If, in my opinion, Tarja Turunen is the queen of voice, Simone Simons is the princess for sure. She is extremely beautiful and talented and I am a real and true fan of her! So, this post is affectionately dedicated to Ms Simons…
Some bio info of her (compiled and adapted text):
Simone Johanna Maria Simons (Simone Simons) was born in Hoensbroek, Netherlands, January 17, 1985. Since when Simone was young she always enjoyed music very much and played the flute for about 2 years. After that she joined at a music school and wanted to go further. At the age of 14 she had one year of jazz and pop singing lessons and after that she switched to classical singing. She sang in a choir for a couple of months in 2002, year in which she joined the symphonic metal (the musical style that I most like!!) Dutch band Epica as a coloratura mezzo-soprano singer/lead vocalist.
On January 10, 2008, it was announced on Epica’s website that Simone was suffering from MRSA. This caused Epica to have to cancel many of their shows. In February, her condition was getting better, but she was not completely recovered. In March, Epica toured with Amanda Somerville, replacing Simons for their US tour until 11 May 2009, when Simone performed again at their show in Bibelot, Dordrecht.
Simone joined the band Kamelot on the tour for their album Poetry for the Poisoned as a supporting singer and guest member, after the departure of vocalist Roy Khan.
Simons is a coloratura mezzo-soprano with a four octave range. Her highest studio recorded note is the C#6 from the songs The Fall of Byzanz and Twin Flames. Her tone is slightly gargly as well as lachrymose. She can belt out high notes in mixed voice or make use of her classical sound which is likely more familiar to her. Overall, as she stated herself numerous times, she is a mezzo-soprano but her light bright timbre and other coloratura properties makes it hard for the listener to classify her into one particular fach. She also feels perfectly comfortable singing in the alto range. Her chest voice is well balanced, her mixed voice can be soft or belted; and her head voice can be extremely brilliant, bell-like or silvery.
Sources: Simone Simons Official Website and Wikipedia.
And now, some amazing photos of her (blue eyes, red hair and a lovely feminine and soft face)…
◊
Epica has a very consistent discography. Below there’s a few selected studio videos (available in HD) from the We Will Take You With Us – 2 Meter Sessies 2004 DVD (when Simone was just 19 years old!). An invaluable must have for all Epica’s fans… Simply perfect! Enjoy it!
Sensorium
The Phantom Agony
Cry for the Moon
Memory (acoustic)
Tot ziens!
F.
