Simon Says
OriginSacramento, California, U.S.
GenresAlternative metal, alternative rock, hard rock, nu metal
Years active
  • 1992–2004
  • 2023–present
LabelsHollywood Records
SpinoffsKey to Arson

Simon Says is an American rock band from Sacramento, California. In 2001, they changed their name to Key to Arson, and they broke up in 2004. In 2023, Simon Says reunited, added their albums to streaming music platforms, and promised new music would be coming in the future.[1]

History

Simon Says was formed by a group of California high schoolers (Matt Franks, Zac Diebels, and Mike Johnston) who got their start playing high school auditoriums around the state in the early 1990s. Adding bassist Mike Arrieta in 1995, the group self-released two records, which attracted the attention of manager Jeff Saltzman. Saltzman set them up with noted mixer/producer Mark Needham and got them signed to Hollywood Records in July 1998.[2] In 1999, they released their major-label debut, Jump Start, which yielded two hit modern rock singles, and the follow-up Shut Your Breath netted a third radio hit, "Blister".[3] The group appeared on the ESPN X Games Experience tour in 1999.[4]

In 2001, Simon Says left Hollywood Records over promotional issues and changed their name to Key to Arson; soon after, drummer Mike Johnston left the band, to be replaced by Dave "Stixx" Marich. In 2004, Key to Arson announced the completion of an album entitled Light 'Em Up, but by the end of the year the band had broken up. It is now known that Zac Diebels and Matt Franks have formed Automatic Static and will release a full album soon as of 2012, called Number IV.

The group reunited in 2023, promising a 3-track EP in early 2024 and a full-length due out in May 2024.[5]

Band members

Line-up

  • Matt Franks – vocals (1992–2004, 2023–present)
  • Zac Diebels – guitar (1992–2004, 2023–present)
  • Mike Arrieta – bass (1995–2004, 2023–present)
  • Mike Johnston – drums (1992–2001, 2023–present)

Former members

  • Dave "Stixx" Marich – drums (2001–2004)
  • Shane Ozmun – bass (1994–1995)

Discography

Extended plays

Albums

  • Little Boy (self-released, 1997) [independent album]
  • Perfect Example (self-released, 1997) [independent album]
  • Jump Start (Hollywood Records, 1999) [debut major label studio album]
  • Shut Your Breath (Hollywood, 2001) [second major label studio album]
  • Light Em Up [as Key To Arson] (self released, 2004)

Singles

  • "Life Jacket" (1999) US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks No. 23[6]
  • "Slider" (1999) Mainstream Rock No. 34
  • "Sever" (1999)
  • "Blister (Nothing)" (2001) Mainstream Rock No. 31

References

  1. ↑ Simon Says reunite, new music on the way. Lambgoat, September 19, 2023.
  2. ↑ Biography, Allmusic.com
  3. ↑ Chuck Taylor, Review of "Blister". Billboard, June 30, 2001, p. 20.
  4. ↑ "Popular Uprisings". Billboard, April 17, 1999, p. 14.
  5. ↑ Simon Says Reunite With Original Lineup, New Album & EP On The Way. ThePRP, September 19, 2023.
  6. ↑ Joel Whitburn, Rock Tracks 1981-2008. Record Research Inc., 2008, p. 229. ISBN 978-0-89820-174-1. passim.
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