as long as I can remember, so I can’t pinpoint one driving thing other than it allows me to process things. 

Music is my outlet for processing the negativity that I have experienced so far. Whilst anger and frustration can be great fuels, I also try to maintain my sense of humor lyrically, which can be dark or go unnoticed at times but I guess that’s just me. 

2: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in a creative profession?

Don’t let anyone stand in between you and your dreams.

Define success, whatever it may be for you... then work towards that. Don’t expect anyone to hand it to you. 

3: Do you feel open-minded about what you listen to? Do you like going out of your comfort zone?

Yes and no haha. I jokingly say “I live under a rock rock”.

I produce and compose for film and TV so I listen to as much as I can, constantly trying to expand my knowledge. 

At the end of the day, I’ve always got the comfort artists I will always come home to. The original favourites who are the driving force behind that guy you see jumping around on stage. 

4: What outlets do you find out about music from? (Record stores, magazines, samplers, etc.)

It used to be record stores and magazines when I was a teenager, in combination with local gigs at pubs. 

These days the internet has brought that to the palm of our hands, YouTube, social media and word of mouth are where I find out about new music from. 

5: What is your favorite format to listen to music on? (CD, Vinyl, etc.)

I love the convenience and accessible database that streaming has provided us with. If it’s not playing songs with my friends on the jukebox at the pub; I love either a good night of sitting around and listening to records with my friends or comparing favourite music videos on YouTube or DVDs.  

6: How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

It has rearranged it completely like a double-edged sword. Streaming and piracy gutted the financial support and foundation the old label-dominated model worked upon. However now artists can build DIY success much more freely. Social media has killed a lot of the mystique and mystery rock stars used to possess. Also, it allowed more people to be discovered to a wider audience at the same time. 

7: Who was the first band/artist that became your favorite band?

The Blues Brothers. 

8: If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?

I think from my childhood bucket list only AC/DC is left. 

I have played with Motley Crue, Alice Cooper, Rose Tattoo, Faster Pussycat, Ace Frehley, Screaming Jets etc.. 

9: Do you have any hobbies outside of music?

I like riding motorcycles, studying both ancient and modern history, reading, drawing, watching science fiction films and painting models. I’m secretly a huge nerd. But shh, don’t tell anyone haha. 

10: What was the inspiration for your song “Little Misunderstood”?

I was reflecting on my younger years of growing up as a punk kid drinking in the streets and parks of urban Sydney and personified all of it into a song for a young female character who embodies it all. Kind of like going back in time and saying the things to them that I wish I could have or have had said to me. An anthem for the young rebel with dyed hair who hates it when they get told they’re “weird” when it’s more like “it’s gonna be okay”.

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