Toronto-born artist Nicole Simone releases her first full-length album, Circles, via Soul Spazm, delivering a deeply personal collection of songs exploring relationships, change, loss, and the meaning of home.
Now splitting her time between Toronto and Los Angeles, Simone draws inspiration from the places and people that have shaped her journey, with London, Barcelona, and LA becoming characters throughout the record.
From her apartment roof, Simone can see the Chateau Marmont, where the lights are always on. That view inspired “Chateau,” one of three standout singles from Circles.
Nicole Simone Circles: Exploring Change and Belonging
Simone created the album during the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, evacuating with her dog Indie and spending a month in Arizona, uncertain of where home would be.
“I think the thread connecting these songs is liminality, people, relationships and places that exist somewhere between arriving and leaving,” she says.
The album’s title track, “Circles,” was the first song Simone wrote after deciding to make the record. Written at her kitchen counter, the song was inspired by eclectic conversations with a reality star whose ex-wife was publicly criticizing him online.
“Calling the album Circles ultimately felt appropriate because making my first full-length record brought me full circle as an artist,” she explains. “It felt less like reinventing myself and more like coming home to myself.”
Nicole Simone Brings Indie Rock Influences to Circles
Across the album, Simone explores different experiences and musical influences while maintaining a personal connection to each song.
“Suit Undone” recalls a Hollywood Hills adventure with a stranger and includes a nod to Crowded House.
Meanwhile, “Chateau” serves as Simone’s homage to Interpol and The Strokes, capturing the sound of what she describes as “the band I never got to have growing up.”
Producer Billy Lefler brings a raw edge to the record through live drumming, recorded at Death Star Records alongside vintage guitars and synthesizers.
Throughout the recording process, Simone’s beloved Australian Cattle Dog, Indie, was a constant presence in the studio. Rescued through Redemption Paws, the charity Simone founded, Indie was in the booth for every session.
Tragically, Indie passed away the week the album was released.
“She’s all over the record too,” Simone shares.
Beyond Music: Nicole Simone’s Creative Career and Animal Advocacy
Beyond her music, Nicole Simone has built a multifaceted career as an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and animal advocate.
She is the creator of the series ON A LIST, has been featured as a writer in Reader’s Digest, and founded Redemption Paws, an animal rescue charity that has saved more than 4,000 dogs and helped bring about changes to Canadian federal animal protection law.
Simone has continued building her independent creative career while living with a rare, life-altering disability.
For the artist, Circles represents more than a collection of songs. It marks a significant personal and artistic milestone.
“If I had to explain Circles now, I’d say it’s the most important piece of art I’ve ever made,” she says.
With the lights still shining at the Chateau Marmont, Nicole Simone’s journey has brought her full circle, finding her way home to Canada.
