In a recent interview on The Drew Lane Show, KISS frontman Paul Stanley opened up about STANLEY SIMMONS, the collaborative effort between his son Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, son of fellow KISS member Gene Simmons. The project released its debut single, “Body Down,” in December, with a full-length album tentatively planned for later this year.
Reflecting on the origins of the duo, Paul explained (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), “Nick and Evan have basically known each other their [whole] lives, but didn’t really get close until the last year where they said, ‘Oh, let’s try singing or writing.’ Their album, which I’ve heard, is frigging phenomenal. I mean, it’s as good as anything I’ve heard in the last three or four decades. It’s that good. So it’s terrific, and it’s organic.”
Addressing criticism that STANLEY SIMMONS might be benefiting from their famous family connections, Stanley was clear: “The idea of nepotism — if you suck, you’ll fall on your face. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with taking advantage of having some sort of familiarity. But ultimately, most people who trade on that fail because it’s not enough. So, I think STANLEY SIMMONS, it’s just fantastic and I can’t wait for them to start playing live.”
The host noted that “Body Down” carries a distinct classic rock vibe reminiscent of CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG and asked whether Evan and Nick draw influence from the genre. Paul elaborated: “They’re very inspired by all the greats. And I have to say that as good as ‘Body Down’ is, the rest of the songs leave that in the dust… Oh, the songs are just crazy good. And there’s flavors of all different artists in what they do, in the same way that virtually everybody who’s out there or has succeeded has elements of something else. So I don’t have a problem with that. It’s not imitating; it’s being inspired by. So, they’re great. I can’t say enough about them. I’ve just been wowed.”
When it comes to guidance from their fathers, Paul shared that while they do seek advice, the final decisions remain theirs: “I think they ask — I know Evan asked me my opinion of things. And I always preface it by saying, ‘It’s just my opinion, and you have to go with what you believe.’ And he does. I said, ‘I can give you my point of view.’ And I think it’s great that anyone asks somebody else’s opinion, and uses that to their advantage, but to rely upon me to make decisions — I’m not qualified to make decisions about what [he should do]. Only he is.”
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