Bill Simms was 16 years old when he stood in front of a crowd of teenagers at a high school assembly in Corner Brook and, with electric guitar in hand, sang a song he had written.
It was the day before Christmas and he wanted to know how his new tune, “Kiss Me Arse (And Go Away for Christmas)” — with humorous lyrics about wishing his relatives would leave him alone for the holidays —would go over with schoolmates and teachers.
Their reaction was something he never expected.
“Everybody was just up on their feet shouting and bawling,” Simms told The Telegram. “I really don’t think I’ve gotten an applause like that since.”
Years later — after studying music at university and performing solo shows and gigs with various bands — Simms got in the Christmas spirit by filming a music video for the track.
The video — which can be viewed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/billsimmsmusic/videos/ — is getting plenty of positive feedback.
“Everybody seems to be getting a kick out of it,” he said.
The 29-year-old, who moved to Toronto three years ago, is recording his first album, “Sweltering Sun”, a collection of 13 roots/country tunes, which includes some humorous songs and some serious ones.
“I picked these songs because they fit together musically and lyrically,” said Simms, who also writes hip-hop and rock songs. “I’m really excited about it.”
The album also includes the tunes, “Oh Loretta” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp0v9tHvqvI) and “Darling You Look Great” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-C8yAQbXl8).
To help complete the album, Simms is launching a crowdfunding (www.indiegogo.com/projects/tis-the-season-crowdfund-bill-simms-new-album).
His goal is $4,000, which would cover the cost of studio fees, backup musician fees, mixing, mastering and CD manufacturing.
“Any kind of contribution is a big help and is greatly appreciated,” said Simms, who has played with such well-known local artists as Sherman Downey, Mallory Johnson, Denis Parker and Heavy Horses.
His festive single, “Kiss Me Arse (And Go Away for Christmas) is not on the album, but it is included as a bonus perk to those who have made a donation.
Depending on the level of donation, people who contribute can also receive anything from a copy of the album to private music lessons from Simms and a private concert.
Simms is back in this province for Christmas and has a number of shows planned — Dec. 28 in Stephenville, Jan. 4 at the Fat Cat in St. John’s and Jan. 12 at Swirsky’s in Corner Brook.
rosie.mullaley@thetelegram.com
Twitter: TelyRosie
