Theatre kid

Hero

The concept for clear lines came from a realization I had 2 years ago, that sometimes I can't tell the difference between the two driving voices in my head.

In an annoyingly perfect display of codominance they pull me in opposite directions, fighting with each other on an invisible battlefield that doesn't have margins. I cannot tell where one ends and the other begins, nor is it always clear which one of the two is more righteous.

Writing this song was like a confession, because this isn't something I feel proud of. In fact this battle has been taking a toll on my relationships for quite some time.

My hope is that by speaking openly and honestly about it, I can break the cycle, and maybe even inspire others to do the same.

Clear Lines - Single

Clear Lines

"Hey Boy" is a romantic song about a long distance relationship, and how you would do anything to make it work. Featuring an epically catchy chorus, trumpets, and heartfelt lyrics, "Hey Boy" will have you singing along in no time.

Hey Boy

Just six months after releasing his single ‘Hey Boy’ – a youthful love song dedicated to his boyfriend – Yan Simon is making his return with the pop banger ‘Living in the Night’.
Electrifying and celebratory, ‘Living in the Night’ shines a light on identity and mental health – topics that Yan often explores in his songs such as ‘Clear Lines’ and ‘Marathon’.

“I wrote ‘Living in the Night’ in a moment of true loneliness. I sat by my piano on a Friday night and reflected on how I often feel like an actor on stage who’s trying to hide what’s really going on behind the curtain. Writing this song was like pulling that curtain away.”

Standing in stark contrast to Yan’s first studio album ‘Are There Any Rules?’, which leaned more acoustic pop-rock, ‘Living in the Night’ embraces electronic music. 
With its upbeat tempo of 140bpm and 80’s-inspired cosmic synths, this clubby single will make you want to get up and dance. The energetic production by Dima Graziani is juxtaposed with heartfelt, vulnerable lyrics, which are a staple in Yan’s songwriting. The result is an exhilarating song that sounds jarring and familiar all at once.

“Since I was 14 I’ve looked up to and was inspired by artists like Lady Gaga and David Bowie, who masterfully conveyed their messages using the art of the avant-garde” – Yan Simon says about the cover art for the single, which he produced with his partner. 
“This record and the cover are inspired by the contrast of superficial vs. buried, the shell vs. the pearl, the ‘I’ I’m aware of vs. ‘the man upstairs’”.

Living in the Night

"The Old House" is an original musical produced by JDY Theatre Productions in Toronto in 2018. 
Soundtrack recorded by the ensemble:
Dana Turetski, Giora Klichinsky, Yan Shvartsman, Nick Gordon, Michelle Chalatov, Jasmine Shalev, Annabelle Kolomeisky, Orel Shikher.
Original music and lyrics by Yan Shvartsman.
Written and directed by Dan Petrenko.

Samples: Czárdás, "Enjoy the Weather"

Life Goes On

This is the official instrumental of 'Marathon', track #2 from my first studio album 'Are There Any Rules?'.
Piano part written and performed by me
Cello and violins part written with Dima Graziani

Marathon (Instrumental)

Marathon (piano & strings instrumental)

This is the stripped piano version of my 2023 single Pause.

Pause (stripped piano version)

This ethereal ballad is about our power to both destroy and cherish the things we hold most dear.

Pause - single

Pause

Leah's Lament was written and composed by me for the 2018 original musical production "The Old House" by JDY Theatre.

This is the original piano version of the song.

Leah's Lament - piano version

Leah's Lament - Piano Version (written for the musical The Old House)

To Be in Love was written and composed by me for the 2018 original musical production "The Old House" by JDY Theatre.

This is the original piano version of the song.

Yan Simon

Pinned to spotlight

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