Simone Tang, a singer-songwriter from Svendborg, Denmark, is set to release her new single, “On the Quarrelets of Pearls,” tomorrow, October 4. The track serves as a heartfelt tribute to her late father. Inspired by folk legends like Paul Simon and Nick Drake, Simone’s sound is grounded in singer-songwriter traditions, with a stripped-back focus on guitar and vocals.
In her interview with InMusic, Simone opened up about the personal stories behind her music. Growing up with a guitar-playing father, music was always a part of her life. She began writing songs as a child, and her connection to songwriting deepened over the years. After experimenting with R&B earlier in her career, Simone’s debut album, set for release in November, returns to her folk roots, emphasizing storytelling and authenticity.
Her new single, “On the Quarrelets of Pearls,” is a deeply personal piece, written to help her process her father’s passing in 2016. It serves as the final single before her debut album release. Discussing the project, Simone promises listeners an intimate, live-recorded experience.
Keep reading to learn more about Simone’s musical journey, new single, and upcoming debut album!
How would you define your music?
I write songs about my parents, siblings, lost love, perfectionism, and friendship, and would say that all my songs are very personal, and it’s important for me to tell a story that resonates with others. It’s very stripped down, on primarily just guitar and vocals, keeping the words and melodies very close to ear.
Could you elaborate on your musical journey and the path that led you to where you are today?
I’ve been writing songs since when I was about 8 or 9 years old, and around then, I also wrote two songs in English that were sung by me and the choir of the school I went to, at a spring party. That felt really wild. I can still remember those songs, and I think they are actually not that bad, ha ha. My dad always played the guitar and sang, and we used to do that a lot together, and at the age of 13 he bought me my first guitar, which I still write songs on. I taught myself how to play, by placing my fingers on the guitar, trying to listen to what I thought sounded nice, or not. To this day there are still a bunch of chords I don’t know the name of, and I never really got around to learn the theory behind it. I guess my ears have grown quite good over the years. While growing up I listened to a lot of different music and artists, also what my dad used to listen to. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, The Beatles, and more, and in my twenties I had quite a fascination with R & B, and specifically Frank Ocean. The first 5 singles I ever released were in this genre, and inspired by him. I found my way and sound by making this album, and heading straight back to my guitar, telling my stories.
You’ve performed at notable festivals like Tønder and Trans Musicales. How do live performances help you connect with your audience, especially when sharing such personal songs?
I love playing live, especially smaller shows, as I can get real close to people, and have this very intimate experience, although it was quite an experience to perform at this year’s Tønder Festival. I was so worried that no one would show up, and when I saw how many people that came, I began freaking out if I would be good enough to keep them interested throughout the show. But that’s just my good old perfectionism and insecurity that says hello. Ha ha. Luckily it went really well, and it meant the world to me to see so many people.
Can you tell us about your new single “On the Quarrelets of Pearls”?
It’s a song that I wrote about and for my dad, after I lost him to a broken heart, and an alcohol abuse, in 2016. I had it laying around for almost a year, as I doubted whether it was good enough, and if it was only a song for myself in a way. I then asked my mom to film me playing it, just on her iPhone, in her backyard, and I put it on instagram/Facebook, and got a lot of love and respons, and that actually made me want to write more songs on my guitar. It’s a song that means a lot to me, as it is my way of sending my love to my dad, telling my story, and thinking that in many ways he, by this song, helped me make this album.
It is such a personal and emotional song. Can you tell us more about how your father’s passing influenced the creation of this track?
It’s now 8 years since he passed, but in a way it feels like yesterday. My song is my way of keeping his memory alive. I wanted to tell a bit of his and my story, and hope that it resonates with others that may have gone through a similar experience.
Your upcoming debut album is due out in early November. What can listeners expect from the rest of the album?
They can expect songs that speak of some of the difficulties, but also wonders of being human, seen from my point of view. It’s all been recorded on tape, and played live in a room, in one take, without the possibility to go in and change things. I wanted to keep all the flaws and rawness that comes with playing it live, and wanted a sound very close to ear, with a dusty past to it.
What is a message you would like to give through your music and why?
Just the feeling of being authentic, and true to what I wanted to make. I haven’t chased a radio hit with this album, I just wrote songs that were important to me. I really hope with all my heart that it finds a home, and resonates with people, making it grow.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know?
I hope to meet you at a show some day soon, and thank you for reading, and listening to my music. <3
Listen to Simone Tang’s new single “On the Quarrelets of Pearls” on our Spotify playlist:
Leave a Reply