Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Torres.
Simone, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Simone Torres, and I am an Artist, Vocal Producer, and Engineer from Long Island, New York. Music has always been a significant part of my life. When I was nine, I started singing professionally with my dad, starting our family entertainment company “Grooveline Entertainers.” We would sing at weddings, events, and at restaurants every weekend. During college, I discovered audio engineering out of necessity. After years of frustration with not having a recording, I was proud of, I finally decided to take things into my own hands and eventually found a passion for vocal production.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable artists like Becky G, Cardi B, Anitta, Jessie J, Normani, and more. I’ve worked on diamond records like “I Like it” by Cardi B, on TV shows like Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and on hits like “Motivation” by Normani. Recently, I was honored to receive the Latin Grammy’s Leading Ladies of Entertainment award, a recognition that will forever be one of the most meaningful honors of my life because it’s from my community. After years of working behind the scenes, I am thrilled to finally be at the place in my life where I am ready to release my own music. Growing up a wedding singer, I would always imitate other singers, it’s part of how we learn. After I was on X Factor in 2012, it was clear to me that I needed to spend time figuring out what my sound was and how to make that music. I have spent a long time learning the tech side of audio and finally feel empowered to create the music I’ve always wanted to.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up performing yet never having any recordings I was proud of was interesting. I worked with countless men and never felt truly safe to communicate because it was looked down upon when you didn’t have the right technical knowledge. Furthermore, finally deciding to get into the engineering and production space was a feat of its own. It is a male-dominated industry, and I started knowing absolutely nothing. That is why I do so much advocacy. Creating these safe spaces is everything. I have made myself so public because I want to be a point of visibility for any other young girls who are interested in this career. We need to be able to see it to be it.
Alongside my work with She is the Music, we are Moving the Needle, and Women’s Audio Mission, and various masterclasses, I started an organization called Soundtrack Mixers. A community event series for women, non-binary, and gender-expansive people actively contributing behind the scenes in the tech side of the music industry, creating soundtracks to people’s lives. It’s very easy to feel alone in this industry but we are not alone, just spread out. My hope is that these events help people foster community and find opportunity. I also hope that with increased community, more conversations will happen about things going on behind the scenes, and people will raise red flags when things are not right.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
BENT is the first original song I have ever released, and it’s very dear to my heart. It’s about recovering from pleasing people and stepping into your power, releasing the need to be a digestible version of yourself. Being content with the fact that that won’t fit everywhere. Some of my favorite lyrics of the song are “I’ve been waiting patiently to be my priority.” I’ve spent so many years behind the scenes, working to help others achieve their dreams, and it feels so good to finally lean into mine wholeheartedly.
The BENT music video holds a special place in my heart because not only was it my first original song and first music video, but it was also a fruition of a few of my friends’ dreams. The video, directed by the incredible Latina directing duo SVN QNS and choreographed by the amazing Alex Haydinger and Kiana Akaka, marked the beginning of Alex’s music video choreography journey. I know Alex and Dri Sommer (SVN QNS) from dancing Salsa. The community that I found there is one of the most special I’ve ever experienced in my life. When I went to Dri about working together, she turned this into something bigger than I could’ve imagined. Coincidentally, Alex had just been expressing to Dri how much she would love to choreograph a music video. When approached with the idea, I was elated. Alex brought on the amazing Kiana, as well as the incomparable dance team the USC Xpressions, an all-girl dance team, all for which it was their first music video.
I am beyond grateful for these incredible, badass women. The way that the song and video became something more than me is really special. To have a song that I wrote about empowerment, strength, and breaking molds be visualized in such a way with a team of such powerful and talented women is overwhelming. I am forever grateful for them.
I’m excited to continue dropping music. I’ve worked the last two and a half years on this music and to begin introducing it to the world and sharing this part of myself is really exciting.
Contact Info:
- Website: simonetorres.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsimonetorres/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamsimonetorres/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUglQHWSi90KfqGMqnbWtfA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/simone-torres-820560848
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4VTynRjMElMLyQ0hRLGW9d?si=VxGiJwPpRWWT67Rkdivqew
Image Credits
Cody Burdette
