Simeon Peebler

48 minute interview with live-performance, WGN Radio show from 12/16/2015. http://wgnradio.com/2015/12/16/singersongwriter-simeon-peebler-alex-chilton-protest-songs-and-bob-ross/ - WGN Radio

Chicago native Simeon Peebler’s second album, “Missing Anchor” is a wonderful cascade of singer-songwriter Americana with a direct lineage back to 60s protest music. He is certainly not shy about speaking his mind.

Falling somewhere between Jim Croce’s “Life and Times,” Gordon Lightfoot’s “Summertime Dream,” and Bruce Springsteen’s stark masterpiece, “Nebraska,” “”Missing Anchor” is a powerful statement on the condition of modern life.

Equal parts heartfelt and somber, melancholy and moving, he uses a broad brushstroke to paint these aural landscapes. He confronts many troubling topics from today’s headlines such as racism, corporate welfare, crooked politicians, plight of the poor and gun control. The song “Bullets,” which tackles head-on the Trayvon Martin murder in Florida, as well as “Stack The Gold,” about corporate greed and trickster banking, both give further due to headline grabbing stories. The haunting echoes of the Pete Seeger-esque track “I Will Not Leave” is a celebration of the Occupy movement. While the piano-based, title track is reminiscent of early Billy Joel.

These are personal songs about love (both lost and found), life, freedom and the struggle to find one’s piece of mind in an ever more chaotic world. Woody Guthrie once said that he “was not a songwriter, but a journalist.” I think Simeon Peebler has just earned his journalism credentials.

You can pick up a copy of “Missing Anchor” from CD Baby, iTunes or his Bandcamp page and while you’re there I would highly recommend getting a copy of Simeon Peebler’s excellent debut album, “Follow the River Bend.”

http://www.simeonpeebler.com

http://simeonpeebler.bandcamp.com/album/missing-anchor

~ Michael Lohr - The New Renaissance Magazine

With his leftist lyrical bent, crisp acoustic folk, and punchy rock attitude, Simeon Peebler traces a clear lineage to protest music of the ’60s. “I Will Not Leave” is the earnest outcry of the Occupy movement, with Peebler’s voice and acoustic guitar ringing with determination. “Stack The Gold” is an indictment of the greed of the last decade, but “Birthday Home” is a peppy rock number with bluesy electric guitar that proves he’s not just a dour malcontent. Such contrasts salvage Missing Anchor from being one-dimensional. (simeonpeebler.com)
– Patrick Conlan - Illinois Entertainer

Simeon Peebler has written a collection of songs inspired by the social political climate of our nation. These songs reflect on the voices and dedication of the occupy movement, unchallenged wealth vs poverty, the fear of our gun culture, the promise and resolve of Lincoln, and a want for hope and healing.

The production of this record is very strong with well built rock and roll arrangements performed by a group of talented musicians that give these songs musical depth and dimension reminiscent of a Bruce Cockburn record. Simeon's voice is clear and strong and doesn't hold back in the clarity of his message.

The title track Missing Anchor is a beautiful piano ballad with swelling guitar lines that underline the desperate wanting of Peeblers song. With a simple uke backing, Healing Hearts is a standout song and arrangement. Birthday Home also gives personal insight to a collection of songs that reaches out to a bigger world.

Overall, this record is very well produced and passionate in it's performance. The songs are thoughtful and insightful exploring some of the important issues of our times while maintaining a timeless message. - Charlie Mosbrook

Follow The River Bend is the first musical achievement and a worthy introduction to a very talented song writer Simeon Peebler from the underground scene in Chicago. - altcountryforum.nl