From taking over control in 2010 (over 11 million YouTube views!) to holding the reigns in her new single “I Don’t Like You,” Eva Simons is not just fierce–she’s on the move. The Dutch singer-songwriter is currently on tour, party rockin’ it up with LMFAO. HC got an exclusive interview with this pop princess on the rise, and here’s what she had to say.
HC: With a pianist father and a vocalist mother, did you find your parents’ musical background freeing for you as an artist or did it add extra pressure?
Eva: I don’t know if it added extra pressure, but I’m very competitive. They taught me a lot…and I wanted to know everything! It gave me very thick skin. I really looked up to them–I still do.
HC: What has been your favorite song you’ve recorded so far, and why? Favorite collaborator?
Eva: My favorite song was “Take Over Control” because there’s so much energy–people can feel it. And my favorite person to collaborate with? That is not cool, man, I’m not saying anything! They’re all awesome!Â
HC: Tell us a little about your tour with LMFAO. What were your thoughts going in, and what are you hoping to accomplish?
Eva: It’s been ridiculous because I’ve never been on a real tour. I’m doing a 20 minute show all by myself: new stuff, stuff that people know. And they just go with it, like, the response that I’m getting from people in the USA [is] ridiculous. I don’t know if they’re like that with a lot of new artists, but it’s beautiful, and it’s so awesome. I feel so understood.
HC: Some people compare you to Rihanna and Lady Gaga–how would you distinguish yourself from them? What do you think makes your music/style all your own?
Eva: Yeah, I think that’s funny, I mean, those people don’t even know [those] artists, but still they want to compare you to them. They’re just really dope artists: they’re doing their thing, and I’m doing my thing. I’m not like them.
HC: So who is your musical inspiration?
Eva: The people in front of me right now, the people I see every night–they are an inspiration.
HC: You said in your interview with MTV that party songs are a lot harder to write than they look-that you need to know what’s going on in order to appeal to your audience. I don’t think a lot of people realize that there’s a “research element” to that type of music. So, as a songwriter, what kinds of research/preparation have you had to do so that your lyrics really speak to your fans?
Eva: Keepin it real: singing it how I would say it. Let’s say I try to be very gangster. People will be like, “Seriously? You’re from Amsterdam, what happened?” But if you just say it in your way, then people have more respect for that. Like don’t try to be someone else…Be yourself. I’d rather have 1 million fans that stick to me and [are] into my music than 10 million fans that are not into me and will ditch me for any other new artist in a second.Â
HC: What’s the most rewarding comment you’ve received from a fan?
Eva: “Why aren’t you the headliner?” I was like, wow, that’s so nice of you to say that!
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HC: We’ve all heard of the term “starving artist.” What would you say to anyone who wants to pursue a career in music,  but is intimidated by the risk?
Eva: Believe in yourself, you’re enough. That’s always what I say, I mean you can…profile yourself a certain way…but decide, and do that. What makes you happy? What makes you go? You have to do it every day…so really go for what you want to do.
There you have it, collegiettes! Fight the FOMO, and buy your tickets to see Eva perform on the Sorry For Party Rocking Tour this summer! Â