Nexus Meets… Nero Simon and the Sunsetters

Described by Pop Fad Blog as breeding “a desire for spontaneous adventure aiming to tell stories through their music”, US-based group Nero Simon and the Sunsetters share a unique sound with the masses. We speak to frontman Nero Simon about their single ‘Treasure Island’, what drew him to music and much more!

What drew you to music?

I’ve been playing music for a long time. I started playing guitar at a very young age, first playing folk and then a little classical. My mother introduced me to the flamenco guitar players like Paco De Lucia and I tried to play like them. I loved their fiery approach to playing but they also played beautiful melodies. In my teens, I discovered the electric guitar and got really into playing rock music, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd, stuff like that. I mixed all of those influences into a style that forms the Sunsetters’ sound.

What do you hope people take from your music?

Whether someone is listening to our new album or they come to see us play live, I just want people to have a good time. I just want to enjoy pleasing music and help people get away from whatever stress and worry are on their minds and escape with us for a little bit.

What or who inspires you to make music?

More than anything, playing music with others is what inspires me. Just being in a room with people I enjoy being around and playing music with them. Music is meant to bring people together. I see a lot of excellent “Instagram guitar players” with amazing skills and technique, I enjoy the videos and I’m happy they’ve found success in finding an audience. But, I hope they are also writing songs, connecting with fans and other musicians in person because that is where the real magic of music is.

What can you tell us about your single ‘Treasure Chest’?

‘Treasure Chest’ is our latest single and it’s the title track from our upcoming album. It’s basically the story of two lovers who are on a passionate island through the Florida Keys, trying to rekindle a love gone by. It’s basically a love song but with a twist. It has some tropical vibes and some silly saxophone to add Caribbean flavour.

If you could change one thing about ‘Treasure Chest’, what would it be?

I’ve written and recorded plenty of songs before that I’m not satisfied with, I end up wishing I had done this or that differently. ‘Treasure Chest’ isn’t one of those songs. I feel that it’s perfect in terms of my goals as a songwriter, it holds a special place in my heart. From a personal standpoint, it’s one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written.

What advice do you have for new artists?

It’s a cliche but it’s 100% true: be yourself. Have no fear to be the person you truly are and use that energy to guide your music. Personally, I haven’t always followed this advice and as a result, I wasn’t always at my best, until I decided to go all-in and channel my true self through the music. It makes a world of difference to both yourself and your audience.

How would you describe your music?

A little folk, a little rock, a little Americana, but with a Latin and Caribbean swing.

Do you have any future plans as a musician?

No, I don’t plan that far out in advance. Just keep playing every day and keep doing what I’m doing. Writing songs, recording, playing shows, jamming with my friends and, of course, practising. As long as I continue to do that I’m confident good things will keep coming our way.

Do you have a message for our readers?

Thanks for reading this far! I hope you check out our music and come see us play, we’d love to see you at a Sunsetters show.