Tip the Artist

Artist Bio

Blues/rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Keaton Simons has enjoyed international recognition for his role in the pop world while on major labels Maverick and CBS Records. The Los Angeles Times described the voice of their native son as having a “lived-in quality that will echo in our minds and hearts for years to come.” In 2008 Keaton released his first full-length album, Can You Hear Me, co-produced with David Bianco (Tom Petty, Bob Dylan) and in 2013 followed with Beautiful Pain, co-produced with Mikal Blue (Colbie Caillat, Jason Mraz). No Depression said of his sophomore release, “If the dictionary had a listing under perfect pop, it’s very likely that Keaton Simons would have his photo displayed there prominently... Keaton purveys intellect, intuition and a brilliant twist of the phrase that turns everyday expressions into lyrics that are thoughtful and worthy of consideration.”

Anyone who’s seen Keaton perform live knows why the crowd erupts when he picks up a guitar from his arsenal on stage (usually consisting of a customized DeTemple Stellacasta, fretless guitar, baritone and acoustic). Premier Guitar magazine has welcomed Keaton as a guest guitar teacher on their website and says, “Simons can play. Imagine John Mayer without all the pretentiousness.” In addition to being the face of Advanced Guitar for Ubisoft’s Rocksmith video game, Keaton shines on guitar and vocals at pop-up jam sessions with legendary musicians, such as drummer Robin DiMaggio (Paul Simon, David Bowie), bassist Alex Al (Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder), and percussionist Lenny Castro (Boz Scaggs, Fleetwood Mac) among others.

Keaton has even had success in the hip hop world as a writer, musical director, singer, bassist and guitarist with notable acts like Snoop Dogg, Gnarls Barkley, Tre Hardson of The Pharcyde and underground hip hop legend Medusa. He’s also performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Last Call with Carson Daly and most recently, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Keaton’s music is regularly placed in feature films and television shows, including Sons of Anarchy, Private Practice, NCIS, Malcolm in the Middle and Numb3rs.