Simon and the Island is the new solo project of Canadian artist Simon Ward. You may recognise him as the frontman of The Strumbellas, whose explosive single “Spirits” landed them platinum status and multiple Juno Awards. Now, taking music back to its bones, Ward’s latest music explores music in its rawest form, with simple, organic instrumentation leaving space for his beautiful, lyrical lines. 

His latest nine track, self-titled album, delves into Ward’s world and sees him be upfront and honest about his own struggles, while providing an uplifting message of finding light at the end of the tunnel. With proclamations of unconditional love, confessional anthems and symbolic odes, in 28 minutes and 23 seconds, Ward allows listeners a first-hand look into the life of a platinum-selling artist. Spoiler alert: it isn’t always rosy, but difficult life lessons always make you stronger. PopWrapped caught up with Simon to find out more about the new album, his time with The Strumbellas and his plans for 2022.

Congratulations on the release of your new album. How does it feel to finally have it out in the world?

It feels great! I mean, I was definitely nervous about releasing this album just because it is very vulnerable and touches on some very personal stuff but overall, I’m just happy it’s out in the world.

You’re perhaps best known for being a member of the super popular Indie Rock band The Strumbellas, who have seen huge success with the breakthrough track “Spirits”, which recently blew up again on TikTok. What made you decide to embark on a solo venture alongside the band and how does your solo music differ?

I think as a songwriter I like to try different things. I like writing indie rock songs, kids’ songs, instrumental songs, EDM songs and for this album, mellow sad indie folk songs. It’s really fun to be able to write different styles of music and for this batch of songs I felt they would work best as a solo artist. 

As a band, you’ve played at some incredible venues around the world. Is there any that you are yet to play that are on your bucket list or that you’d like to return to as a solo artist?  

Wow, that’s a great question. Red Rocks in Colorado is one bucket list place I’d love to play! I’m also a bit of a dreamer and have always wanted to perform on Saturday Night Live. But, overall, I feel pretty lucky with the amazing venues we’ve gotten to play. One especially memorable gig was KROQ’s holiday show at The Forum in LA. I’m a huge basketball fan, and it was so exciting to perform where all of my favourite NBA players played!

The shift from working alongside five other band members to working by yourself must’ve been quite a transition. How did you find the process of creating this new album?

So far in my musical career I have only had positive experiences making albums. Making albums with The Strumbellas is always super fun and we always have a blast doing it. This record was of course a bit different because I was on my own, but it was also very positive and fun. I worked with my brother-in-law Brian who is the producer and he is literally the nicest guy on the planet so it made it super easy and relaxed. And we live on the same street so I could just pop in on him anytime I was feeling creative and record my ideas, which was nice.

The tracks on the self-titled album ‘Simon and The Island’ are very stripped back and touch on some really raw topics relating to mental health; some of which have really spoken to your fans. What was your inspiration behind the change of themes and genre?

I honestly try to write from the heart. I don’t have much of an agenda when writing songs. I just do my best to put on paper what I am going through. I have had a very hard couple of years and this album is a reflection of that. I really hope the lyrics connect with people and help them through hard times but in the end, I don’t have much of a plan when I write songs, I try to make songs that make my heart flutter and have meaningful and honest lyrics.

‘Simon and The Island’ is a great name, establishing yourself as a solo artist, but also seems to epitomize the themes and song titles on the album. Was this something you consciously decided to do or was it a stroke of serendipity?

The truth is, I LOVE the name too! I was so excited when I thought of it and just knew I had to create a body of work to release under that name. It was definitely serendipitous that the name does in fact match well with the music. 

Do you have a favourite track on the album and if so, which is it and why?

My favourite track is probably “Sweep Me Off my Feet” because I wrote it with all my brothers and it is the only song we have ever written together. It stemmed from a jam in my brother Tod’s basement and the opening guitar lick is actually Tod on the recording. It’s a nice memory for me to have made a song with my brothers because we are very close and I’m proud and thankful we got to share that experience together.

You’ve collaborated with some incredible artists, like FallingInSand, for your music videos and accompanying visuals which are super creative and addictive to watch. What was your inspiration behind this?

My manager! It was all her idea. As soon as she sent me the sand videos I was sold on the idea! She – my manager – is integral in the development of my work and we have lots of fun coming up with ideas together on visuals to represent my music.

Finally then, what are your plans for 2022? Can we expect more new music?

I really hope so! I spend every day writing new songs so hopefully I can come up with some new cool stuff! I’m thinking of going more upbeat and fun on the next releases. What do you think?

Give Simon and the Island’s new album a listen below and for more information on Simon and his music, visit his website, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Instagram. Header photo credit: Will Fournier.