What you see is what you get…
What you see is what you get with Christina Simos. This singer/songwriter is a throwback from the 70s. She sings from her heart and writes with her soul. Her songs chronicle her life—all the good, bad, and dramatic. Born in Jamaica, Queens, New York, with an instinctive feel for catchy, soulful grooves, Christina’s music is an infusion of R & B, dance, pop, rock, and soul. Her lyrics are emotionally honest, sassy, and heartfelt. “It’s all about the journey,” Christina says. “It’s about empowerment, connecting with others, finding your place, and shining your light.”
It’s in her DNA to be on stage performing, but it wasn’t until she graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University (ASU) that she realized how true that was. “I was a woman of many firsts,” says Christina. “I was the first of my generation in my family to go to college.
I was the first female minority opinion editor at my college newspaper and one of the few female minority sports reporters in the business at that time.” Christina was also one of the first students to report the news and become the news. “Our campus was dealing with racial unrest and homophobia among other issues that are typical for college.
I made it my mission to unify and educate people about these issues,” says Christina.While in college, Christina founded an organization called Students Against Discrimination (SAD) where she led one of the largest rallies ASU has ever had: the Unity Rally 1996. Because of this rally, the Intergroup Relations Center, now called Diversity at ASU, was formed as a way to educate and integrate all people regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, or physical abilities. “This should have been my crowning achievement yet I felt empty,” says Christina. So when she graduated, she gave her degree to her mother, who had said she was better off writing than singing. She realized that even though she had been successful, her heart wasn’t in it. “My passion was my music, and I finally went to pursue that,” says Christina.
Christina’s first break was in 1999, as a finalist for the MTV VJ TOO contest produced by Adam Freeman, executive producer of Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels. She beat out thousands of eager VJs but didn’t win. It was a devastating blow for her. “I thought I was finally going to get my break,” Christina says. “MTV brought me back to audition for an MTV NEWS VJ but the Universe had other plans for me.”
Over the last ten years, Christina has acted in music videos, radio promos, public PSAs, commercials, game shows, infomercials, hosted a variety of cable TV shows, and has been featured in Glamour and Allure Magazines. In 2008, her hit song “All About Me,” co-written by Eddie Hedges (Founder of the 80s pop group, Blessid Union of Souls) was a finalist in the USA Songwriting competition. In 2009, she returned to her musical theater roots working with directors Jonathan Slavin (Better Off Ted) and Tom Pardoe (Best in Drag). In June 2010, Christina performed on San Francisco Pride’s Main Stage with the BackStreet Boys, Rose Royce, Andy Bell, and Martha and the Motels.
In October 2010, Christina released her first album All About Me. The Music Connection wrote: “Seasoned and sassy, this performer has a gift for upbeat hooks… “All About Me” is a late—‘90’s sounding dance-pop number that’s catchy as hell… “I’m in Trouble” is a sultry mid-tempo tune with a nice beat and 60’s funk/soul vibe that we like.” Woman’s Radio hails Christina as “afrolicious, soulful and powerful… a singer/songwriter and mother passionate about using her music to make a positive change in the world, which she most certainly has with her Rock, Blues, and Soul inspired vocals.”
The Urban Music Scene said, “Talented to the upmost, Christina Simos is an artist who will hopefully breakthrough… a crowded industry… bridging styles encompassing R&B, funk, pop, rock and singer/songwriter Simos’s full length All About ME can be described as a … musical melting pot.” CASHBOX MAGAZINE describes Christina as a “crossover artist” with “wonderful ol’ skool melody lines that are like a warm fabric of woven-notes that envelope you nothing’ but good vibrations, the masses of pop-culture music will definitely enjoy.”
Christina released her first music video “So Many Times” that she co-wrote with singer/songwriter Michael Patrick Coughlin and has been performing all over Southern California. She continues to collaborate with producer Eddie Hedges, who produced five tracks on her CD including the hit song “All About Me.” Since the release, Christina’s music has reached 24 countries and counting. “Someday I’m going to be big in Japan.” Christina laughs. “The fact that people in countries like Iraq, Morocco, The United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland and Greece have had a taste of my music makes me very happy.”
In June 2011, Christina shared the stage with the Pointer Sisters at a benefit fundraiser for her favorite charity, The Friendly House. “It’s important to give back to the community,” says Christina. “Everything we do matters and I wouldn’t be here today had someone not extended a hand to me. To be able to give back and share the stage with the Pointer Sisters is a win-win situation.” Christina has continues to donate her time and resources to help raise money for AIDS research, music/art programs in the public schools, and civil rights/equality for all. “I advocate for people because I know what it’s like to be down and out. I know what it’s like to be discriminated against. I know what it’s like to not have an outlet for your creativity and to be told you are not enough as you are. Any opportunity I have to help others, I take it.”
In May 2012 Christina joined a band called Four Peas in a Bucket. The band worked with Grammy Nominated, multi-platinum producer Dr. Freeze. Dr. Freeze is known for his innovative style and a number of hits including Bel Biv Devoes ‘”Poison” and Color Me Bads’ “I Wanna Sex You Up.” The band spent more than a year writing and recording songs. Unfortunately the band broke up before they could break out. “I grew as an artist but took a step back to regroup. I put everything I had into that group.” said Christina. “I was devastated when we couldn’t come to an agreement. All that work, all that music, it was one of those moments that just made me question if I still wanted to do this.”In June 2011, Christina shared the stage with the Pointer Sisters at a benefit fundraiser for her favorite charity, The Friendly House. “It’s important to give back to the community,” says Christina. “Everything we do matters and I wouldn’t be here today had someone not extended a hand to me. To be able to give back and share the stage with the Pointer Sisters is a win-win situation.” Christina has continues to donate her time and resources to help raise money for AIDS research, music/art programs in the public schools, and civil rights/equality for all. “I advocate for people because I know what it’s like to be down and out. I know what it’s like to be discriminated against. I know what it’s like to not have an outlet for your creativity and to be told you are not enough as you are. Any opportunity I have to help others, I take it.”
The music kept calling and Christina went back to work on a new solo album. She returned to the studio working with various producers including David Reitzas on her third album. “They say three times is a charm,” Christina smiles. “I’m all about that. This album continues to express my growth and my belief that we are one and united anything is possible. It’s still soulful, inspirational and has some added dance tracks that take me back to the days of disco when Donna Summer was Queen of it all.” Her single “Love is Love” was released in April of 2016 and was produced out of Westlake Studios. “I have been championing the right to be who you are for years.” said Christina. “I have been a part of many movements and will continue to do my part. This song by far is the best description of who I am as an artist and what I believe in.”
“Love truly is love.”