Getting labeled by critics as a mix between Halsey and Ariana Grande would have most up-and-coming artists shaking in their boots. But Symon, whose drawn those kinds of comparisons her entire young career, is as cool as can be.
“My sound is me, and I think you always need to stay true to yourself,” says the Californian singer and host of Sirius XM’s Hits 1 in Hollywood. “You have to bring yourself into your sound completely and make it you. But, of course, other singers have and will continue to inspire me along my journey.”
Starting her career as the lead singer of a pop-rock trio called The New Officials, Symon has since toured with Demi Lovato and collaborated with David Foster. Calling her sound a mix of pop, R&B, and house, Symon is eager to share her music with the world and will finally get her chance when her debut album drops later this year.
“I’ve been creating this body of work that represents me,” says Symon. “It’s true and real and raw and the album is about me in my life in my twenties. It’s my experiences, my vulnerable moments, and my happy moments. Everything. I’m just really excited to share it with everyone.”
Who is your dream duet partner?
My dream duet would probably be with Sia. Her voice and sound are just amazing.
What is your favourite genre of music right now?
It’s always pop music. Everything else comes and goes.
Who is your favourite artist currently?
Always Gaga. She really impressed me at the Super Bowl. It’s what you call real singing, which is so important. So many people sing with voice tracks, but with her you heard every breath and that’s what it’s about for a singer and the audience. She was incredible.
Do you have a guilty pleasure song?
Yeah, literally any song by N’Sync, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys. They were my life when I was younger and I still have a pretty strong connection. [Laughs.]
Youcohost a show on Sirius XM. Who has been your favourite interview?
That’s tough, I think one of my favorites would be Steve Aoki. He’s such an incredible writer, DJ, producer, and artist. After the Grammys, he was at an after-party and he brought me on stage, it was so much fun. Also, Louis Tomlinson from One Direction was really cool. It’s awesome to meet other artists that are just so nice, so normal, and lovely. Being able to work with different artists on a few platforms is what drives me. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.
What would be your favourite song to sing at karaoke?
Favourite song at karaoke is literally anything by the Spice Girls. I was serious: they’re my life! That’s when you bring a few girls on stage to sing with you. You have to when it’s Spice Girls.
What would your backup job have been had this not worked out?
I would probably be a sign language interpreter. I’m actually fluent in sign language. I grew up with a few deaf people around me and I’m fascinated by deaf culture. Either a sign language interpreter or I would have been a history major with an interest in theology or something like that.
What is your worst habit?
Probably being ridiculously hard on myself. Nothing’s ever good enough, which makes putting together a debut album a serious undertaking. [Laughs.] But it’s a labour of love and eventually I’ll make myself happy with it.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is people who say they are getting something done, but they never do. They don’t care that people are waiting on them. They say that they’re on it, but you know they’re really not.
