Chris Simmons

From: Brighton

Influences: Elvis Costello, Simon and Garfunkel, Squeeze, Crowded House, Ian Brown, The Jam, The Divine Comedy, Suede, Ray Charles, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Profile: Originally a film student, Chris Simmons’ love of storytelling has influenced his soon-to-be released latest album.

“I wanted to challenge myself more and to make a record that flows as a piece, rather than recording a load of songs and sticking them together,” he says.

Another taste of that album will come in his latest single The Occupant, which is set to be released at the end of the month, following on from recent EP You Could Have It All.

The past few years have seen Simmons open and tour with the likes of Passenger, Kate Nash, Seth Lakeman, Beth Orton and The Maccabees, and travel to Australia, New Zealand and across Europe.

This week’s Download has a double Sussex connection as it was co-written with Chris Difford, of his heroes Squeeze.

The Grit That Makes The Pearl (right click on the track to download, left click to stream)

Website: www.chrissimmonsmusic.co.uk

YouTube: youtu.be/Cyuz8l31vKs

Facebook: facebook.com/chrissimmonsmusic

Email: chrissimmonsmusic@live.co.uk