Simone took the plunge and changed her name to her first name, Nicole Simone, from the end of July. “I think I’m just becoming myself after being three years at the end of July trying to hide all those parts of who I am. I’m ready to merge with my music.” Simone is having a busy fall with a steady stream of releases, including a six-song EP entitled Green Eyes.

Simone describes the selection of songs as “a collection of songs from a very hectic time in my life”. The EP was produced by aspiring producer Jessica Taylor. “I wanted to revamp all of that and put it all in one place because they’re all related, there’s similar themes, it’s very fun and dreamy.” On her name, Simone writes, “I’m a first-generation Sicilian and Simone is a tribute of being Italian, something I’ve always shied away from because of the stigma of being Sicilian and people don’t really believe I’m Italian.” But the fiery singer is anything but predictable these days.

The animated redhead, who has amassed a large following on social media since she burst onto the music scene in 2019, shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m in a really good headspace with music, writing and producing right now. Finding out what I am like as an artist and how I work has been an eye opener for me. I used to think I had to do everything myself, but working with the right people has helped me translate my ideas tonally in ways I never could have imagined.” Simone’s online presence has a loyal legion of fans who support their music and modeling careers in an almost iconic way.

Simone’s next song and first single under her own name, American, was produced by Kyle McCammon (Lean) in Los Angeles. It’s a dark power synth pop anthem that’s creepy while ironic. The lyrics cry out for redemption, while the selection of Kate Bush and Kavinsky synths pushes the song in an exciting direction. “American is a dystopian love letter to LA. I love this city, but it scares me…