A singer-songwriter who has crafted his style on artists like John Mayer and Ed Sheeran, Melbourne-based Simon Tselios introduces new listeners to his nostalgic, indie pop tones with the single 'Blue Car'.
Released last month, and the follow-up to his late 2023 single 'Burn', 'Blue Car' was written about pursuing your dreams rather than getting caught up in the mundane."This song is all about escaping reality, going to a place where everything is exactly how you want it," shares Simon.
"This song was written in my early 20s. I was working as a sales assistant and after one of my shifts I thought about how great it would be if I could actually do what I wanted to do, rather than what I have to do. I wrote all those feelings down and made this song."
With 'Blue Var' engineered by Ben Hense (Archie Roach, Missy Higgins) at Beat Tank Studios, Tselios has spent recent years developing a strong core sound and voice which he plans to build on with a busy 2024.
Who is Simon Tselios... I'm a singer-songwriter from Melbourne. I started playing music when I was around eight years old (piano). I gave that up when I was 11 to start guitar and have been in love ever since.
After trying to start up a band in my later teens (and having no luck) I decided to try and do it on my own (after watching an Ed Sheeran gig in 2012). I started singing and songwriting from then. I love playing live and am obsessed with songwriting.
I sound like... My musical influences: John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and James Bay.
My first gig was... In a dive bar in London city. I had told my friends that I played music (they didn't believe me) so one night I mustered up the courage to go onstage and perform. The first song I played was a cover of my favourite song of all time ('Slow Dancing In A Burning Room' by John Mayer).
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... The name I stuck with was my own name. It was a lot of tossing and turning on it, but since it is unique, I decided to stick with it.
In the studio I usually... Like to do a lot of experimenting, trying different ideas and different sounds to improve a song.
If I could tour with anyone... It would be John Mayer or Red Hot Chili Peppers. My guitar idols growing up were Mayer, John Frusciante and Jimi Hendrix. So that would be a dream come true.
Social media is... A lot of give and take. You have to understand where the benefits lie and where it is somewhat detrimental.
My favourite app at the moment is... TikTok. I love watching talented musicians do their thing.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I forgot the lyrics to my own song. I made up a completely new verse on the spot. It was the first time I ever played it live, so I guess no one would've known the difference.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Any time I look down from tall buildings – terrified of heights!
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Johnny Depp. He's my all-time favourite actor. He's such a cool guy.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? New York definitely. It's such an amazing city, crammed with so many people who are all just trying to get by.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Flea, John Frusciante, Anthony Kiedis. The Chili Peppers! My favourite band.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Being of Greek heritage, it would maybe be a lamb on the spit or some Gyros.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love pets (specifically dogs). I've had them all my life and can't imagine a life without them.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Guitars (obsessed with collecting them; maybe too much).
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Last week. I like going to the gym, it's definitely a great place to exert some energy.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Washing clothes. I wish I could buy new ones every time the old ones get dirty.
Do you have any phobias... Fear of heights. Nothing to say here, just hate heights with a passion haha.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Yeah, I actually enjoy watching music shows like 'American Idol', 'The Voice' etc. People are so talented.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? One of my friends is terrified of spiders, so what I did one day was buy a huge fake tarantula and put it under his bed sheets. The scream he let out was insane!
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Has to be pizza or burgers. Can't get enough of them.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? I'd love to say Michael Scott. He's so crazy and his personality is infectious.
Last show you binge-watched? Continuing with Michael Scott, it has to be 'The Office'. I could watch it over and over again.
