Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Simone.
Hi Dee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started at home beating on walls, tables, pots/pans, and even trying to make a little drum set out of a toy clean-up set as a baby. Then growing up in church as a young kid, my eyes were always locked on the band. Especially the drummer. I liked seeing how excited they were to play.
Around the age of 13, a co-worker of my Dad threw a Labor Day weekend pool party at his house. In one of the rooms, there was a remote drumkit. I asked if I could play, and the first drum beat of a song that came to mind was Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” As soon as I started playing, my heart started racing. After my Dad watched me play at the party, he saw the potential and went with his gut! I gained an audience that day which was super shocking as well. The following weekend that same remote drumkit was at my house.
Once I entered high school, music was my main priority. By 11th grade, I wasn’t the best because my mind was always focused on music and playing drums. I entered a few local contests and after-school program events to play on a kit. Around 19/20, I told my parents that I wanted to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston. They sent me there for an audition and interview, and that went well. Berklee offered me a scholarship to attend for the fall semester. My parents wanted me to go to community college first before attending Berklee. However, I disagreed, and life after that got hectic. I started making horrible decisions in my life and did not take music seriously. I remember between the ages of 20-22 working at Starbucks and staying connected to a regular customers. We talked about music and life. I told her about my possibly attending Berklee, but it wasn’t the right time and that I wanted to stay in my hometown. She told me that I should not give up on music and make better decisions even without not attending Berklee. She gave me a different perspective on how I should move forward with music.
By 23, it finally clicked that I needed to chase my dreams of being a musician and take it seriously. My parents finally recognized that this was what I wanted to do. So I applied to attend Musicians Institute (MI) in Hollywood. By getting accepted to MI, my parents were supportive of my next move. I learned how to READ music, grow as a drummer, network, and prepare for the REAL WORLD. A huge shout to my private drum instructor Fred Dinkins for teaching me about certain things in life, music, and opening up my ears.
After I graduated in 2012, I started playing for Greater Zion Church Family. My pastor Michael Fisher has been a huge help in my life. I’ve learned so much about who GOD IS as an individual. I remember the summer of 2012 when our youth pastor Oscar Duncan was killed; I learned not to take life for granted with that loss. I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ, and it was the BEST decision that I ever made. My brothers LJ and Chidi, two influential musicians in my life, took over as new musical directors the following year. They help me improve my musicianship & also grow as a person.
In 2015, I auditioned for an all-female Smooth Jazz band called Jazz In Pink. The leader, Gail Jhonson, & other original members were blown away by the audition. Original members Robin Bramlett, Karen, & Darlene, are like big sisters that taught me the do’s & don’ts in the music industry. I’ve been blessed to tour and play with them around the world. My most memorable performance was at Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in 2019. Playing for Greater Zion and Jazz In Pink has opened up more opportunities to expand my artistry. Also, in 2019, I played for Jayla Darden, Maysa, Nils, and Katie Kadan on NBC’s The Voice.
In 2020, the pandemic affected me, like most musicians, by canceling my entire schedule and creating more obstacles. With the creation of the vaccine and the world starting to open back up, I’ve had the pleasure of playing with artists such as Brassroots District, Madame Gandhi, Moorea Moore, Fellsmere, and recently with Alison Wonderland at Lollapalooza.
2021 New Year’s Eve, I enjoyed playing with KT Tunstall’s legend. We played at Times Square in New York.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My first audition while attending MI was very intensive. It was for the artist Cee-Lo Green. I thought it was super easy because I knew his music. But with my look and me not hitting hard enough (as I was told), I ended up not getting the gig. It made me think that playing for a prominent artist was about looks. I chose not to participate in different auditions while I was in school. Years later, I overcame the old obstacles of auditions by playing in small bands around the city.
Life was exciting in 2018. I was living from place to place. I lost my part-time job. I had to move back home with family in the Bay Area. I would travel from SF to LA by bus or car. The money I made for some gigs barely got me home. And if I had a gig that required me to stay in LA, I would sleep at my practice studio some nights and then head back to SF right after my gigs. It was a rough season, but my faith was strong because I was doing what I loved.
In 2020, the pandemic affected me, like most musicians, by canceling my entire schedule and creating more obstacles. I picked up a new part job. I was grateful to be still playing in the church during the pandemic.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Being a female drummer or even a female musician is super underrated. I say that because people get amazed that we even picked up on instruments. I honestly love being a drummer. Being able to have the skill naturally and use your skills is a gift and a BLESSING. I get calls to play in different genre bands. Such as Jazz, Gospel, Smooth Jazz, Rock, EDM, R&B, etc.
The cool thing about living in LA and having social media platforms is an excellent way to promote yourself and your skills. I never give up on the LA music scene and social media because I can get called for any opportunity, such as playing on commercials, tv shows, going on tour with different artists, and so much more.
Some of my peers have told me what sets me apart from different musicians is that I fall into being a Musical Director or a good leader. It surprises me sometimes cause I don’t see it in myself, but I get happy when referring musicians to opportunities. I love pouring into the next generation.
What do you think about luck?
I never looked at opportunities as good or bad luck. It’s a life lesson in everything I’ve accomplished or failed in.
In 2010 I decided to make a BIG decision by relocating to LA for school. Taking this risk to leave my hometown gave me a fresh start to follow my dreams. Living out my dreams isn’t always easy, but my faith and trust in God helped change my perspective on life. Though it’s not always easy, my faith in God & change of perspective on life has opened opportunities to play drums across the country & on TV with different artist.
Contact Info:
- Email: deesimonemusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dee.sim1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dee.S.Simone
- Youtube: YouTube.com/sdt20
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/simply-simone
Image Credits
Picture 1 – My first photoshoot. Picture 2 – Brassroots District photoshoot. Picture 3 – Tour photo from Alison Wonderland’s show at the Shrine. Picture 4 – Ace Hotel gig with an all female ensemble. Picture 5 – Jazz In Pink Picture 6 – Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival Picture 7 – Greater Zion’s FAMILY BAND Picture 8 – Playing with KT Tunstall for New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
