That Blogger Music

Simon Baum is an Essex based singer songwriter who started writing songs when he was 12 when he bunked off music school and wrote a song under a tree. He has performed all over the world and on the same bill as Ed Sheeran, Will Young and many more. He has recorded five studio EPs and is just about to release his sixth, ‘A Message on the Wind’. Last year he got the semi finals of the UK Songwriting Contest with his song ‘Little Words’, Simon was kind enough to answer a few questions here is what he had to say.

Who inspired you?

I started writing when I was about 12 and I had a pretty eclectic taste ranging from The Beatles and Queen to Billy Joel and Snap! I had piano lessons (which I hated) and one day asked my teacher (who I hated too!) about writing songs and he turned into a completely person and we ditched classical music for songwriting, I didn’t tell my parents though!

What has been the most difficult track to write?

I wrote a song recently called ‘There’s no reason for being’ which had a sample of my kids talking, it took me about 2 weeks to get a good sample of them as they always descended into auguring or mad laughing!

What is your favourite track to play live?

My favourite song to play live is called ‘You’, I wrote it in 2004 so I don’t worry about making mistakes!

What has been your favourite gig?

My favourite ever gig was when I was at university. Me and couple of friends were in a band and we were at a random talent contest in an absolute dive. We had to play three songs and the first two we completely messed up. My parents were there as well at tons of friends and it was cringe worthy and I really felt like running away! When it came to the last song I did a down tempo song of mine called ‘Consent Reminder’ with my friends Jonny and Ben and we nailed it and the whole venue was silent. It was the best feeling ever!

What are your plans for the rest of 2017?

I’m just finishing my new EP ‘A Message on the Wind’ and then I’m going to try and sort out some gigs as it’s been a long time!

Any funny/interesting gig stories?

I did a tour in Canada and was so excited about it I forgot my guitar! I also played at a lovely South London venue and it was packed with about 300 people, I was quite nervous as the lineup was pretty upbeat and I’m fairly chilled. Just before I went on the electricity went out and I did an acoustic set and it went down a storm!

If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why?

I’ve love to play with Sting, I’ve always loved his music and I’d love to see what he could do with my songs!

What is the music scene like where you are based?

I’m in a small village by the sea but there’s about 8 pubs and live music at every one every weekend, I think everyone that lives here is in a band!