Editor’s Note: Welcome to “Reel Women,” our annual tribute to dynamic women in creative industries. For the month of March, let us introduce you to some very special women like music artist, Sima Galanti.
Sima’s journey as an artist is one fueled by a blend of resilience, inspiration, and a quest for authenticity. Hailing from Israel and now based in Los Angeles, her story resonates with the classic narrative of pursuing dreams in the land of opportunity. However, her narrative transcends borders and cultural boundaries, echoing the universal themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and staying true to oneself.
Drawing from a diverse array of musical influences spanning from Massive Attack to Alanis Morissette, Sima has carved out a distinct musical identity for herself. Her sound, characterized by incendiary rock elements and poignant lyrics, serves as a vessel for her messages of positivity and strength.
Throughout her career, her has not only honed her craft as a singer-songwriter but also delved into production and documentary work, showcasing her multifaceted talents and dedication to her art. Her collaborations with renowned vocal and acting coaches underscore her commitment to continuous growth and excellence.
Sima’s discography reflects her evolution as an artist, from her debut single Breaking Down The Walls to her latest original work Angel. Devotion. Each release bears witness to her artistic evolution, with themes ranging from individuality and empowerment to transformation and freedom.
In addition to her original compositions, Sima has also put her unique stamp on classic hits, such as her edgy rendition of Pat Benatar’s Love Is A Battlefield and Madonna’s Material Girl, infusing them with her distinctive style and attitude.
With each new release, Sima reaffirms her position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, her fiery spirit and powerful messages leaving an indelible mark on listeners around the world.
What’s your origin story?
I was born in Israel and grew up in a small town called Lod. I’m from a Sephardic Jewish heritage, half Moroccan and half Turkish. My background and my Jewish faith played a significant role in shaping my identity and perspectives.
The contrasts of my environment marked my early life in Lod—on one hand, growing up in Lod was filled with challenges from socio-economic challenges, drugs, crimes, and violence, and on the other, Lod is a place where Arab and Jewish coexist. I had a rich circle of amazing friends and a deep need for self-expression and creativity. This backdrop allows me to explore my passion for music at a young age singing in singing competitions and family events.
Despite growing up in the rough environment in Lod I always believed that I was destined for something greater. I was driven by a need to find freedom from things that limited and restricted me. I wanted to create a better life, one that allowed me to fully be my authentic self and that led me to move to New York without a clear plan except faith, a heart full of dreams, and determination to create a better life for myself.
How did you get into the music industry?
Although I started singing and performing at a young age in Israel, my journey getting into the music industry wasn’t easy; it was filled with challenges. When I first moved to NYC, I couldn’t even think about becoming an artist.
Yes, it was always in the back of my head but I was busy trying to figure out how to build my life and survive. I was starting from the bottom and with nothing to fall back on. I arrived in NYC with a thousand dollars, with no plan, no job, and no connections, which now when I look back was a brave, naive, and insane decision, but that moment when I first arrived in Times Square was a pivotal moment that changed my life forever. I knew there was no going back therefore, I needed to make things work.
I needed to first find a job and a place to stay and create a safe environment that could allow me to focus on creativity. Navigating life in New York with limited resources taught me the importance of faith and determination. It took years of self-improvement, lots of failures, and hard work but I was committed to my dreams and my vision.
Slowly but surely the right opportunities and people come into my life. I met two young songwriters and producers originally from England who played a crucial role in my life at that time, acting as my family, mentors, and friends.
They encouraged me to find my voice and urged me to write, which helped develop my unique singing and writing style. I spend days in the recording studio working on demos and diligently studying the craft, working under the guidance of top vocal and acting coaches in NYC, such as Don Lawrance (Lady Gaga, Mick Jagger, Axl Rose, Bono, Christina Aguilera, and many more), as well as Melissa Cross (Dave Draimen from Disturbed, Anthrax, Bring Me The Horizon, Gojira, Lamb Of God, Maroon 5). I formed my first band and started playing live in the hottest live music spots in NYC.
Who were your mentors?
My mentors were my first producers in NYC Aaron and Diego, as well, as my vocal coaches Don Lawrence who instilled in me discipline and cultivating healthy habits to create longevity as a singer, and Melissa Cross who helped me to develop my rock singing style and finding the balance between the technique and finding freedom, trust and letting go when singing.
Also, my acting coach Susan Batson, a renowned acting coach in New York, played a pivotal role in my journey. Susan coached numerous notable actors such as Nicole Kidman and Juliette Binoche. For me, arriving in New York without family, she became a maternal figure I desperately needed.
She believed in me, supported me, and wasn’t afraid to push me hard when necessary. Her guidance was crucial in helping me believe in myself at a time when I was still discovering who I was. Susan provided the perfect balance of strength and support, offering protection and encouragement.
Susan recognized my dual talents in acting and singing, and cleverly integrated opportunities for me to showcase my singing in the acting roles. These experiences not only exposed me to great cinema but also allowed me to explore different facets of my identity and grow as a person. Susan, along with her son Carl Ford, offered me invaluable guidance and opportunities to develop my skills.
While there will be others, what do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Coming from my humble background, I had many wins and achievements but the biggest achievement to date was screening the music video for my latest single Devotion at Regal Cinemas/LA Live. Seeing the video playing on the big screen and seeing my name as the director/producer/ songwriter and a performer in the closing credits was an amazing moment in my career. I felt like all the hard work paid off and seeing my skills all come together in one video was powerful and a proud moment in my life.
What drives you to create?
Life! My life journey, my experiences, my upbringing, love, heartbreak, pain, and joy.
Creativity is a form of expression and healing for me. It’s part of my existence and who I am. I need to process and transform negativity into positivity, and darkness into light, and by taking an experience good or bad, and sharing it with others through writing, music, and storytelling I feel like I’m bridging gaps and creating connectivity with others.
By sharing my experiences and different parts of myself with others I can allow people to explore their own emotions, relate, and feel understood and that they are not alone.
Award you crave, but haven’t won
I would like to win a Grammy and an Oscar one day.
Coffee, Lunch, or Happy Hour
I would like to have coffee with Stevie Nicks, lunch with Barbra Streisand, and Happy Hour with Elizabeth Taylor.
It’s an election year, what is keeping you up at night?
The war in my homeland Israel.
Favorite movie and TV show of 2023.
My favorite Netflix show from last year was Beef.
Band or singer you would ditch your career and go perform with?
I wouldn’t need to ditch my career to perform with any band or singer because I’m a singer myself, but I would be honored to share the stage with the band TOOL, Disturbed, Metallica, Lady Gaga, Bjork, RY X, The Cure, U2, Pearl Jam, and Alanis Morissette.
What’s your theme song for 2024?
Get Up, Stand Up – Bob Marley
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