Stan Simon

From train robberies to slinging six shooters, Stan Simon & The Hotel Bible has probably done it all. In their video for "The Desert Line," the Toronto-based country-folk band achieves a very era-appropriate sound with driving electric slide guitars and wailing harmonicas that could easily fit right in with any Western film. The video features a bar littered with broken and empty whiskey bottles, knives as the band performs in what looks like a bar after a pretty nasty brawl.
"I see it as a hefty, salt of the earth, murder ballad about a man that drags too many personal chains behind him and wears the secrets of his past. This creates the highway noir setting, which I've usually taken it upon myself to put my songs into," Stan Simon explains. "'The Desert Line,' at its core, is about a hard-living man running away from his demons but in running away, he's trying to find a better life and a new beginning. He just might not make it and this chase could catch up to him." Watch the video below. - Noisey (Vice)

In addition to playing in Neon Windbreaker, Toronto musician Stan Simon writes material of his own, while his band the Hotel Bible features members of Weaves and the Holy Gasp. Their new single is called "The Desert Line."

The track was recorded at Toronto's Candle Recording Studio with Josh Korody. The tune is a crunchy, salt-of-the-earth rocker that's flecked with dusty harmonica and contains a slightly violent narrative. Hear it below.

This is the first single from the band's upcoming record. They've also got a Canadian tour planned for early 2015, but the schedule is still forthcoming. - Exclaim!

Despite the name Americana is often done best by Canadians. Enter Ontarian Stan Simon, frontman to the Hotel Bible. A confirmed transient in the style of country-western outsiders like Johnny Paycheck or Merle Haggard, the single Desert Line, off Simon’s soon to be released sophomore album is an inspired little hard-living track in the fine tradition of highway noir. Follow the crime spree of the song’s desperate protagonist through the dusty backroads of this genre spanning single. Rock(bottom) blues meets harmonica drenched western sky as our narrator makes off with the cash. But at what cost? Like all great murder ballads, someone has to die. - Surviving The Golden Age (Connecticut, USA)

“This guy produces some pretty rad cowboy infused tunes if you ask me … But his folk styling’s aren’t just cowboys and dust trail, with some relaxing melodies and quiet vocals to boot” - The Scene Magazine

[Had a chance to sit with Stan Simon, lead singer of Stan Simon & The Hotel Bible at a near by Dark Horse a little while ago. The band has come together quite well since it's creation in 2012, consisting of Zach Bines (Weaves), Sebastian Shinwell (The Holy Gasp) and Joseph Organ (Moves), and have been playing live shows across various venues in Toronto ever since. With the mix of American folk, country western, indie and blues, this band requires an acquired taste that many are starting to like. A lot.]

ABOUT THE BAND

“I use to play solo for about a year and a half. I actually toured the east coast during that time with my gal. Once I came back I decided I wanted my live shows to be much better and have more energy. I found really good, like-minded musicians to play with me and it feels amazing to have a band together again. The new material is being reflected clearer with the group mentality. The name The Hotel Bible came afterwards. I didn’t want the band to just be about me and felt that it needed something that encompassed what we were starting to sound like. Stan Simon & The Hotel Bible came to mind, after chatting with a friend, and the name reflected the music.”

ABOUT THEIR ALBUM

“Escaping The Madhouse” was a compilation of songs I wrote a year before I started playing . Many of the songs were reflections of how I was feeling and how I wanted to lay it all on the table, not keep it in my head anymore, and “Escaping The Madhouse” speaks to that. I recorded most of it with Dennis Patterson at his studio called Big Smoke Audio, which is a comforting place and he’s a great engineer to work with. I used to feel that there is a shortage of studios in the city but these days they are popping up everywhere.”

ABOUT THIS SUMMER

“Candle Recording Studio is also an incredible space. It is not a modern looking studio, which is refreshing. The equipment is modern, but it feels like a comforting cottage somewhere quiet. Good space and good vibes. We’ve been recording new music at Candle and will be releasing them soon. This summer, we have more music, more shows, and even a photo project in the works. We are trying to set up a tour across Ontario, maybe a few dates in New York, and looking to do a bunch of outdoor events.”

Stan Simon and The Hotel Bible have a show on August 30th at The Press Club as part of an aBabe Music showcase. For more information, visit: www.stansimon.bandcamp.com - iscreammusic

"despite the overwhelming somberness given through Simon’s vocal performance, there was a twinkle of optimism. He was clearly frustrated at whatever he was talking about and the dynamic build of the song reflected that. I couldn’t help but think of Robert Zimmerman or Van the Man or Rodriguez in this context. The Café was shaking with the angsty breadth of Simon’s voice. It was amazing to watch everyone finally listen, and not solely engage with their meaningless conversations." - Loathing The Airwaves

Stan Simon & the Hotel Bible released "Desert Line" back in 2014, and now that track has found a home on the Toronto musicians' latest LP Ruins, which is due out later this month. Following up the previously shared track, Simon and his backing band are ready to unveil a new song called "The Forgotten Train."

The forthcoming full-length hears the Americana-tinged, indie rock collaborator pairing up with producers Josh Korody and Dennis Patterson. The sound draws its influence from all aspects of Simon's musical experiences to date — from playing in post-punk outfit Neon Windbreaker, to working with artists as diverse as Dilly Dally's Benjamin Reinhartz, Jill Barber's Drew Jurecka, Weaves' Zach Bines, the Mohrs' Max Trefler and the Holy Gasp's Sebastian Shinwell under the collective umbrella of the Hotel Bible — all woven together with a captivating cinematic quality.

"The Forgotten Train" is no different, implementing a twangy, film noir-esque sound to showcase some particularly dark subject matter.

"This song is about a metaphorical abandoned train that represents a way out for those who feel imprisoned by abuse, addiction, difficult relationships, death and depression," Simon tells Exclaim! "It is about a path to take on a train that embodies the journey anyone can take to change their lives for the better and embark upon a transformation that will, at times, be arduous. The lyrics go into detail by describing the journey with windows being smashed by oncoming trees, rising smoke and a bridge that is cracking under the weight of the train during a deafening storm. The train won't break. Not if you don't let it."

Inspired by instances of people in his own life who have overcome or are working to overcome their demons, the song serves as an offering of encouragement in the midst of a battle that can often feel hopeless and alienating.

Ruins is due out on May 27. Before it lands, listen to "The Forgotten Train" in the player below. - Exclaim!