Gene Simmons’ son Nick Simmons recently opened up about the challenges and advantages of collaborating with Paul Stanley’s son Evan Stanley in their band project, Stanley Simmons, in an interview with Guitar World.
Nick Simmons discussed the reality of working with another rock legend’s child and the unique position their family connections put them in within the music industry.
“It wasn’t a big idea. It was just, ‘We should film a reel or something… people do that, right?’ We got together and figured, ‘Let’s do something we both love,’” Nick Simmons said.
He went on to explain the complex dynamics of having famous fathers in the music business.
“It’s a double-edged sword. Doors are immediately opened for us because of our family relationships, like with any business. So, in entertainment and music, we get to meet these people. But once you’re in the room, they don’t necessarily give you the benefit of the doubt,” he continued.
Despite the challenges, Nick remains optimistic about their musical direction and believes in letting the music speak for itself.
“What’s working well for us is that at the end of the day, people will decide what works. It’s not the executives. They’re either gonna like the songs or not,” he added.
The collaboration between the two sons of KISS legends represents a new chapter in their musical journey. This journey began organically during a casual hangout session.
Guitar World reported that the duo’s collaboration began unexpectedly in December 2024 during a casual hangout. They decided to jam together and film content for social media. This spontaneous decision has since evolved into a serious musical partnership that has already yielded significant results.
The pair have been remarkably productive in their short time together. Louder Sound revealed that Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons have recorded 10 songs together and released their debut single “Body Down.” Their musical approach represents a departure from their fathers’ signature hard rock sound. They are taking a stripped-down, rootsy Americana direction that showcases their individual artistic vision.
Despite their famous lineage, the collaboration wasn’t predetermined by their family connections. TMRW Magazine noted that their families are woven together in music history as sons of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from KISS. Despite that connection, they never made music together until this recent project. This organic development speaks to the authenticity of their musical partnership.
The Stanley Simmons project demonstrates how the next generation of rock royalty is forging their own path while acknowledging the weight of their heritage. Their willingness to explore different musical territories while maintaining respect for their fathers’ legacy shows a mature approach to building their own artistic identity in the shadow of one of rock’s most iconic bands.
