Critically acclaimed singer and songwriter Jenny Simmons, who helmed the Dove Award-nominated band Addison Road, will unveil her debut solo album early next year. The project, The Becoming, will release on February 12, 2013, and will be preceded by the lead radio single, "Heaven Waits For Me," which goes for adds at radio on Sept. 14th.
Partnering with her long-time record label, Fair Trade Services, and the masterful production skills of Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Third Day) and Seth Mosley (Newsboys), Simmons penned The Becoming in the wake of Addison Road deciding to amicably disband. After years of touring and giving Christian music fans powerful songs such as "Hope Now," "What Do I Know of Holy," "All That Matters" and "This Little Light of Mine," the decade-old band is stepping off the stage.
"As a band, we have collectively decided to put a definite end to Addison Road," she states. Simmons, who started the band with her then-fiancee, Ryan (now husband of 10 years), at Baylor University in 2000 says its the best break-up she’s ever been a part of. “I hate break-ups, but this was as beautiful as a split can be! The guys were tired of living out of buses and leaving their families behind. In our case it was taking a toll on our marriage to raise our daughter on the road, work together, and then try and be married at the end of the day. After our 2010 tour with Tenth Avenue North and Matt Maher, it became clear to each of us that God was releasing us from Addison Road and ushering each of us as individuals into new seasons.”
The Texas-based band debuted with their self-titled record in 2008 that garnered the band their first Dove nomination for Best New Artist, was featured as an iTunes® Discovery Download and garnered a No. 1 single with "All That Matters." They released their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Stories, in 2010, which featured the hit single "Fight Another Day."
Since her emergence on the music scene, Simmons’ vocal abilities have impressed critics and fans alike, lending an honest and authentic voice to lyrics that hit listeners with disarming relevance. Media outlets have described her vocals as "vulnerable and sincere" (ChristianMusicReview.org), as well as "piercing and chameleon" (Phantom Tollbooth).
"I believe in every single word and note on the album," Simmons explains in regard to The Becoming. "I believe this project is exactly what I am supposed to say to the world, and I'm so excited to share it with everyone."
Simmons will mark her solo debut with a performance on August 12th at Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge in Fort Worth, Tex. For more information, please visit JennySimmons.com.
