Being a musician is much more difficult than simply writing new songs and hoping one sticks.

From the beginning stages of finding a good lineup and creating a perfect debut album to working on building a fanbase and online presence, new artists are thrust into a world of managing themselves, their social media and their music all in order to stay relevant and stay afloat.

But when half of that opportunity and the option to grow your audience during live shows and record in public studios is taken away- how are rising musicians able to keep active and stay creative without their usual resources?

That is the problem that 2020 has presented to countless musicians around the world- including rising rock artist The Simple Radicals, who found themselves thrown for a loop when this year brought several tours and new music to a halt.

Rather than letting themselves get down, though, the persevering duo set out to make the best of the uncertain year by using new methods of reaching out to fans and captivating audiences online.

We had the opportunity to chat with The Simple Radicals about how their year has been going so far and how they are handling the newfound process of making yourself known as a rising band.

You can read our full interview below, and be sure to stream their album New Revolution out now.

Second Society Report: How are you holding up during this insane year that is 2020? Hopefully your friends and families are staying safe and healthy!

The Simple Radicals: We’re doing well during the apocalypse thank you for asking. Everyone is safe and healthy and no one I know is part of the pandemic statistics just yet.

SSR: Did you have any big releases or tours that were put on hold because of the pandemic? How has that affected the band? (could be personally, financially, morale wise, etc.)

TSR: We had an amazing 2020 lined up including playing two showcases at SXSW, playing festivals with Jefferson Starship, Puddle of Mudd, Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot, and starting a tour in Chicago. But it all was nixed due to the pandemic. Thankfully we all have other means to make some bank so we’re all making it through so far.

SSR: How have you been spending your newfound “downtime” while the world has been essentially shut down?

TSR: The downtime has allowed me to be much more active on social media engaging with our current fans and building our fan base. I’ve also been writing new material. Rumor has it there’s a lot going on in our world today so there’s definitely a lot to write about.

SSR: Have you picked up any new hobbies while quarantining that you’d like to share?

TSR: Is sleeping late a hobby? If so, then I have mastered it and should turn pro.

SSR: Have you worked on any new releases during this time? Any that are already out or that we can get a sneak peak of?

TSR: We’re continuing to promote our album New Revolution. The guitar-God Vernon Reid from the band Living Colour plays lead on the track “Medicate.” Wait until you hear his shredding. We also released a quarantine video for our track “Raise Hell.” We’re also about to release a wicked cover version of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” where we collaborated with an incredible husband/wife duo called Che-Val. We’ll soon be releasing a quarantine video to our song “The Optimist.” And, we’re about to release a podcast called “Music & A Brew” where we crack open a cold one with different musical artists. So far we’ve had one with Kenny Aronoff (drummer for John Mellencamp), Todd Sucherman of Styx, Vernon Reid of Living Colour, Daxx Nielsen of Cheap Trick, and Jackie “the Joke Man” Martling from the Howard Stern Show.

SSR: If already out- what was the inspiration for the release? Have you written any songs specifically about the state of the world right now?

TSR: We just released a song and video mocking President Trump called “Rich Man Wanna Be King.” It was just released on YouTube and it’s already racked up 110,000 views and climbing. And our title track song/video “New Revolution” was released last year, but ironically it’s more relevant and timely today. Who would have thought that the images we used in the video a year ago are similar images we see on the news today.

SSR: How has it been being an artist in a time when you cannot tour? How have you been working to promote your music and expand your reach?

TSR: We really love playing live so it’s been tough not to get up on stage and share your music with your fans. But the downtime has given me a lot of time to observe, create, write as well as think about how to best market and promote the band. We’re working with some great marketing agencies such as Austere in Texas and Factory Underground Studio in Connecticut to develop some great social media and marketing campaigns to support our songs and build our fan base. It’s really starting to pay dividends. I’m also posting quite a bit on our social media platforms to stay engaged with our fans. 

SSR: When the world returns to a safer spot and we are able to (hopefully) attend live shows again- say in 2021- what do you hope to achieve?

TSR: We’re on the docket to play SXSW showcases next year as well as the festivals that were canceled so we’re excited about that. I hope that when we play live again that more people will be aware of our band and our music and will want to come out and see us live.

SSR: Is there anything you wish your fans would know about you or about the current state of the music world?

TSR: The music industry today has incredible opportunities but also huge challenges. From an opportunity standpoint, with such advanced technology and portability, you can create some amazing music in your bedroom or home studio and even collaborate with people without having to be in the same room. On the flip side, there’s thousands of songs being released on Spotify and other platforms every day so the ability to break out and get noticed is highly challenging. Unfortunately, the industry is not really looking to develop bands anymore. I think the first thing they ask now is “how big is their social media following?” You’re on your own to develop your sound, talent and audience and then you can try and make it. And, there’s no money in the business like there used to be unless you really strike it big on Spotify and other platforms. You only make your money off of touring and selling merch and to do that you need a big following. Tough times no doubt and it’s only for the diligent and resilient bands that want to really invest in their music and build an audience. You constantly have to think and rethink what it takes to break out and get noticed.

SSR: Do you have any words of advice for fans that are feeling particularly bummed out about the live music world coming to a halt?

TSR: Stay safe. Stay healthy. And stay Radical.

You can follow The Simple Radicals now on their social media accounts linked below, and be sure to stream their latest single “Rich Man Wanna Be King,” out now.

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