JD Simo - Mind Control

25-11-2021

JD Simo is an American guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, solo artist and former member of the rock band Simo. As a guitarist, songwriter and producer/engineer, Simo has worked with the likes of Jack White( Beyoncé Lemonade sessions), Phil Lesh, Luther Dickinson, Cowboy Jack Clement, Dave Cobb, Chris Isaak and Baz Lurhmann on the soundtrack to his forthcoming Elvis biopic.He was a member of the psychedelic rock band Simo from 2012-2018. He resides in Nashville with his wife and daughter. The new album by Nashville-based singer, songwriter and guitarist JD Simo is just released. Entitled "Mind Control", it may only feature three musicians, yet from its blues-rooted base it proceeds to bend and blend genres from the start with an ease and authority that UK publication Classic Rock confirms, declaring that "the hypnotic, faintly Liebezeit-like rhythm underpinning the six minute opener sets us off following the blues down more experimental paths than most guitar heroes prefer to explore." "Mind Control" was recorded in JD's home studio while the pandemic raged. His third solo record in under three years, it demonstrates his growth as both a songwriter and musician, showcasing complex guitar work and an insightful lyrical ability to create an emotional and thought-provoking experience. JD himself states that "Over lockdown my buddies and I were really obsessed with Afrobeat and North Mississippi trance stuff. So lots of Fela, Tony Allen and Junior Kimbrough, but also Fred McDowell, Jessie Mae Hemphill, CeDell Davis and R.L. Burnside too. That mix really permeates a lot of the album. Those Afrobeat grooves with that raw sludgy thing on top. It happened naturally and without preconception." Indeed, a near inexhaustible supply of shared influences has informed the trio, to which the warped psychedelia of Captain Beefheart, Funkadelic and Jimi Hendrix, the old school blues of John Lee Hooker, Earl Hooker and Lightnin' Hopkins, as well as the raw rock of The Stooges and even Nirvana can be added. JD and his outstanding trio, longtime collaborator Adam Abrashoff on drums and bassist Adam Bednarik, are currently out on the road to promote "Mind Control", co-headlining a massive 60+ date North American tour with the highly touted GA-20. Garnering tastemaker praise and fan fervour on both sides of the Atlantic ever since splitting his band SIMO in 2017 and going solo, JD's well received 2019 solo debut, "Off At 11", and self-titled 2020 follow-up connected the missing link between Woodstock and Motown in their fusion of fluid and fiery fretwork with vital and vulnerable vocals. Collaborations with the likes of Jack White, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson, Dave Cobb and Blackberry Smoke, as well as time spent as part of Grateful Dead founder Phil Lesh's 'Phil & Friends', have also cemented his reputation among guitar music aficionados. From an artist who has collaborated with the likes of Jack White, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson and Blackberry Smoke, played in psychedelic band SIMO, and was invited to join Phil Lesh's Phil Lesh and Friends, Simo has a history of working with a diverse range of sounds. On Mind Control, his reach is as thrilling and inviting as one expects. "Mind Control" is the follow-up to Simo's 2020 self-titled album, and a product of the pandemic. Simo delves into more stark topics than in his past, unafraid to pair them with a positive theme of growth and wrap them up in his murky, funky psychedelic sound. Simo tells of his creative process and inspiration for the album : "Over lockdown my buddies and I were really obsessed with Afro Beat and North Mississippi trance stuff. So lots of Fela, Tony Allen and Junior Kimbrough especially but also Fred McDowell, Jessie Mae Hemphill, CeDell Davis. R.L. Burnside too. So that mix really permeates a lot of the record. Those Afro Beat grooves with that real raw sludgy thing on top. It happened really naturally and without preconception." JD Simo... The Chicago-born, now Nashville transplant is like a one-man crusade dedicated to keeping music real, raw, and honest. No matter the setting and no matter his role (whether it's wingman or bandleader) JD's presence infuses the situation of the moment with the music that's been fueling him pretty much his whole life, spiced with influences that straddle both decades and dimensions. As a songwriter, guitarist, and producer he has worked with the likes of Jack White, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson, Dave Cobb, Blackberry Smoke, and even been a member of Grateful Dead founder Phil Lesh' "Phil & Friends." Now he comes forth with his most unique, original and rawest effort yet, Mind Control, which drops November 5th 2021.During lockdown last year, he started cutting tracks in his makeshift studio on a weekly basis. Joined by longtime collaborator Adam Abrashoff on drums and the addition of longtime friend, bassist-producer-engineer Adam Bednarik (Justin Townes Earle), they mused a proverbial soup of shared influences. Hill country trance blues of Junior Kimbrough, RL Burnside and Asie Payton. Hypnotic Afro Beat of Fela Kuti and Tony Allen. Psychedelic warps of Captain Beefheart, Funkadelic, and Jimi Hendrix. The old school blues of John Lee Hooker, Earl Hooker and Lightnin Hopkins. As well as the raw fuzzy rock of The Stooges and Nirvana. "Mind Control" is the product of three like-minded buddies huddled in a humble setting, making music to make them feel good. The songs stark revealing nature, is the product of them using the creative process for therapy and enjoyment. Because they simply had to, for no other reason than they couldn't not! They love it too much. A positive theme of growth, self help and struggles with addiction and mental health lay along side a haunting, low down musical landscape. It's raw, funky and real. Such is life.

1. Go Away Satan

2. I'm In Love

3. Let Go

4. Know It All

5. Want What I Don't Have

6. That's When You Know That You're Down

7. Fucked Up

8. Devil Is Always Watchin'

9. People Pleaser

10. Recovery

JD Simo - vocals, guitar

Adam Abrashoff - drums