Sylvie Simmons

Sylvie Simmons has been writing about music since 1977, when she left her native London for California to become a rock journalist; the BBC made a documentary on her, “The Rock Chick.” An award-winning journalist, Sylvie’s work has appeared in countless publications around the world, from legendary U.S. magazine Creem to the leading U.K. music magazine Mojo, as well as in a number of books. Her own books include the best-sellers “I’m Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen” and Debbie Harry’s memoir “Face It.” Sylvie is also a singer-songwriter. Her latest album, “Blue on Blue,” was released mid-pandemic on Compass Records.

Stories

Story

Fleet Foxes’ Harmonizing ‘Family’

It was early 2008 when I first met Robin Pecknold, Fleet Foxes' founder, lead singer and songwriter. I'd been dispatched to Seattle by the U.K. Guardian newspaper to find out more about this band who'd just released a five-song EP, “Sun Giant,” that had British rock critics swooning. The group, barely two years old, was on the verge of releasing a debut album that would be hailed as an American classic. Quite a feat for an indie band whose first two records were largely made in the members’ various apartments and Pecknold's parents' basement.

Story

Imagine What Might Have Been

John was my Beatle. In the '60s, when I was a pre-tween in London and the Beatles were gods, you were required to choose your favorite. So I thought about it: Paul was too smiley, so was Ringo, and George was a bit taciturn. But John was complicated. He was acerbic and angry, but there was a tear in his voice. So I grew into my teens in a bedroom covered with pictures of John. Which could be why, even decades later, if an opportunity to see John arises I'm there.