Most artists spend a lifetime perfecting what others make effortless. Kortnee Simmons is a rising music artist who wields a purposeful pen, one that drips soul and slurps inspiration from life's experiences, real or imagined. With the stage being his first love, he confronts what it means to be a musician in the 21st century. 'Love Me, Leave Me' is a hard-hitting anthem illustrating the age-old adage, "if it's meant to be, let it go, and it'll come back". In writing this song Kortnee Simmons wanted to take a message we often ignore, and make it a bit more palatable. The song features driving percussion, atmospheric plucks, intricate vocals, and passion to match.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Kortnee Simmons. What first got you into music?
Hello! I come from a musical family, so it was always around. My mother played instruments and sang, and she encouraged that gift in me. In addition to that influence at home, we were very active in the music ministry at church. We'd often travel to sing at other local churches. My transition to recording came in the 9th grade, though. I was 14 years old and I can remember writing a song on the piano in the chorus room during my lunch break. That song became the first song we recorded for a boy band I was in called Plus1.
What do you think your role is in this world?
I believe my role in this world is to be a light. There's enough darkness to go around, but we need people to help give way for hope and healing. As a musician and as a citizen of this world, I believe my purpose is to help provide that hope that people so desperately need.
Your latest track is 'Love Me, Leave Me'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Love Me, Leave Me was actually written in 2017. I'd just released Euphoria and my creativity was hyperactive. I actually wrote another 18 songs for an album after the release of that EP, but decided not to release it at the time. In the process of writing the music, I came across the beat for what's now Love Me, Leave Me. Those who know me know that I am a huge fan of Disney. Naturally, the music gave me Lion King vibes, and I just went with it. The subject matter kind of jumped out at me, and from there it was following the vibe and feeling my #InnerDisney. Nothing unusual happened, but there is an alternate version that features my brother, Alex Simmons.
What’s your scariest experience?
From the top of my memory, it's probably been riding a rollercoaster. I'm terribly afraid of heights. Fun fact, I actually use the Oculus Quest 2 to try and get over that. It's something I started with my late friend, Jvst Kigh.
How do you spend your time?
I spend the majority of my time working. As an artist, I wear a lot of hats. Like I said before, I believe I have purpose behind the art I make. I have reason. A large portion of my time is spent coaching others. I'm very passionate about contributing to the dismantling of the barrier to access for independent musicians. So, outside of making music, a lot of time is dedicated to that. I also love to bowl lol.
What are you most proud of?
I'm most proud of my ability to remain grounded despite the successes I've achieved thus far. Coming from where I'm from, you don't expect to make it out, let alone far. I'm proud of the hard work and dedication to my craft. I think I'm most proud of the impact that listeners have communicated to me in response to my music.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
If I could open a show for any artist, I'd want to open for Jill Scott. I LOVE her sound and realness. The raw intensity of her writing and vocal performance is visceral and I'd love to be up close to that gifting. I actually recorded a cover of her song "A Long Walk" from a live show I did and more than 5 million people have streamed it. Someone tell Miss Jill Scott I'm trying to go on tour with her lol.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Being content is the enemy of progress. I think I continue to grow because I challenge myself to be better everyday. I was taught that there's always more to learn, despite what you know. I've managed to stay ahead of my peers by continually sharpening my skills and making better music. Admittedly, I was slacking in 2022; but one small piece of data helped kicked me in the butt. In 2020, I was one of the top 10K artists in the world. I'm looking forward to surpassing that. I'm proud to say, though, that I am in the top 7% of R&B/Soul artists in the world and top 10% in the U.S. across all genres (via Chartmetric).
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
I think technology has the potential to improve lives, but it depends on how you use it. Technology and the internet have granted access to many who would've otherwise not been able to get it. An artist can record and release right from their phone now. The drawback to that, in my opinion, is that in some ways it may be more difficult for that artist to make real connection outside of the digital space if they don't know how to move.
What superpower would you have and why?
I think I'd want telekinesis. It's always been a dream of mine lol.