Neika Simone
Richmond, Virginia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2019
Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Neika Simone, is a contemporary smooth jazz singer-songwriter based in Virginia who is originally from North Carolina. On March 8, Neika Simone released her new single and music video “My Door”.
The single “My Door” is the first track from her tantalizing four-track EP “Beautiful Moments”. “My Door” is a smooth jazz track which reminds you that your personal worth is never dependent upon another person’s decision to stay in a relationship with you. This dynamic and empowering women’s anthem was produced by Hannon D. Lane, Victor Nelson and is distributed by Canis Major Digital.
Other tracks on the EP include: the title track “Beautiful Moments”, “Million Pieces”, and “Sweet Craving”.
Neika Simone wrote “Beautiful Moments” to tell the story about opening yourself up to the highs and lows of new love while unpacking the complicated nuances around commitment, infidelity and setting boundaries after a painful breakup.
Simone wrote the lyrics and melody herself and her major musical influences are jazz legends: Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson. Neika Simone’s work has been described by SmoothJazz.com as having “powerful vocal range, a dynamic expanse of emotions, an intoxicating rhythm diversity and a hypnotic gift for intimate and inviting songwriting.” It’s no surprise that her parents named her after the iconic jazz legend, Nina Simone. - SINGERSROOM
Singer-Songwriter Neika Simone’s elegant vocals have soared from her Kings Mountain, NC church choir as a youth to #1 on the “Chartbound Below 30” Smooth Jazz chart with the release of her debut EP, Beautiful Moments. Presented by her mother with the opportunity to study the piano at the age of seven, Neika’s love for music became a driving force that helped her find confidence and heal throughout the most challenging times of her life.
With a name inspired by late-great Recording Artist, Arranger, and Activist Nina Simone, Neika is a classically trained pianist, vocalist, and music educator who graduated with a Master of Music from Norfolk State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Elizabeth City State University. After graduating from college and getting married, Simone found herself returning to music lessons to seek balance in her life. By the end of her 20s, she found herself in an eight-year battle for her body, spirit, and soul. Simone underwent multiple surgeries for a severe case of endometriosis, tragically lost her brother, and endured a painful divorce.
With music as her outlet, Simone found a safe place to begin exploring her recording career with her friend and mentor Songwriter/Producer Victor Nelson and performing at Fredricksburg, VA jazz hotspot, Shannon’s. The pair began collaborating on her debut project with Multi-platinum Songwriter, Producer, and Musician Hannon D. Lane and legendary Trumpeter Bill McGee, both of which played for Evelyn Champagne King’s iconic band, Trussel.
Simone’s Beautiful Moments debut is a tantalizing four-track EP covering relatable emotions from opening oneself up to the sweet cravings of new love, unpacking the complicated nuances of infidelity, to setting boundaries after a break-up. With lyrics and melody written entirely by Simone, her work has been described by SmoothJazz.com as having “powerful vocal range, a dynamic expanse of emotions, an intoxicating rhythm diversity and a hypnotic gift for intimate and inviting songwriting.” Her major influences aside from Nina Simone include Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Nancy Wilson. - Urban Influencer
Soulful Singer-Songwriter Neika Simone is here to soothe heartbreaks with the release of her powerful break-up lyric video, “My Door.” The passionate single and lyric video introduces a fresh new outlook on life post-breakup. The dynamic women’s anthem is produced by Hannon D. Lane, Victor Nelson, and distributed by Canis Major Digital. Available to stream on all major platforms, the empowering record will also be going for adds on Adult Contemporary radio and Smooth Jazz contemporary station categories. - The Hype Magazine
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Neika Simone started singing, as did many artists, in her hometown church’s youth choir. Her parents took notice of her interest in music and enrolled her in piano lessons at the age of 7. That was a wise move as music would become a driving force in her life. Neika Simone became a classically trained pianist and vocalist and began writing music as a teenager. Upon high school graduation, Neika Simone attended Elizabeth City State University where she earned a B.A. degree in Music (piano). She later attended Norfolk State University and graduated with a Master of Music Education degree (voice).Over the years, Neika Simone’s love for jazz grew. She was inspired most by the phenomenal Ella Fitzgerald and many of her contemporaries. As she continued to develop her skills, she began performing with bands such as Left Turn Right Dance Band and Fouray. It was during that time she found her place in the sounds of smooth jazz and began to sing and write music for this genre. Neika Simone’s song lyrics are inspired by her experiences, future hopes, and desires. Currently, Neika Simone is not only a songwriter and performer; she is also a music teacher who enjoys teaching chorus, voice and piano. She and her husband reside in the Richmond, Virginia area.
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