Meet Scott Simons | Music Director, Songwriter/Producer, Pianist, Teacher & Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Simons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I was younger, especially when I first moved to LA, I didn’t have much balance. I was in survival mode living in a big city for the first time, barely making any money and trying to maintain my publishing deal as a songwriter while making other income as a musician. Over time, as I got more stable, it allowed me to say no to more projects and “hell yes!” to others. It also allowed me find balance between work and life and explore other hobbies and interests. I would say that there is something to honor about the grind and how it can payoff but everyone has a different capacity. Learning what mine was allowed me to be a better creative person over all.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Hmmm.. well, I feel like my journey has been just been saying yes to random things and it somehow working out. I’ve never had a plan for better or worse.

I grew up in Bridgeport, WV – a small town of about 6000-7000 people about 90 minutes south of Pittsburgh, PA. My parents weren’t from the area so I was exposed to big cities early on. I knew pretty early on I would probably have to leave West Virginia if I wanted a career as a professional musician. I stayed in West Virginia for music school and after graduating I moved to NYC to write jingles but got cold feet after a month and moved back to WV. I started an original band with some friends called the Argument. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into – we just liked making music. Eventually, we broke up after ten years but not before we played Mountain Stage twice, toured the country, showcased for multiple major labels and were named one of the top ten unsigned bands in the country by the AMAs.

After the band broke up, I moved to LA and had a random viral solo cover of “Umbrella” and signed a publishing deal which started my career as a songwriter. After a few years in LA, I started touring with artists and eventually got hired as a rehearsal pianist for X Factor USA. When that show ran its course after 3 seasons, Simon Cowell’s team pulled me over to America’s Got Talent in 2013. I am currently working on the Music Direction team for my 13th year on the show. I still write for other artists and have my own original project called TeamMate. Somewhere in the middle of all of that, I got hired to sing a theme song for an animated series one day which went on to become one of the most successful children’s shows of all time – Paw Patrol.

My biggest challenge throughout my life is that I was born with a genetic hearing loss and have worn hearing aids since I was young. I’m grateful to be alive at a time with such incredible advances in technology that have allowed me to pursue a career in music. But, having a hearing loss is not without challenges.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man… Let’s see.

Usually, my favorite thing to do in LA is to get out of LA. Haha. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but I just think it’s hard to get a real sense of the city in a short visit. I think the nearby desert areas and wine regions are really great ways to see Southern California.

But in LA, I think the food scene here is incredible. The museums are awesome. The new LACMA is beautiful. I’m not a car guy, but I think the Petersen Museum is slept on. A Dodgers game with a pre-game beer at Shortstop is a must in my book – even though I’m a Pirates fan first.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to dedicate this space to my friends I’ve met in the entertainment industry. Growing up in a small town, I was always different for myriad reasons but once I moved to LA 18 years ago, I found myself surrounded by and inspired by the creative community here. It’s honestly the best thing about this city. I’m continually inspired and in awe of the talent here.

Most of all though, I have to say my dad who passed away when I was 20. He saw something in me at a young age and encouraged and nurtured me to become a professional musician. He never got to see what I’ve gotten to do in my career, but I wouldn’t be here without him.

Instagram: @scottsimonsmusic

Image Credits
Photographer: Jen Rosenstein