A Chat with Bay Simpson (01.05.26)
Hailing from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, US-based Bay Simpson is considered one of the most exciting rising talents in the US music scene. While he gained recognition for his outstanding performance on The Voice, Simpson was already turning heads with years of touring for his country-rock band, Outlaw Apostles. Today, at only 20 years of age, Simpson has released notable music with international critical acclaim. We speak with him about his new single, ‘Too Good To Be True’, advice, and much more.
OSR: Cliche, but what made you decide to pursue a career in music? What drew you to music?
Simpson: I was born into music. My family was very musical. Mom was a singer, dad’s a drummer, stepfather is a hit songwriter. I guess you could say I joined the family business. To be honest, I’ve always loved music ever since I can remember. It’s like magic to me. I’ve always found myself in a trance when I hear a song I connect with.
OSR: You recently released your single, ‘Too Good To Be True’ – a song about hindsight and valuing moments only after they pass. What is one mundane moment from your high school years that you now view as a cherished memory?
Simpson: As far as mundane moments go, it’s so hard to pinpoint because our high school days get so repetitive. I look back now and wish I had some of those boring days back just to be that young again. To me, the sound of the bell ringing to end the day stands out. I remember my last day of high school when it rang, and I was so happy to be done. Now, as the memory of it fades, I wish I could hear it once more.
OSR: Adam Levine didn’t only choose you to be part of Team Adam on The Voice, but he also commented that talent is in your bones, and you are going to be big. What did that feel like, hearing those words and being part of The Voice?
Simpson: That meant the world coming from someone like Adam. It felt like a relief because I’ve been an artist doing my own thing for a while now, and to get confirmation from Adam was exactly what I wanted to hear. It made me even more sure that I’m on the right track.
OSR: You describe ‘Too Good To Be True’ as an anthem for people growing up in a reality consumed by technology. How do you feel your relationship with technology during your teenage years shaped you, and continues to shape you, into the person you are today?
Simpson: I have always had a difficult relationship with technology. I didn’t like it very much growing up. I was an outdoors kid. I played a lot of sports and a lot of guitar. I’ve never been great with technology. In my opinion, there’s not a lot of beauty in living a life while looking at a screen, even though I do it all the time. Technology plays a critical part in my life due to the fact that artists have to excel on social media nowadays. It’s something that I’m still figuring out.
OSR: ‘Too Good To be True’ isn’t just a song about hindsight; it touches on that bittersweet remorse of youth slipping away. Do you prefer music that celebrates the past, or music that looks to the future?
Simpson: I can prefer both. It really just depends on what kind of mood I am in. I think both are necessary. Appreciate and recognize your past, and wonder about the future. Some of my favorite music are songs centered around being in the present. Songs like ‘Beautiful Day’ by U2. That’s the most special stuff, especially if you’re struggling to see beauty in life.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Simpson: Music means everything to me. It’s like magic. To hear sounds that completely take you over emotionally is a pretty amazing thing. It’s the only job I’ve ever had, and ever will have. I can’t imagine my life without it.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Simpson: I hope people get from me what I got from my musical heroes: A realization that I’m not alone, and that there are people who feel like I feel. All feelings that are synonymous with the human condition, such as fear, worry, happiness, excitement, etc. Yet, a feeling of underlying hope that rages on through the rollercoaster of life.
OSR: If you were to introduce a new listener to your music, which song would you recommend?
Simpson: I would recommend ‘A Thousand Years From Now’. That’s my personal favorite I’ve put out up to this point.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Simpson: I hope people are able to hear a message of hope. I guess you could say a hope for humanity. A big part of my message is acknowledging the hardships or truths that surround us, while understanding that the struggle is necessary. Without struggle, there’s no beauty in the breakthroughs we make. I’d also have to add that I hope people take away that rock n roll singer/songwriters are still alive and well.
OSR: If you were chatting to your younger self, what advice would you give little Bay?
Simpson: Don’t be so afraid of everything. Go live your life, and be yourself.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Simpson: Thanks for reading! I appreciate your time. Hopefully, you connected with some of my story. If you’d like to keep up with me, go follow me on socials @baysimpsonmusic and check out my music!
Many thanks to Bay Simpson for speaking with us. Find out more about Bay Simpson on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Dead Horse Branding PR.
