J.D. Simo Premieres New Track, “You Need Love”

Chicago-born, Nashville-based singer and guitarist J.D. Simo will release his debut solo album, Off at 11, on March 1. Today, Guitar World is exclusively premiering the first single from the effort, the bluesy “You Need Love.” You can check it out above, and stream it here.

“There’s an underlying theme of love that permeates the album," Simo said about Off at 11. "Both outward love but also inner and self-love. These days, everything is so heavy, but I just want to point out some joy, love and deep passion; in this world, we all share that spirit. Off at 11 does that.”

Regarding the sound of his music, Simo continued, "There isn't a single way to express the blues, thank God. You can be joyful or plaintive, all in the same song. And there are always two sides of me when I play, because I'm eternally obsessed with both. There's my love for obscure black music from the Forties and Fifties, and how I choose to relate to them. There's also my trippy, psychedelic side, the possibilities that the Dead and the Allmans present. Or where John McLaughlin points me on Bitches Brew.”

(Image credit: Jeffry Fasano)

"The blues, it's grown folks music," he continued. "The blues is not for kids. Blues to me, it’s an art form. It's not supposed to be flashy. And that fools a lot of people."

Simo recorded Off at 11 during a brief break in touring, which included his first shows as a guest with Phil Lesh and Friends. The album was produced by Simo with his co-manager Michael Caplan, and sees him backed by drummer Adam Abrashoff and bassist Andraleia Buch.

Simo is currently in the midst of a U.S. tour. You can check out all upcoming dates here.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49

Richard Bienstock

Rich is the co-author of the best-selling Nöthin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion. He is also a recording and performing musician, and a former editor of Guitar World magazine and executive editor of Guitar Aficionado magazine. He has authored several additional books, among them Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, the companion to the documentary of the same name.