When kids are little, parents often grit their teeth and smile as they listen to their child try to play an instrument.  They may lip sync to their favorite band while bashing on the drums or slamming random fingers on a keyboard. That’s the kind of kid I pictured Scott Simons to be, with one exception:  he’s actually talented. 

 

His talent was recognizable at a young age, as his dad encouraged him to write jingles and music for WBOY, where his dad was the weatherman.  His parents bought him his first keyboard in eighth grade and he immediately wrote a song.  His dad told him that songwriting and composition was actually something he could major in in college and that set him on a path to do just that. 

 

For ten years after receiving his degree in Music Composition, Simons fronted the indie-pop rock band The Argument.  As with most of his goals, he far surpassed what he intended to do with the band.  The Argument gathered a huge fan base and , industry.  Having that door opened allowed him to stay buoyant during the transitions that naturally take place as one matures. 

 

When the band broke up, Simons began producing and writing for other artists.  Logging tons of air miles between Los Angelos and Nashville, he had the opportunity to collaborate with international musicians, topping the charts around the world.  He also met Drake Bell, who starred on Nickelodeon’s Drake and Josh.  He wrote, recorded and toured with Bell, while also working with notables such as Brandon and Leah from Keeping Up With The Kardashians.  He also became an internet sensation with his cover of Rhianna’s “Umbrella”. 

 

After moving to Pittsburgh and signing with Rostrum Records, Simons has continued learning the give and take within the industry.  Although he is not a fan of all of any one genre in music, he has learned to appreciate the talent and the process.  He has now worked both behind the scenes and in front of the camera on America’s Got Talent and the X Factor and appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Anderson Cooper Live, Ellen and the Brazilian Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards.

 

Simons’ newest project is TeamMate, a two-piece band with his ex-girlfriend.  The duo has spent the last year touring the United States supporting OneRepublic, among others.  Wiz Khalifa sampled one of their songs and media outlets have raved about the band’s creativity. 

 

Simon’s seems to have the Midas touch when it comes to channeling his talent into new ventures.  Challenging himself to develop and stretch as an artist has allowed this hometown artist to make an international impact in the industry that first was introduced to him at the age of 13.