Simon Robert French’s career trajectory over the past year has been nothing short of meteoric. The Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter went from sharing singing videos on TikTok to earning a coveted spot on the 2025 Boston Calling lineup. With his deeply resonant viral hit "Robert’s Place" (launching his career as an independent artist), Simon is carving a space for himself in the music world, blending heartfelt storytelling with an authentic approach to his craft. Music You're Missing spoke with Simon about the much-anticipated upcoming studio release of his viral single "Robert’s Place," securing a spot on the 2025 Boston Calling lineup, and his upcoming debut album.
Boston Calling 2025: A Milestone for Simon Robert French
When asked what being part of Boston Calling means to him, Simon’s humility shines through.
“It’s honestly surreal to get this opportunity,” he shares. “If you asked me a year ago if I thought I’d be on the lineup for Boston Calling 2025, I would have laughed and said that wouldn’t happen. Now I’m on the lineup, and it’s the coolest thing to ever happen to me.”
Sharing a bill with artists like Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy, and Cage the Elephant feels “absolutely unreal,” Simon says. “I grew up listening to Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, Cage the Elephant, All Time Low, and Sublime. To be on a bill with any of them is incredible and so wild to me.”
Simon expressed excitement about sharing the stage with other talented local acts. “A few of my friends are also on the lineup, which is awesome! Mon Rovîa, PINKLIDS, Layzi, and Copilot will all be worth it to check out,” he shared. He joins these acts, along with Bebe Stockwell, Latrell James, Rebuilder, Megan From Work, sidebody, Future Teens, Vivid Bloom, Nate Perry & Ragged Company, and Battlemode, on the Orange Stage.
Simon’s set at Boston Calling will mark a new chapter in his career: his first performance with a full band. “We’re putting together a full band, and I’m really excited for it to come together,” he says. Among the lineup are producer Alex Vaccarello and friend Inian Moon, who contributed background vocals to "Robert’s Place.”
While the journey to Boston Calling feels like a dream come true, Simon is also focused on the logistics. “I’m focusing on the things that need to get done before Memorial Day weekend, like getting a band together, establishing a setlist, and practicing a lot,” he says. “Pouring my energy into the creative and preparative process helps take my mind off the nerves.”
The Making of "Robert’s Place"
Simon’s breakthrough hit, "Robert’s Place," officially releases on January 17, but its origin story dates back to a spontaneous moment of inspiration.
“‘Robert’s Place’ actually started out as a one-line thought for a completely different song,” he recalls. Earlier in the year, Simon had embarked on a series of writing and posting songs daily, jotting down lyrical fragments for future use. On November 21, 2023, nearing midnight and without a song for the day, he revisited an old note.
“As the holiday season was kicking off, I was thinking a lot about my father, who passed away when I was young. I stumbled across that note, and I heard, ‘Well, I’m going down to Robert’s place, it’s just a block away’ in my head. From there, the song almost wrote itself.”
The result was a poignant ballad about grief and remembrance that struck a universal chord. “I think the song resonates so deeply with people because we’ve all lost someone. Death is something that happens to us all, both directly and indirectly. Grief is a universal experience.”
Viral Stardom and the TikTok Effect
When the initial snippet of "Robert’s Place" went viral on TikTok, Simon’s life changed overnight.
“‘Robert’s Place’ going viral on TikTok was completely unexpected,” he admits. “I was able to build up an audience in that moment, and they’re all very kind and supportive. I am very lucky to have had that moment.”
But the pressure to replicate that success was real. “When I wrote ‘Robert’s Place,’ I was in the middle of that daily writing series, and I was always worried I would never write another song as good,” he shares. Simon eventually found a healthier approach, concluding his initial writing series and starting a second run with reduced expectations. “I didn’t pressure myself in that way because it was just for fun.”
A Debut Album on the Horizon
Simon’s upcoming debut album, set for release in Q2 2025, will explore themes of grief, personal connections, and the places that have shaped him. While the project’s details remain under wraps, Simon emphasizes the collaborative role of producer Alex Vaccarello.
“My amazing producer and best friend Alex is honestly the only reason the project is coming to life. We work really well together, and I think that comes from us being such good friends.”
Challenges have inevitably arisen. “Biggest challenge? Getting sick whenever I have free time to record vocals,” he laughs. Despite setbacks, Simon’s commitment to the album is unwavering.
Staying Grounded Amid Success
Even with a whirlwind year of viral hits and major shows, Simon stays grounded through his relationships and hobbies. “Having the right people around keeps me grounded and comfortable,” he says. “I also spend a lot of my free time reading, playing video games, and watching TV. These things help pull me out of the music sphere.”
Looking ahead, Simon is focused on building a sustainable career. “I like to take things day by day, a step at a time, as much as I can,” he shares. “Nothing is guaranteed in the industry, and I feel incredibly lucky for all the opportunities I’ve gotten thus far.”
The Road Ahead
With Boston Calling on the horizon and his debut album in the works, Simon Robert French is poised for an exciting 2025. Yet, through it all, he remains refreshingly humble, dedicated to his craft, and deeply connected to the universal experiences that inspire his music. As fans eagerly await his next chapter, one thing is certain: Simon’s journey has only just begun.
Connect with Simon Robert French:
https://linktr.ee/simonrobertfrench
Pre-save "Robert's Place":
https://ffm.to/robertsplace
Buy tickets to Boston Calling:
https://www.bostoncalling.com/tickets
Photo Credit:
Tatiana O’Hanlon, OH! Productions
About the Author:
This piece was written by Brendan Jeannetti, founder of Music You’re Missing. For business inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please contact musicyouremissingpodcast@gmail.com.
