An Ode to the Day of Love: Sid Simons' The Last American Valentine
Sid Simons has always had a knack for nostalgia, and his latest EP, The Last American Valentine, is no exception. Release on February 28, this project is a love letter to love itself—its highs, its lows, and the bittersweet moments in between. With dreamy instrumentals, raw emotions, and timeless melodies, Simons crafts an EP that feels like a well-worn love story, perfect for a slow dance under dimmed warm lights or a sentimental road trip as summer fades into fall.
The Lie (Lead Single, February 14)
As the lead single released on Valentine’s Day, The Lie captures the heart of The Last American Valentine. With its instantly memorable guitar riff and nostalgic warmth, the song feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The melody lingers long after the final note, blending longing with a cinematic kind of romance like a love story unfolding in real time.Surprisingly, The Lie almost didn’t make it onto the EP. “Originally, I was going to release The Last American Valentine as the single. I never planned on putting The Lie on the EP,” Simons admits. The song had been sitting in his catalogue for a while, and he had lost interest in it. But thanks to a friend’s persuasion, he decided to give it a shot. “We recorded it live in one room, and something special happened that day. My first thought while listening back was, ‘This song needs gospel singers.’” A week later, three gospel vocalists came in to record, adding a whole new depth to the track.
A Softer, More Intimate Sound
Simons’ musical evolution has always been dynamic, but this EP marks a clear shift from his past rock-centric sound. “I write a lot of songs, and I’m always thinking about how they fit together thematically and sonically. I like creating little worlds with projects,” he explains. “These songs didn’t make sense alongside the louder, more high-energy rock stuff. I wanted to keep it fragile and tender.”
His inspirations for the EP ranged from folk and jazz to cinematic legends. “At the time, I was listening to a lot of Big Thief, Damien Jurado, Herb Alpert, and Shirley Bassey,” he shares. That mix of influences shines through in the EP’s lush yet intimate sound. When asked to describe this musical era in three words, he chose “fragile, warm, and tender.”
The recording process was just as intentional as the songwriting itself. Simons wanted the EP to feel real and raw, embracing imperfection instead of covering it up.
“I wanted everyone in the same room when we recorded. I wanted you to hear the mistakes, the creaks, the coughs, the laughs. We live in such an overproduced world where everything sounds perfect—I wanted this to feel like you were in the room with the band.”
Why You Should Listen to The Last American Valentine
If The Lie is any indication, the rest of the EP is just as moving. The track following The Lie sets a sentimental tone, pulling listeners deeper into the emotional journey of love and longing. Another track is marked by delicate piano and evocative strings, telling a story of deep yearning. One carries the wistful energy of a late-summer road trip, while another captures the warmth of a vintage slow dance. The kind that makes you dream of growing old with someone you never want to lose.
Each song on The Last American Valentine plays a part in weaving a complete, immersive love story. Whether it’s the bittersweet moments of looking back or the hopeful ache of looking ahead, Simons has crafted something that resonates deeply.
Fans won’t have to wait long to experience it live either. Sid Simons is gearing up for a tour to bring these songs to the stage this Spring. “The live show feels really exciting,” he says. “I’ve got an incredible band—Zach Saffo, Lock Driver, and Daniel Fisher. It’s a mix of quiet and loud. We’ll play a slow, intimate song and then jump right into something with double the energy. We’re touring most of the year and I’m ready to take it around the world.”
The Last American Valentine is an EP for anyone who has ever loved, lost, or simply dreamed of a love worth writing about. Catch Sid Simons on tour this Spring 2025.
