The documentary premiered with Far Out Magazine who called it, “a brutally honest take on mental health struggles,” along with an in-depth interview with Aime available to read here.
The album Say Yes, Say No is a bright and soulful record from the singer and is entirely self-written, produced and mixed. It is an open journal and a journey that weaves from reflective nostalgia of melancholic lows, to a breath of new energy and hopeful sentimentality.
The album prompts a response from all emotions. It’s a record to dance to, as found in the vivid alt-pop of lead single ‘What’s Up With The World?’, while it’s also a record to cry to as demonstrated in the haunting ‘Don’t Be Sad’.
The ranging tempos, pitch and rhythms in Say Yes, Say No reflect the ebb and flow of Aime’s battles with his mental health throughout his life. The album marks pivotal points in his journey and wellbeing through this, such as becoming a father for the first time at a young age, or the cities that helped shaped him along the way, as displayed in the bright and optimistic ‘Vienna’.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also played a strong influence on the record, as found in the singles ‘In This Dark Time’ and ‘Strange Inside’, which examine existential fears and human disconnection.
Say Yes, Say No carries an inspiring theme throughout, revealing a supportive message of comfort to those who have ever felt alienated or isolated.
This is demonstrated directly in the title itself. Say Yes, Say No reflects a life of self-doubt, heavily influenced by icons, while also dispirited by the opinions of others. Ultimately Say Yes, Say No flourishes to celebrate a new found self-confidence.
Aime Simone’s character is both unusual and complex, dictated by a life that has experienced great highs, the deepest lows, and huge challenges.
Say Yes, Say No plays as an open diary, deeply honest and therapeutic, both sonically and lyrically. Inspired by life changing moments and a fresh outlook on the world, the album is captivating and thought provoking. Say Yes, Say No and the documentary The Long Way To Now are an intimate introduction to the fascinating being of Aime Simone.
“Aime Simone’s uplifting melancholic pop finds hope in apocalyptic times”
Daily Star
“Aime Simone offers tenderness… A songwriter of rare depth, the emotional undercurrents from his work are innately tied to the world around him.”
Clash
“Aime’s music blends ethereal vocals with guitar and dance beats inspired by his surroundings”
Metro
FURTHER INFORMATION ON AIME SIMONE
Aime Simone was born and raised in Paris. During childhood he fell victim to intense bullying, this mental trauma from this developed in his early teenage years and he began to experience symptoms of PTSD.
These PTSD symptoms developed into anorexia and related physical injuries and operations. This led to multiple stays at clinics in an attempt to heal, yet his inner demons ultimately led to a tragic suicide attempt.
During his clinic stays Aime spent the duration of his healing writing poetry in a journal. As a music lover and songwriter, during a stay at the clinic in 2012, Aime got permission to attend a Pete Doherty show at Paris’ Bus Palladium, of who he was a big fan.
He took the journal along to the show with the intention of giving it to Pete. Aime had no idea how he was going to get the journal to Pete and so mid-set took to throwing it onstage, accidentally hitting Pete on the face. Pete in turn began reading excerpts to the sold out crowd. Aime screams for Pete’s guitar in a vein hope of some exchange, but was instead pulled onstage and given the guitar to play.
This was Aime’s first ever performance in front of a crowd, and one that thankfully ended in applause – something quite extraordinary for a stranger onstage at a Pete Doherty show. Aime was instructed to stay and invited backstage after, what ensued was a year of intense songwriting sessions at the Libertines frontman’s apartment.
From this bizarre first encounter blossomed a very precious friendship, which saw Pete help Aime out of his darkest time while also mentoring Aime in his artistic development and eventually to him opening for Pete at his shows.
It also opened doors to the fashion world, where he had a successful career modelling. It led him to travel the world for three years, featuring highlights including Hedi Slimane’s 2013 Saint Laurent campaign, which included Aime opening the catwalk in Paris.
