Meet Lyusi Simon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyusi Simon.

Lyusi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved music. It all started when my mom and I went to the music school and I saw one of those little virtuoso kids who are only five and already killing it. I pointed at him and told my mom ‘I want to play like that!“. I was accepted to the school but hated and dropped it. Soon enough a family friend and conservatory grad noticed my musical ear and started teaching me how to play the synthesizer. Later on, he asked if I’d like to play in the band on drums and I got hooked. The very first concert in my life, the lead singer got sick. I stepped in and sang while playing drums. #Badass. That’s how I started my musical career, a seven-year old drummer and singer for the very first in front of an audience.

Long story short, I dropped the sticks and chose the microphone life. I gave music a one year break thinking maybe it was not a real career choice and I had to explore a bit more. At the end, I stayed loyal to my initial choice and I have never regretted it. Three years ago I decided to move to the capital of dreams and keep on chasing my passion.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I bet any artist can say it’s never a smooth road. Sometimes it’s the compromise of either making money or doing what you really want. My first half-year here I slept on an inflatable mattress and when I finally had the money to get a bed, I got myself a keyboard instead. Many tough decisions are made every day when starting your career and these whole “being international” thing does make things even harder. We can’t officially work anywhere except for the musical field. It’s not a secret anymore that being a woman in the music industry is not always fun.

People don’t treat you with the full seriousness or think that “you’re just a singer and don’t even know what key you’re singing in”. Unfortunately, all women had to face that but we’re proving everyone wrong. The main reason I went to music school was actually to be well educated. I didn’t want to be “just a singer”. Thank God I had the privilege of studying in the best music school and now I can write, read, record and produce music myself.

The biggest struggle for me is being far away from my family and not being able to come home and give a hug to my beautiful parents. I do miss that a lot.

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
When I first moved here I was thinking of working as a composer and jingle writer, but while playing shows around LA, I remembered how amazing it is to perform and sharing your music with others and I decided to fully commit as a singer.

At the moment I perform at bars, venues, private events and weddings. I also play the keyboard at this nice little Baptist church and occasionally perform as a singer-keyboardist as well. I have also found a new path for me as a singer – I started going deeper into the session world. I love writing and toplining songs for others. One of the songs I’ve written is on ABC show now “Whiskey Cavalier”. The proudest moment of my career so far.

Talking with many singers in LA I realized that most of the singers also work as voice actors and I would love to touch that field as well.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
No matter what I do, I always want to make the best of it. Whenever we play a show with my musicians, I expect the same from them. It’s not even being a perfectionist or workaholic, just doing things right. I think being stubborn is another contributor to my success. I would constantly remind bookers and promoters I am available to get the placement in the show or venue and most of the time would get it. The stubborn quality of my character comes from my mom, and sometimes she would even act as my manager. Whenever we’re on the phone, she asks me if I did this, if I called that guy, etc.

I’m also a really honest person and I always try to be upfront. In general, I deeply appreciate honesty, no matter if it’s in business or relationship.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyusi.simon/

Image Credit:
Katya Chizhova
Kevin Donnely
Katya Krishnan
Lyd & Mo photography studio & gallery

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