2x BCCMA award-winner & singer-songwriter, Simon Clow (formally known under the artist name, Kadooh) is back with his brand-new single, “Once Upon A Bar”.
Recently, I spoke with Simon about the next chapter in his artistry, his latest single and more.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with you & your music, you were a member of the multi-platinumm band State of Shock prior to pursuing a solo career under the name, Kadooh. Since then, you’ve rebranded and now go by your name, Simon Clow. What influenced this change and desire to go back to your roots? How will this shift be portrayed in your artistry moving forward?
Simon Clow: I think the growth I’ve had in my solo career as a country music artist is what has influenced me to make the change from my old name. It was just time, as you mentioned, to get back to my small-town roots and for me to be me. I also wanted to pay homage to my mom, Maryrose.
As far as any shift being portrayed in my music, I don’t think it will affect the types of songs I write. However, and I never want to discredit my past success in State of Shock; it was an incredible time in my life, but the rebranding will allow me to truly take a step forward in my solo country career with my new sound.
Kyla Pearson: Something that is important to you is showing up as your authentic self. With your years of experience in the music industry, what advice would you give to an up-and-coming artist in order to avoid losing who they are, in an industry that constantly tries to tell you who you are and what your music should sound like?
Simon Clow: I would say concentrate on your art and the emotion and feeling behind it because authenticity is always very recognizable. Also, stay true to yourself no matter what you think the requirements of commercial success are based on.
Kyla Pearson: You are a co-writer on “High Time”, on Nickleback’s latest album, “Get Rollin’ (Deluxe)”-- A huge accomplishment for any artist/songwriter. The song recently surpassed 9M+ streams on Spotify alone. What have both those accomplishments meant to you?
Simon Clow: Being able to co-write songs with someone who I ultimately respect and who is one of the leading songwriters within the industry has been unbelievable. I am beyond grateful to be able to sit in a room with such talents. It has been very much a milestone in my career.
Kyla Pearson: On a related note, who is one country artist you’d love to co-write with and/or have cut one of your songs?
Simon Clow: One of my favourite bands out there, are “Brothers Osborne” I think they write really great outta the box type songs and I would love the chance to write with that camp. I would also be excited for anyone to cut one of my songs.
Kyla Pearson: This summer, you released your latest single, “Once Upon a Bar” via 604 Records. Can you tell us a bit more about the song, as well as the songwriting & recording process?
Simon Clow: Jeff Johnson who produced and co-wrote the song with me called me up with the idea. He had already written the majority of the chorus, and I thought it was really cool and interesting, so we got together and just started spit balling ideas on the verses, and next thing I knew we had written the song. The recording process was a lot of fun, it pushed me vocally and I think the song came out exactly the way we had envisioned.
Kyla Pearson: "Once Upon a Bar" is also your first release since rebranding. How would you say this song introduces this new chapter in your career?
Simon Clow: I don’t think it is this song solely that introduced this chapter. My upcoming EP has 5 more songs that I put my heart and soul into, which as a whole, will introduce this new chapter of my career.
Kyla Pearson: In many ways, it feels like it’s still summer in many parts of Canada (*at the time of this interview). How do you suggest fans enjoy listening to the song, all while making the most of the last warm weather days of the year?
Simon Clow: I suggest finding your nearest beach, digging your toes into the sand, and sipping a margarita. If you don’t have that, then Cuervo and the couch will do.
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, do you have any upcoming shows where fans can hear you play “Once Upon a Bar” live?
Simon Clow: Yes, I have two upcoming shows, one being October 20th in Kelowna at the OK Corral Cabaret. I’ll be opening for one of my best friends, Teigen Gayse. The other is on November 26th at the Roxy Cabaret. I hope to see everybody at the shows! If you are unfamiliar with Teigen, you should check her out, she is an incredible person and an amazing artist.
Listen to "Once Upon a Bar" Now:
Stay up to Date With Simon Clow:
OFFICIAL SITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK
Clow, Simon. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Aug.-Sept., 2023.
Unknown. “Featured: Official cover art for Simon Clow’s latest single, “Once Upon A Bar”.” Photo courtesy of PR Team. Accessed Aug. 15, 2023.
Unknown. “Featured: Country singer/songwriter, Simon Clow.” Photo courtesy of PR Team. Accessed Aug. 15, 2023.
