From self-recorded vocals to hands-on styling, the VOICEMAILS artist is building her sound and image on her own terms.
OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/OGhM-XcqjcA
For Simone Nicole, professionally known as SMA, independence is more than a label. Her song “GOODNIGHT AND GOODBYE” began with an instrumental by Mantra Beats, lyrics she wrote herself and vocals she recorded at home using a Volt 2 interface, an Audio-Technica 2020 microphone and Ableton.
Musician Richard Baca handled mixing and mastering with SMA. According to her original September press release, the final vocal recordings used neither Auto-Tune nor Melodyne, a milestone she associates with her own vocal development.
Released as a single September 19, “GOODNIGHT AND GOODBYE” is actually the last chapter of SMA’s forthcoming VOICEMAILS project. The music is designed to arrive in reverse narrative order, beginning with the clarity that follows a difficult relationship and then revealing the emotional journey behind it.
“I want people to feel empowered: not only to let go of what no longer serves them, but to embrace who they want to be and step into their power,” SMA said in the release.
Her first official music video, premiering October 23, continues that hands-on approach. SMA styled the production and co-produced it with Anamore Productions; Samantha Boubel is credited with videography and lighting. The Y2K aesthetic draws on SMA’s interest in fashion, thrifting and vintage accessories.
The original visual plan also incorporated a fairytale counterpart, underscoring the idea of becoming a new version of oneself.
The project also has a connection to N.I. Music Group and Eric T. Johnson, whose involvement with SMA has been confirmed by her publicist. Johnson, the group’s founder and chief creative officer, brings experience as a songwriter, performer and artist-development executive. Previously one-half of the pop-rock duo SHYTOWN, he has performed across North America and Europe and worked on music projects involving established recording artists. SMA’s original press release separately credits Mantra Beats for the instrumental and Richard Baca for mixing and mastering.
SMA is developing VOICEMAILS alongside two other projects she calls her “baby albums,” while working toward a live show and touring. For listeners discovering her now, the new video is a starting point for a story that intentionally begins at its conclusion.
WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/OGhM-XcqjcA
EDITORIAL REVIEW NOTE (remove before submission): Eric T. Johnson / N.I. Music Group background is included as general industry context only; no SMA project affiliation was verified. Confirm whether this paragraph belongs in the final article.