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Felon Interview

The feisty 23 year old singer and lyricist Felon aka Simone Locker takes her name from her incarceration in prison; the Felon story is a modern day rags to riches tale with an urban twist. In 2002, she burst onto the UK dance scene with her anthemic debut single 'Get Out', which was critically acclaimed and hit the top five of three charts.

Felon image Born and raised in London's E17, her single parent mum immersed Simone in old skool R'n'B music. School studies dwindled as her self styled music education developed, Simone knew that she could really sing. But the harsh realities of urban living, dangerous company and a dead end job took their toll, taking her down a very different road.

Tell us a bit about your background?
I'm 23 yrs old, born and raised in East London. I've previously trained and qualified as a Beautician. I have lived with my mum all my life. Aside from that, I love to read and Ski, shop and watch DVD's... not forgetting writing lyrics!

Has it alwasy been your ambition to get in to music?
Up until the age of 9 I had always wanted to be an air stewardess, then it moved on to make up and nails. Only when i started secondary school I decided I wanted to take music seriously.

Who were your idols growing up?
My Mum is always No.1, singer wise I would say Mary J Blige, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker.... All the old 80's soul diva's I grew up listening to.

It's commonly known that you chose your name after a stint in prison - how do you feel about that now?
I don't mind my name, I'm used to it now.. If i don't make reference to my time in prison and be upfront about it then someone else will. Singer/writer or not- my past would have always been there and gone against me.

Do you regret what happened or do you see it as an important part of who you have become?
Of course I regret what happened- anyone with a conscience would. But what happened was a big part in my life and the person I've since become. I used that time constructively, writing so many songs.. including my debut single 'Get Out' which later went top 40. If my life hadn't have gone that way I wouldn't be here answering these questions- so hey!

How did you get involved in your charity work helping out rehabilitation after prisons?
I'm working with charities and whenever there's work to be done with young offenders/helping them in any way shape or form....i'll be there! Hopefully I can be seen as an inspiration to them.

It's been a while now since we heard from you after your debut 'Get Out', what have you been up to?
Well as an artist I was shelved for almost a year before I could release anything.... which was very frustrating! Since then I have been in and out of various studio working with different producers, trying to prepare an album and making sure it's not rushed. This will be my debut album so it has to be good... it can't sound like it just got thrown together! One of my songs 'Ghetto Queen' was also featured on MJ Cole's latest album which was great to do. Other than that I've just been living life!

You're no longer signed to Serious / Universal Records, what happened there?
In truth people were trying to: 1) Mould me, 2) Steal my music (lyrics), 3) Threaten my future career and a few other unpleasant things, so when you have had all that going on good music will NEVER be made! Now I'm free of the contract I am able to do things my own way, which I'm much happier about.

Any hot collaborations on your forthcoming album?
Well at the moment I am getting lots of tracks together- there are not any collaborations with other artists as such, but I have worked with producers like MJ Cole, Mark Hill (of Artful Dodger), Blue Harvest &Maximum Risk. I'm not sure which tracks will make it on to the final album cut as yet though. To date my favourite producer to work with was MJ Cole.

If you could work with anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to work with Mary J Blige, Nas, R Kelly and homegrown talent like So Solid, Lemar + Craig David to name a few! Now that would be an album...

Your new single 'Flash' is a different style to 'Get Out' - is this a new Felon?
No this is not the new Felon sound- its just one slim dimension. If I can, I would like to make a wide range of music across the spectrum so that I can reach as many different people as possible.... for example if I only do r&b those are the only people I would reach. I feel I've got lots to give. There are 5 mixes of 'Flash' that span from R&B to house to a chill out kinda mix!

How did you get inspired for it?
Honestly? I don't know! I just sat down one day and out it came...

Do you write all your own material?
I write every single lyric.. I have a book with well over 100 songs waiting to go. It's the part I enjoy the most- creating and writing new material and then laying it down in the studio.

How's life with the independent label Tripple A?
I have always been managed by Triple A, even when I was signed to Universal. Now they have launched their own label its only right I'm with them as we all work together- I trust them and I know they have my best interests at heart.

Have you been doing any live PA's?
None at the moment, but there is a PA tour being organised for me at the moment and I will probably tour the country around schools and clubs in the near future. I am also going to be doing a showcase in Central London very soon- I'll keep you posted!

What are your aims for 2004?
To keep making the new music.. That's what I'm about. Hopefully it will be a successful year.