Since talented singer-songwriter, Simoné Roets, made the bold decision to enter the Afrikaans music industry in 2021, she has consistently impressed audiences with her unique, authentic style and soulful approach.
Not only did her original music quickly become popular on several radio stations, but she was also nominated for an Aitsa Award in 2022 (Newcomer of the Year) and performed at the event alongside artists such as Elandré, Refentse, and Demi Lee Moore.
She has also been nominated for four Afri-Indie Independent Artist Awards this year, of which the winners will be announced in April.
Now she has officially entered the next exciting phase of her career with the release of her long-awaited debut album, which is nothing short of amazing.
When asked about HERINNER MY (REMIND ME), she reveals that the titular track was the first song she wrote in Afrikaans while she was still living in Australia. Because this is where her dream of recording an album started, she decided that the title would be fitting.
The album was produced by Jattie de Beer of Artistry Productions and consists of eleven songs that alternate between acoustic and pop and were carefully selected to speak to listeners’ hearts.
“My target audience are people who love our language and stories,” she explains. “I wrote some of the songs myself, others with Jattie, and my mother was also involved in creating ‘Sondag P.M.’ and ‘Om Elke Hoek en Draai’.”
What she enjoyed most about the three years it took to put the album together was creating something out of nothing. “Every note, instrument, moment, lyric, and melody are 100% original – it took a long time, but Jattie (and everyone involved) and I are proud of the final product. The friendships I made through this creative process are also very significant to me.”
Her favourite track on the album changes frequently. Currently, it is Hou Vas, which is about the idea that fear (as an emotion) is a reality. She shares: “The song was written with the hope of encouraging others – I think we can experience peace even in moments when we feel overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. It’s not always one or the other.”
To make things even more exciting, the artist has also just release a new single and music video. The single, titled Skete explores our ability (or inability) to live in the present moment. The inspiration for the song came from the idea of whether we are the sum of our past experiences or if we can truly live in the present. In essence, the song urges listeners to embrace the present moment and to not let past experiences hold them back from living their best lives.
She adds: “We must learn to move past our past experiences more quickly, because if we don’t, we may miss out on some of the beautiful things that life has to offer.”
Herinner My, the titular track’s, music video shares the artist’s musical journey, from her apartment in Brisbane – where the project started – to the studio where the album was recorded.
“It shows how we worked in the studio to complete the album. ‘Herinner my aan wie ek is’ (Remind me of who I am) is also applicable to my story and the fact that I am now pursuing music full-time,” she says about the video, which was filmed at Odyssey Studio in Lynwood Bridge and Artistry Productions’ studio, with Adi van der Walt as the producer.
Watch the video here:
Simoné grew up in Nelspruit and only discovered her passion for music after school. Since then, she has released an EP, as well as several other English songs and was very involved at the Hillsong City Campus in Brisbane, where she used to live.
Although she has been back in the country for some time and is now also a mother, she has not slowed down and enjoys staying busy with many different things.
In addition to singing and songwriting, she also helps a church with their music on a contractual basis, does legal work, and is an F45 fitness coach – something she enjoys because she believes in staying active.
Her plans for 2023 include performing as much as possible, spending enough time with her family and friends, and establishing herself as a songwriter for other artists.
Simoné is excited to share HERINNER MY with the world and hopes that it will touch the hearts of everyone who listens to it.
“It is very special to hear how my music has touched someone else, so please let me know which song speaks to you,” she concludes.
The album is now available on all digital streaming platforms. Download it here: https://linktr.ee/simoneroets
TRACK LIST:
1. Herinner My
2. Skete
3. Ongerep (ft. Joshua na die Reën)
4. Hou Vas
5. Sondag P.M.
6. Wees (ft. Douvoordag)
7. Uit die Stof
8. Dans in Die Donker
9. Om Elke Hoek en Draai
10. Kleef
11. Dans In Die Donker (Acoustic)
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Instagram: @simone_roets_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simoneroets.music/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2_Nq9GLhF-RdnWAhGLQoFQ
