We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dee Simone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dee , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

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.

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. After being accepted into Musicians Institute (MI) in Hollywood, 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.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up listening to music playing around the house as a kid. My parents would listen to every style of music. From Anita Baker, Nina Simone, Hezekiah Walker, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Rachelle Farrell just to name a few

My Dad has told me stories of me 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 just to play.

I remember around the age of the 13, a co-worker of my Dad threw a Labor Day weekend pool party at his house. In one of the rooms there was remo drum-kit. 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. I actually gained an audience that day which was super shocking as well. The following weekend that same remo drumkit was at my house. After my dad watched me play at the party he saw the potential and went with his gut!

My last two years of high school wasn’t the best because my mind was always focused on music and playing drums. I entered a few local contest and after school program events just to play on a kit.

Around the age of 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, 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 did not agree with my parents and life thereafter got hectic.

Between the age of 20-22, I made horrible decisions with my life and did not take music serious. I remember working at Starbucks and staying connected to a regular customers. We talked about music and life. I told her about me possibly attending Berklee but it wasn’t the right time and that I wanted to stay in my hometown. She told me that even with not attending berklee that I should not give up on music and to make better decisions.

In 2015, I auditioned 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 world. My most memorable performance was at Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in 2019. Playing for both 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 created more obstacles. With the creation of the vaccine and the world starting to open back up, I’ve had the pleasure of playing with artist such as Brassroots District, Madame Gandhi, Moorea Moore, Felsmere, Alison Wonderland, KT Tunstall, Ravyn Lenae, Molly Moore, Dylan Conrique, and recently performing with Doechii at Coachella.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

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.

In the beginning of the pandemic I was affected like most musicians, by canceling my entire schedule and creating more obstacles. I picked up a new part time job. I was grateful to be still playing in the church during the pandemic. It shaped me in ways to stay disciplined. While still working part time I put time into practicing.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

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. It is the best and humbling part of my career.

Also, 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.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dee.sim1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dee.S.Simone
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sim1ne
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sdt20
• Other: https://soundcloud.com/simply-simone https://simplysimone.bandcamp.com/album/introducing-me

Image Credits
Picture 1: First Photoshoot 2021 Picture 2: Rehearsal for Coachella Picture 3: Ravyn Lenae show at The Echo Picture 4: Band Picture with Doechii after Coachella performance Picture 5: Tiny Desk Video Shoot with Ravyn Lenae Picture 6: FAMILY for THANKSGIVING Picture 7: BTS of Billboard video shoot with Doechii