Eva Simons
{{Short description|Dutch singer-songwriter}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Eva Simons
| image = Eva Simons .jpg
| caption =
| birth_name = Eva Maria Simons
| alias =
| birth_date =
| birth_place = Amsterdam, Netherlands
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Singer
- songwriter
- producer
}}
| instrument = {{flatlist|
- Vocals
- piano
}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| years_active = 2004–present
| label = {{flatlist|
- Unsigned
}}
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|evasimons.com}}
}}
Eva Maria Simons is a Dutch singer-songwriter and music video director from Amsterdam. She is best known for her song "Policeman" and collaborations with artists such as Afrojack; in 2012, Simons broke through internationally after being featured on the will.i.am single "This Is Love".{{cite web|title = Linkin Park, Will.i.am Score No. 1s on U.K. Charts|url = http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/482304/linkin-park-william-score-no-1s-on-uk-charts|date = 2 July 2012|website = billboard.com|last = Sexton|first = Paul|publisher = Nielsen}} During her solo career she has released 12 singles, including "Bludfire" which appeared in November 2015.
Biography
=Early life=
Raised in Amsterdam, Simons grew up in a family of musicians. Her mother is Ingrid Simons, a backing-singer and vocalist of Surinamese origin,{{cite web|title = Interview: Eva Simons (2012)|url = http://notabledance.com/2012/09/04/interview-eva-simons-2012/|website = notabledance.com|access-date = 10 June 2015|date = 4 September 2012|last = Slomowitz|first = Ron}} who worked with DJ Paul Elstak and T-Spoon, and was also a member of pop group Say When, whose 1987 single ‘Save Me’ was later reworked into Eurodance album ‘The Rhythm of the Night’ by Corona. Her grandfather was Dutch accordionist Johnny Meijer; her father was a pianist who inspired her to take up the instrument. In her early teens she was part of Jody's Kids, an ensemble that provided vocals for production music.{{cite web|title = 5x Eva Simons - LXRY|url = http://www.lxry.nl/5x-eva-simons/|website = LXRY|access-date = 12 June 2015|date = 26 January 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150614054820/http://www.lxry.nl/5x-eva-simons/|archive-date = 14 June 2015|url-status = dead}} She is a graduate from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} In 2001 she sang on the single "I Believe in Love" by Cooper.{{cite web|title = Cooper - I Believe In Love|url = http://www.discogs.com/Cooper-I-Believe-In-Love/release/1445160|website = Discogs|access-date = 12 June 2015}} After graduating in 2004 she entered the Dutch version of the Popstars The Rivals competition, where she was selected as one of the five members of the band Raffish.{{cite web|title = Jackie interviewt Eva Simons - Jackie|url = http://jackieonline.nl/jackie-interviewt-eva-simons/|access-date = 11 June 2015|date = 24 December 2012|language = nl|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150613155140/http://jackieonline.nl/jackie-interviewt-eva-simons/|archive-date = 13 June 2015}} The five-piece had a hit-single with "Plaything" and released the album How Raffish Are You? in January 2005. Two further singles from the album failed to replicate the success and over the course of the summer of the same year, Simons announced that she was leaving the group.{{cite web|title = Raffish|url = http://www.discogs.com/artist/297609-Raffish|website = Discogs|access-date = 11 June 2015}}
=2009–present=
In 2009, a demo of Simons' song "Silly Boy" was leaked on YouTube generating 4 million views. It caused a degree of confusion as some mistook it for an unreleased single by Lady Gaga or Rihanna. Upon confirming her authorship, she signed an initial contract with EMI for the release of the single.{{cite news|title = New band of the day – No 620: Eva Simons|url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/sep/03/new-band-eva-simons|website = the Guardian|access-date = 12 July 2015|first = Paul|last = Lester| date=3 September 2009 }}
In mid-2010, Eva and Mike Hamilton (also known as the writing team Topline Ink) wrote the song “Take Over Control”. They played the idea to DJ Afrojack, who produced the hit single, which spent 6 weeks on the Billboard Top Dance Airplay Chart, topped iTunes dance charts globally, and gained Platinum status in Australia and certified Gold in the US. The song became a globally dance crossover anthem, propelling the profiles of both Eva and Afrojack worldwide.
In 2011, as well as touring across the globe, Simons went on to sign a major label US deal, and was featured on LMFAO's track "Best Night". In addition to this, she also collaborated with will.i.am on tracks for his solo album #willpower.
On 20 March 2012 Simons premiered her new single, "I Don't Like You", which was released in most countries on 26 March under Interscope Records, USA. The track is produced by Zedd. In May 2012, she joined LMFAO in their North American "Sorry For Party Rocking" tour.{{cite web|title = LMFAO Enlist 'Little Sister' Eva Simons For Party Rocking Tour|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/1685618/lmfao-eva-simons-party-rocking-tour/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150613084814/http://www.mtv.com/news/1685618/lmfao-eva-simons-party-rocking-tour/|url-status = dead|archive-date = 13 June 2015|access-date = 11 June 2015|website = mtv.com|date = 22 May 2012|first = Jocelyn|last = Vena}} On 24 July 2012 Simons released her second single, "Renegade", produced by J.O.B. On 14 May 2012 will.i.am premiered his new single "This Is Love" which features Simons' vocals.{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/william/news/new-song-this-is-love-world-premiere|title=Will.i.am Gives New Song 'This Is Love' Surprise World Premiere On Capital FM - Audio|date=14 May 2012|work=Capital}} The song went on to become number 1 in multiple countries including the UK, and a top 10 hit in many other countries. In October of the same year Simons received a BMI Songwriting Award for "Take Over Control".{{cite web|title = BMI rolls out another award for Adele|url = http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/bmi-rolls-out-another-award-for-adele/052088|access-date = 12 June 2015|date = 9 October 2012|website = musicweek.com|first = Paul|last = Williams|publisher = NewBay Media}}
On 21 and 22 April 2013, Simons supported Beyoncé on The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in the Netherlands.{{cite web|url=http://www.rtl.nl/(/actueel/rtlboulevard/entertainment/articleview/)/components/actueel/rtlboulevard/2013/03_maart/entertainment/Eva_Simons_in_voorprogramma_Beyonce.xml|title=Eva Simons in voorprogramma Beyonce|work=RTL Nieuws}} Shortly after that was announced in March, Pepsi launched an ad campaign in the Netherlands giving customers a chance to meet Simons when she performed at Beyoncé's tour. A song by Simons named 'Chemistry' used in the advert was released in the Netherlands 22 March 2013.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/nl/album/chemistry-single/621900790|title=Muziek - 'Chemistry - Single' van Eva Simons|website=iTunes |date=January 2013 |access-date=21 July 2016}}
On 28 January 2014 Simons released a 'bootleg' remix of the Martin Garrix track "Animals".{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7503497/eva-simons-martin-garrix-animals-vocal-mix|title=Eva Simons Lends Her Vocal To Martin Garrix's Club Smash "Animals": Listen|work=Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com|date=28 January 2014 }} In June 2014 she married her longtime partner Sidney Samson in Amsterdam.{{cite web|title = Eva Simons over bruiloft: ik weet zeker dat ik ga huilen|url = http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1002/Show/article/detail/3689081/2014/07/14/Eva-Simons-over-bruiloft-ik-weet-zeker-dat-ik-ga-huilen.dhtml|access-date = 12 June 2015|first = Marlies|last = Leeuwen|date = 14 July 2014|website = Algemeen Dagblad|language = nl}} That summer Simons also made her acting debut in the Dutch-language film Heksen Bestaan Niet aimed at the adolescent market.{{cite web|title = Eva Simons twijfelde over Heksen Bestaan Niet|url = http://www.rtlnieuws.nl/boulevard/entertainment/eva-simons-twijfelde-over-heksen-bestaan-niet|website = RTL Nieuws|access-date = 13 June 2015|date = 19 June 2014|archive-date = 16 June 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150616221812/http://www.rtlnieuws.nl/boulevard/entertainment/eva-simons-twijfelde-over-heksen-bestaan-niet|url-status = dead}}
On 10 April 2015 Simons released the single titled 'Policeman' through Powerhouse Music, a dancehall song produced by Sidney Samson. It was supported by a video directed by Rigel Kilston.{{Cite journal|url = http://issuu.com/mokum-magazine/docs/mm062015|title = Eva Simons - Interview|last = van Stuyvenberg|first = Martijn|date = June 2015|journal = Mokum Magazine|issue = 4:6|pages = 16–17}} On 23 November 2015 Simons released the single titled Bludfire (feat. Sidney Samson) that received airplay on the Dutch radio stations Radio 538 and SLAM!.{{cite web|title=538 Dance Smash|url=http://www.538.nl/muziek/dance-smash|website=538.nl|access-date=2 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216172427/http://www.538.nl/muziek/dance-smash|archive-date=16 December 2015}}
Simons released the single "Guaya" via the label Powerhouse Music on 17 July 2017.{{cite web |title=Guaya - Single by Eva Simons |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/guaya-single/1254013451 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142610/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/guaya-single/1254013451 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2019 |website=iTunes |access-date=17 February 2019 |language=en-gb}} On 6 April 2018, Simons released her single titled "The One" via 8ball Music, which was produced by Boaz van de Beatz and Ruud van Schaik.{{cite web |title=Eva Simons - The One |url=https://www.top40.nl/eva-simons-6/the-one-5-30486 |website=Top40.nl |access-date=17 February 2019 |language=nl}} 25 January 2019 saw Simons release her single "Like That" on the dance label Spinnin' Records.{{cite web |title=Like That |url=https://spinninrecords.com/releases/like-that/details |website=Spinnin' Records |access-date=17 February 2019 |language=en |date=25 January 2019}} She performed the song live for the first time on RTL Late Night.{{cite web |title=Eva Simons is terug met nieuwe muziek! |url=https://www.rtllatenight.nl/nieuws/artikel/4587681/eva-simons-terug-met-nieuwe-muziek |website=RTL Late Night |access-date=17 February 2019 |date=25 January 2019}} In 2025 she played Mary in the Dutch live event and television program The Passion.
Discography
=Albums=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of collaboration albums, with selected chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:19em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Album details ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions |
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| NLD {{cite web |url=https://dutchcharts.nl/search.asp?search=Raffish&cat=a |title=Zoeken naar: Raffish |work=dutchcharts.nl |access-date=2 June 2021 |language=nl}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | How Raffish Are You? (as part of Raffish)
|
| 14 |
=Singles=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of collaboration singles, with selected chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"|Year ! scope="col" colspan="10"|Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"|Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |
| scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| NLD ! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| AUS ! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| AUT ! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| BEL ! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| CAN ! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| FRA ! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| GER ! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| SPA ! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| UK
! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;"| US |
|---|
| scope="row"|"I Believe In Love" (as part of Cooper) | 2000 | 64 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Plaything" (as part of Raffish) | 2004 | 1 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Als Je Iets Kan Doen" (as part of Artiesten voor Azie) | rowspan="3"|2005 | 1 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Thursday Child" (as part of Raffish) | 28 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | |
| scope="row"|"Let Go (DJ Chuckie Remix)" as part of Raffish ft. Gio | 27 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Silly Boy" (Dave Aude Radio Version) | 2009 | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"| "Take Over Control" (Afrojack featuring Eva Simons) | 2010 | 12 || 17 || 46 || — || 39 || — || 78 || — || 24 || 41 |
| |
| scope="row"| "Best Night" (LMFAO featuring will.i.am, GoonRock and Eva Simons) | 2011 | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"| "This Is Love" (will.i.am featuring Eva Simons) | rowspan="2"|2012 | 2 || 7 || 15 || 2 || 14 || 2 || 54 || 9 || 1 || —{{Efn|"This Is Love" did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number 10 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.}} | |
| scope="row"| "I Need More (Club Mix)" (Apster featuring Eva Simons) | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"| "Let's Do It Right" (The Young Professionals featuring Eva Simons) | rowspan="3"|2014 | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"| "Unstoppable" (R3hab featuring Eva Simons){{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/unstoppable-feat.-eva-simons/id879623714|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705030428/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/unstoppable-feat.-eva-simons/id879623714|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 July 2014|title=Unstoppable (R3hab feat. Eva Simons) - Single|website=iTunes|access-date=20 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kng5E-ITyyU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/kng5E-ITyyU |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=R3hab ft. Eva Simons - 'Unstoppable' (From Pepsi Beats of the Beautiful Game)|work=R3HAB|access-date=27 May 2014}}{{cbignore}} | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"| "This Girl" (Stafford Brothers featuring Eva Simons and T.I.) | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Policeman (Jockeyboys Remix)" (Jockeyboys featuring Eva Simons & Konshens) | 2015 | — || — || 60 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |
| |
| scope="row"|"Heartbeat (Extended Mix)" (Richard Orlinkski featuring Eva Simons) | 2016 | — || — || — || — || — || 25 || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"One + One" (Made In June featuring Eva Simons) | 2018 | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Bad Boy" (Jebroer featuring Eva Simons) | 2021 | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Flexin'" (Laidback Luke featuring Eva Simons) | 2022 | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Desire'" (Vanco featuring Eva Simons) | rowspan="4"|2023 | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Bad Love'" (Laidback Luke featuring Eva Simons) | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Have It All'" (CHOCO featuring Eva Simons) | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| scope="row"|"Todo Mucho'" (Laidback Luke, Sevek featuring Eva Simons) | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | | |
| colspan="14" style="font-size:90%" | "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
=Other appearances=
Tours
;Opening act
- Sorry For Party Rocking Tour (2012)
- The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013)
- Purpose World Tour (2016)
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable" |
| scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Ceremony ! scope="col"| Category / nominated work ! scope="col"| Result ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" |2012
|Best Dutch Act | {{nom}} |work=Guardian UK|access-date=12 November 2012 }} |
| BMI London Awards
|Pop Songs Award | {{won}} |work=bmi.com|access-date=28 July 2020 }} |
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|3588294}}
{{Eva Simons}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Simons, Eva}}
Category:21st-century Dutch singer-songwriters
Category:21st-century Dutch women singers
Category:Conservatorium van Amsterdam alumni
Category:Dutch dance musicians
Category:Dutch people of Surinamese descent
Category:Dutch women pop singers
Category:English-language singers from the Netherlands
Category:Singers from Amsterdam
Category:Spanish-language singers of the Netherlands