Meet The Unapologetic Pop Superstar Mint Simon

Mint Simon is an emerging artist that is changing the landscape of pop music. Born and raised in Montreal, Mint found themselves attracted to the performing arts at an early age. Growing up, they took part in theatre and band all while consuming the iconic sounds of Cher and Prince. Their love of music continued over the years and Mint soon found themselves the front person for the band Caveboy. After delivering iconic hits like ‘Landslide’ and ‘Something Like Summer’ with the band, Mint made the decision to step into their own spotlight and begin their solo music career.

Their forthcoming debut project is set to highlight Mint’s new musical romance and their multilayered artistic soul spilling out. Backed by their first two singles – ‘Used For Love’ and ‘Some of Everything’ – the singer-songwriter dives into topics like love, missed opportunities, desire and sexual liberation. With unapologetic lyrical content, a growing fan base and dynamic sound, Mint Simon is an artist that needs to be on your radar. We were able to chat with the rising artist about everything from Pride Month, their latest single ‘Some of Everything’ and more. Read the full interview below.

Heya Mint Simon! How are you?

I‘m doing great, thank you! Enjoying the lockdown lifting and curfew breaking. 

First off Happy Pride Month! How’s it treating you this year?

It feels so good to be out and about again, I‘m soaking in all the good energy and enjoying the ease in to socializing – really hoping there are some pride celebrations that can happen here in Montreal during our pride month (August)! 

Let’s take it back to the beginning. When did you first start taking an interest in music?

I’ve always loved music and had a naturally decent singing voice as a kid. There was a lot of pressure and attention that came from it though, so it took me a while to really find my own voice. I was a theatre kid & teen, and then I shut off from music for so many years only to find my voice in my early 20s through joining my band, Caveboy. It was the first time I really felt that this was something I wanted to do with my life. I feel like it took a while to find my authentic voice and sound, but I feel grateful for all the years of messy discovery.

When it comes to your musical inspirations, which artists really stuck out to you growing up?

My first music love was Tracy Chapman. I had a full poster of her on my wall and had all of her cassettes (which I wore out). Actually, I‘m just remembering about how my parents had no cable and so they had friends record hours and hours of MTV on VHS, so we always had tons of music videos of the 80s and 90s on around the house. SO MUCH PRINCE. 

Your music gives off such a vintage 80s and 90s vibe, absolutely obsessed! How would you personally describe Mint Simon’s sound?

I am and always will be influenced by the 80s and 90s, I can’t run from it! I’m a 90s kid with a voice that gets compared to Stevie and Cyndi, and I feel so connected to music of that time. My aim is to bring it into the modern, to have an 80s sounding voice singing on pop music, with some heavy bass and always getting people dancing. I love songs that make it impossible for me to not dance to.

We have to talk about your latest single Some of Everything! Can you take us through the creative process? What type of sound were you going for with the record?

‘Some of Everything’ is the celebration and party I wanted it to be. It sounds exactly how it makes me feel – confident, authentic and excited. My producer Isabelle Banos touched on something special adding a real Spice Girls party energy – and both the lyrics and melody came effortlessly (especially the chorus). I didn’t know if it was too simple, but co-writer Breagh Isabel really helped take the songwriting to the next level and round out the song. I feel so lucky to get to have worked with these 2 awesome women to help tell my story and help me give in to my vulnerability.

What theme or message do you want fans to take away after listening to the track?

If you asked me a couple of years ago, I would’ve told you that I had it all figured out. It took me awhile to really understand that I wasn’t living authentically and true to myself 100%, I was out at a young age and always felt like I was really out there publicly with my identity. Honestly, I think it took the pandemic and all the quiet/alone time to really force me to face it all head on and make some much-needed changes, which is also how this song was born. I hope that people listening can feel celebrated, can let go of the pressure of labels, and can focus on their own story. 

As an emerging queer artist what would you like to see in terms of LGBTQ+ representation in the industry?

I can feel it happening – more folks are coming out as queer, non-binary, trans, all over the music industry and it’s extremely exciting. What I would really love is if there could be more space for queer BIPOC artists in mainstream music. I think those stories and voices are necessary in doing the work to be better allies, and a more honest LGBTQ+ community.

What advice would you give to young queer individuals navigating their identity?

I would say explore. Explore everything! Ask yourself the questions that scare you. 

Lastly, could you give us a sneak peek at what to expect in the coming months for Mint Simon?

I’ll have more music out this year – but my main focus is trying to get on the road! Working on my live show is something that’s super important to me so I can’t wait to share that with as many people as possible – and celebrate being together again. 

Make sure to listen to Mint Simon and their latest single ‘Some of Everything’.