Simone: The Soulful Voice of Modern R&B

Simone is a British R&B singer-songwriter known for her emotive vocals and contemporary production. Hailing from London, she achieved mainstream success with her platinum-certified debut album, which spawned several top ten singles in the UK.

Early career

Born in 1994, Simone began honing her musical talent in her teens, posting covers and original demos on YouTube. Her online presence caught the attention of independent labels, leading to her first professional recording contract in 2013.

She spent the following years developing her sound, collaborating with emerging producers and featuring on tracks by underground UK garage and hip-hop artists. This period of experimentation laid the groundwork for her distinct blend of classic soul and modern electronic R&B.

Breakthrough

Simone's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the release of her debut single, Midnight Drive. The song gained traction on streaming platforms and radio, eventually peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. This success secured her a major label deal with Mercury Records later that year.

Her debut album, Echoes, followed in 2018 and was a critical and commercial triumph. It entered the UK Albums Chart at number three and was later certified platinum, solidifying her position in the UK R&B scene.

Key tracks

Midnight Drive — This breakthrough single introduced her atmospheric sound to a national audience and earned her first major radio play.

Fool's Gold — A top five hit that showcased her songwriting depth and became a signature track from her debut album.

Closer (feat. Jorja Smith) — This celebrated collaboration highlighted her place within a new wave of UK R&B talent.

Reflections — The introspective lead single from her sophomore album demonstrated her artistic evolution.

Building on this momentum, Simone's second album, Dualities, arrived in 2021. It debuted at number two on the UK chart and featured production work from Kaytranada, marking a confident step into more dance-oriented rhythms. Her consistent output has led to prestigious festival slots and nominations at the MOBO Awards.

Simone's sophisticated take on R&B finds common ground with artists like Jorja Smith, who shares a similar focus on vocal purity and lyrical authenticity. The production style on her later work echoes the innovative grooves of NAO. Listeners who enjoy the contemporary soul of Cleo Sol will appreciate Simone's nuanced delivery and melodic sensibility.

Her music maintains a strong presence on radio, frequently featured on national R&B and urban contemporary stations, as well as on independent music radio stations focusing on new UK talent. Tracks from both Echoes and Dualities remain in regular rotation, connecting with audiences who value soulful vocals over modern beats.

You can hear the music of Simone on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her catalog of hits and deep cuts through our curated selection of R&B and soul-focused online radio streams.