*Photos provided by Kerrecia Simon*
Kerrecia Simon is one of the new faces of the Trinidad and Tobago Soca scene! Her hit song, "My Bam Bam" of 2015 has already secured her the title of Tobago Soca Heavyweight Champion and at just 19, her journey has only just begun! |
OL: How did you get started with making your own music? (Describe, if you can, the parts you play as it relates to the process from pre-production to performing?)
KS: I started off in music at the age of 8 by going with my father [to] calypso tents and I never stopped from that point. I mainly write my own songs and sometimes co-write with other writers. During the production phase of the songs, I suggest instruments or ideas that should be added or taken out.
OL: Has this always been a passion or dream of yours? And how far do you hope to take it?
KS:
From as long as I can remember, I've been singing along to songs on the radio and trying to create my own lyrics. My hope is that I can have [a] long life so I can continue my career and take myself as far as God desires.
KS: I started off in music at the age of 8 by going with my father [to] calypso tents and I never stopped from that point. I mainly write my own songs and sometimes co-write with other writers. During the production phase of the songs, I suggest instruments or ideas that should be added or taken out.
OL: Has this always been a passion or dream of yours? And how far do you hope to take it?
KS:
From as long as I can remember, I've been singing along to songs on the radio and trying to create my own lyrics. My hope is that I can have [a] long life so I can continue my career and take myself as far as God desires.
OL: What was the inspiration behind “My Bam Bam”? And what has been the experience been like for you this carnival season? KS: The song was written by myself, Dnyce (a producer from Trinidad) and a local artiste named Frankie D. The initial idea for the song [had] nothing to do with "bam bam", but as we were in the studio putting the final lyrics together, Dnyce thought that "My Bam Bam" would be a good catch phrase for the song. From that, the song shifted, I came up with the lyrics and we had "My Bam Bam." This was a great season: I won the Tobago Soca Heavywaight Competition, I came second in the Tobago Soca Monarch and I've had countless performances with positive feedback from the crowd[s] everywhere. |
OL: What has been the most challenging moment up to this point as it relates to establishing your presence as an artist; as well as the most exciting/joyous moment?
KS:
My most challenging moment to this point would have been in 2012, where I found myself wondering if to continue. I entered a Tobago Soca Crown Competition and placed first, only to receive a phone call the following evening saying that there was a mix up; and while the head judge and his friend were taking a look through the score sheets, they realised there was a mistake and I was now in second place.
However, my most exciting moment was when I drove by a group of children within the 3-6 age bracket and as they saw me they began singing my song.
KS:
My most challenging moment to this point would have been in 2012, where I found myself wondering if to continue. I entered a Tobago Soca Crown Competition and placed first, only to receive a phone call the following evening saying that there was a mix up; and while the head judge and his friend were taking a look through the score sheets, they realised there was a mistake and I was now in second place.
However, my most exciting moment was when I drove by a group of children within the 3-6 age bracket and as they saw me they began singing my song.
OL: Who has been the greatest influence to you thus far in your life and career;
how so?
KS:
My father has been my greatest influence because aside from him being the one to introduce to music, he has never stopped encouraging me. He plays an important role in my life by never missing a performance, a competition, an audition, a football game or any other thing I decide to embark upon.
how so?
KS:
My father has been my greatest influence because aside from him being the one to introduce to music, he has never stopped encouraging me. He plays an important role in my life by never missing a performance, a competition, an audition, a football game or any other thing I decide to embark upon.