Interview with Sim Balkey

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

I ran across Randy’s twitter page through a mutual friend’s tweet. I checked out the site and liked what it stood for.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

I was born and raised in the northern part of New Mexico near Abiquiu (pronounced Ab-ee-cue). I tell people this and they stare at me. So I usually finish it up with, most know it as the home of the artist Georgia O’Keefe. It’s about an hour south of the Colorado border.
I grew up on a small farm about twenty miles outside any town. Music has always been a big part of my life. Even as a young kid (say 6-7 years old) I remember getting in trouble for writing lyrics in my notebooks instead of finishing my school work. I actually still have some of those notebooks. Turns out I was a huge Merle Haggard, Kenny Rogers, and Eagles fan!
As far as becoming an artist, I don’t think I really “decided” it was going to happen. I think I just kept playing music more and more, which led me to forming a band where I kept writing and recording my own stuff, and everything just progressed to a point that I was able to share the songs I loved (covers) and now I can share my music.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Sim Balkey: My name (Sim) is just a shortened version of my full first name (Simon)…like the SIM card in a phone. My wife and friends call me Sim so when radio started having trouble with Simon versus Simone, or Simmon…. I decided that Sim was just the easiest all around. My last name, well that just comes from a long line of wild and crazy, hahaha.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

I think online sharing (like anything in this world) has its pros and cons. If there is a benefit to the artist and public for sharing, I’m all for it.
I’ve given music away before as advertisement, thanks to fans, and as a conversation opener. I believe it is a must in the industry at some level; however, free or not, I believe an artist’s music has real value.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

I’ve learned quite a bit over the last few years about the industry, but especially about me. The one thing, and possibly the cheesiest sounding is “Be You.” The one thing I wish someone would have convinced me of (and even though I was told this it took a while for the light to come on) was that I needed to find my own special something to make me stand out. I heard that over and over and always thought it had to be something big like stage production, or specialized guitar sounds, or something that was obvious to everybody and think I over did it a bit (crazy light show, rock star moves, and some other ridiculous stuff).
What I really needed to do was sit back and just write my own stuff, let my own voice come out, and treat the stage like I treated my normal life everyday…. as me.
When I took the time to sit down and own my music, I found that the stage production had a better flow, my interaction with the crowd was natural and sincere because I wasn’t trying too hard, and fans started recognizing that I had my own (different) style, way of phrasing lyrics, groove on stage,  and originality in song styles because I was just…..me. I know that there is always a lot to be learned and that every show can get better but the only way to truly improve is to make yourself better by finding your own voice .
Once that is in place, then it’s making sure great demo’s are made highlighting the originality that venues and fans will hear. Make sure and provide these things the way venues request them also. Just because your great at graphics, or studio work, video, etc. doesn’t mean venues want a huge package of information. Give them “exactly” what they ask for. I always offered a free-play or reduced rate to get in the door the first time when we were doing cover stuff especially.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Everybody makes mistakes. Mine are usually of the “I forgot the lyrics” flavor. Usually something in the crowd or some crazy random thought comes along and boom. If you’ve practiced enough, the band will carry the song and you will get right back in on the next line. Sometimes you can pick the lyrics back up from the background singers or heck if it’s a good spot, get the crowd involved. Bottom line, it’s not a huge deal unless YOU make it look like one. Never stop in the middle of a song and never freak out. Let it pass as quick as it came. Word of advice, make sure and talk about this situation with your band during rehearsal. Make sure they realize it’s not the end of the world (believe me, they will screw up too) and talk about how you’ll handle it.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Currently playing across the Southwest United States 60-100 nights/year. Have shared the stage with: Eric Church, Love and Theft, Clint Black, Aaron Watson, Randy Rogers,Mark Chesnutt, Kyle Park, Bleu Edmonson, Wynona, Steve Holy, Pat Green, Bri Bagwell, Josh Grider, and others.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

My song inspiration comes from any and everything… a cool line on TV, an emotion I want to capture, a memorable event in my life (good & bad), really from everything I come across.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Band site:  simbalkey.com
Share music: Sound Cloud, You Tube, starting to use Reverb Nation, iTunes, Bandcamp, and Amazon.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

I love all kinds of music and sometimes I catch myself listening to the craziest stuff. I don’t know if it’s embarrassing but..Most recently, “All About That Bass.” Others include:  TI’s “You Can Have What Ever You Like,” “Sweet Caroline,” lots of 80s rock, and some Prince.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

I would pay off any loans/bills/mortgage, prep the band, pack the trailer, and play every venue I could book across the US.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Just completed an album. I’m working on pushing that right now. It will be released early March.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

I promote through every social media outlet I can get a hold of. Through my website, radio, word of mouth, and on the road. Heck, I was thinking of mass mailing to the areas that I will be playing if I can figure out how. Right now, I am surprised how much attention the social media programs have helped me spread the word.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

I know there are some awesome venues out there and some artists that changed music (Elvis, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, etc.) which I truly respect. At one time, one of these would have been my choice. Today though, I’m in a different world when it comes to this craft than I was earlier in my career. I see the legends in today’s country country music (like George Strait, Alan Jackson, etc.) which I am just in awe with and the game changers like (Eric Church, Kip Moore, etc.) that I see paving the way for future country artists. If I couldn’t share the stage with George Strait I would choose someone who is changing music as we speak. I’ve shared the stage with Eric Church which was a ridiculously awesome experience for me so to be as selfish as I possibly could be, I would love to sit on some stools with a couple guitars with Kip Moore in my own home base of Albuquerque, NM and tradeoff songs. I think I would honestly want to perform inside a nightclub (The Dirty Bourbon Dancehall & Saloon) that gave me a chance as an artist a couple years ago which allowed me to raise my game in the industry. I think at this point, I am really about the music and giving thanks to those who are and have been supportive to me in my career… Then, I’d pray for sold out coliseum gigs…!!

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Right now, things are starting to look up with radio spinning my single “How ‘Bout We Do That Tonight.” My goal is really to support that single and others as it is released through 2015 and expand our touring route. I’m so freak’n excited about 2015.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I would most likely be working in a scientific field. I like that sort of stuff. I took the college route as I was honing my music style. I earned a degree in chemistry to give my parents the piece of mind that I would have a “fall-back-plan.” Didn’t work, they still worry.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

The first album I ever owned was a Merle Haggard album. The first album I ever bought was Poison. (hahaha) My older brother was an 80s rock junkie and had the volume at 11 all the time. I had no chance, it just grew on me. Second album was Garth Brooks (No Fences).

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

I make sure my family is taken care of and then my music. At some point, you create a routine and find the time slots for everything to fit between your music stuff. Sometimes, you have to force yourself to be creative, make a call, or negotiate a contract. It sure DOESN’T fall into place like in the movies.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?

A new album, a new live show,  more dates in more places, and a whole lot of fun!