Interview with Simone Miller

Simone Miller is an actress and singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada. From a young age, Simone has always enjoyed being a performer and has sung since she was able to speak.

Simone’s life in the spotlight began at the young age of 10! She was fortunate to quickly book many commercials and game shows early in her career. Her first big break came when she was cast as the lead; Raign Westbrook in the CBC web series; Detention Adventure, which continued on for 3 seasons. Since then, she has been cast as young “Dorinda Clark” in the Lifetime movie “The Clark Sisters” (executive producers include: Queen Latifah, and Mary J. Blige), in the hilarious “Workin Moms”, animated PBS children’s series “Pinkalicious” and just completed filming the second season of the family friendly and fun loving “Run The Burbs” as Mannix!

Simone has been working diligently towards writing and composing her own original music and has released 4 original songs to date, along with two music videos, one of which she conceptualized and co-directed at 16 years old. In June of 2022, Simone landed her biggest gig to date by opening up for the legendary “Blue Rodeo” and the iconic “The Arkells”.

Understanding the importance of giving back, Simone supports and volunteers to organizations that are close to her heart including the Jamaican Canadian Association, Violence Against Women Organizations and Marginalized Youth Charities.

What first got you into music?

I was always very immersed in music from a young age. I grew up listening to Stevie Wonder while my mom made breakfast and singing along to Melonie Fiona on the way to daycare. Music was a significant part of my upbringing, there was never a doubt in my mind that I was meant to make music.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I feel like whenever I’m asked this question my answer changes as I am constantly being inspired by various artists. However, I would say Jacob Collier. He is just incredible. I would love to work with him.

Are you finding the isolation of the pandemic conducive to your writing or is it hindering the experiences about which you can write?

Through the pandemic I actually found myself writing more than ever. I had so much time to write and no distractions. I would sit by the piano for hours and just write. Admittedly I may have written through 1 too many of my online classes but nonetheless, to this day I still have many songs waiting to be produced from the pandemic.

What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?

Well, I am also an actor. I began acting at 10 years of age, before I became a singer/songwriter. I still act and will do so for as long as I am blessed to be able to. I have always excelled in the arts and not so much academically, so if acting or singing doesn’t continue for me, I think I’m doomed.

What is next for you?

I just recently released a new single called “Turning” out on all streaming platforms. I am always working on new music and I may or may not be filming in the near future! But the most significant new endeavor for me will be graduating high school and navigating university in September 2023.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Hula hooping! I have always had a knack for it since I was young. I even won a hula hooping competition at my parents wedding when I was 5 years old.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

All. The. Time. My shower would be incomplete if I didn’t. I usually always start off with “someone gets hurt” from the musical mean girls and then I’ll drift off into whatever songs that are stuck in my head.

As a kid were you ever frightened of a monster under the bed or in the cupboard?

Yes! I was actually terrified of the “other mother” from Tim Burton’s “Coraline”, which I find ironic considering I now love Tim Burton’s work.

If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?

I would like to learn Italian. It is such a beautiful language and I regret not learning it when I was younger as I am half Italian myself.

If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell myself to live in the moment and stop worrying about the future. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.