She’s an anthemic voice for the turn of the century; the lyrics to Love Inc.’s hits Broken Bones and You’re a Superstar are as representative of the years they came out as a high school yearbook. We sang those songs at clubs, in cars, over karaoke mics, and in our showers.

"Cuz tonight, and every night, you’re a superstar." Not a bad track to pre-drink to before one heads out to Edmonton’s Pure Pride extravaganza this June 7th. Along with Detox, Willam and Vicky Vox, Simone Denny – the former lead voice of Love Inc. – will set the stage ablaze at the Starlite Room, performing live in concert.

"I’m looking forward to it!" Denny says. "Without saying too much....let’s just say I’m bringin’ it! So get ready to party!"

Since those days of pumping dance hits Denny has gone on to record music in her same statement voice, but to a different tune. Her latest single Your Love Fades Away is emotional, jazzy, retro and emotive. Something you might have seen fifty years ago on an ocean cruise.

We caught up with her to chat about her new project, her charity work and what she’s been up to since her days with Love Inc.

GC: Where did your inspiration come from for this new project?

SD: This style of music is one I grew up listening to. It’s how I learned to sing. Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, etc. are the artists my parents played around the house as a child. Those voices inspired my vocals on BKS and Love Inc. Those powerful soulful voices taught me to sing. I haven’t switched my musical path. It has always been intertwined. This new album gives me the chance to showcase the other side of my vocals.

GC: Do you see a crossover of fans coming from Love Inc. or a whole new audience digging this sound?

SD: I think everyone is going to love my new album. I did a show in Vancouver last month where I performed You’re a Superstar and Broken Bones but the promoters also requested that I sing a ballad from my new project that they had heard. I stopped the show and performed my version of The Look of Love, a cover of ABC’s  song. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how the crowd was going to react, but they went nuts! They knew the words, they were singing along with me, and I received a loud applause at the end. I was thrilled because it was the first time I had performed it live. For me, it confirmed that I’m going in the right direction.  This project gives me the opportunity to reveal another side of me as a vocalist. Yes, I can deliver the high-energy soulful power vocals, but I can also break it down and sing you a ballad, get bluesy and a little edgy. I also get to sing about the ins and outs of love and life. It lets me expand as an artist. Fans are going to love this album and I know without a doubt I’ll make new fans along the way! I’m so excited!

GC: Did any Love Inc. members perform on this new project?

SD: No Love Inc. members were part of this current project. The producers I am working with right now are Adam Doom Sewell and Justin Allen McWilliams. Both are from Toronto. I’ve known Adam for years, so when he approached me with the concept I smiled because this genre of music was so a part of who I am as a person and vocalist — it was an easy and pleasant transition for me. This is evident when you hear the first single Your Love Fades Away. It pays homage to the early ’50s -’60s style, when rock and soul merged, with a dash of modern pop and edge. A very catchy track that tells the story of someone who is about to lose the love of their life, and they are grasping on to the last few moments of love. ’Cause when morning comes...it’s over! Anyone who’s been in love will relate to this song!

GC: In between the last Love Inc. album and this release, it looks like you’ve released a few singles in Europe. Why over there?

SD: I have an international following. I have beautiful fans everywhere I go. I consider myself blessed to be able to say that, and because of that producers in Europe [who] know my vocal capability contact me to do projects. I get requests all the time. When I am sent the song I decide whether it’s a project that suits my style and go from there. European producers have a different vibe and different energy and I enjoy working with them. I’ve worked with Canadian producers and American producers as well, and enjoy the energy and approach each team brings to each project.

GC: Do you consider yourself an icon?

SD: Wow I never get used to being called that. What I say to that is thank you. I am grateful that I have impacted people’s lives in such a positive way over the years. I never take my fans for granted. I attended my friend’s show at Toronto Fashion Week last month and as I was walking through the crowd when someone came up to me and exclaimed OMG you are Simone Denny; you’re a legend! I kinda blushed, smiled and said thank you and just kept moving. It was very sweet, but I never get used to hearing people say that. I sing because it fulfills me, inspires people and makes them happy. Acknowledgements and compliments are icing on the cake!

GC: How was it to sing with Patti Labelle (Fashion Cares 2004)?

SD: I loved performing with Patti Labelle. She is an amazing woman and an amazing vocalist – definitely someone I have always looked up to. Singing with her was surreal for me. As a teen she did a show in Toronto. I had the chance to give her my demo, and years later there I was on stage performing beside her. I was star struck for a few seconds because it had come full circle for me at that moment. At that performance I was actually singing with two major divas I admired: Jocelyn Brown and Patti Labelle. A performance I will cherish for the rest of my life.

GC: It sounds like you have done a tremendous amount of charity work. Can you tell me about the work you have done with ACT, CANFAR and Doctors without Borders?

SD: Whenever I am asked to perform for charity I gladly accept! However [if] I can use my talent, my presence, or celebrity to help raise awareness I am there! I love performing and inspiring people. Giving back and helping people is what life is all about.

GC: What’s next for you?

SD: What’s next is promotion and touring for this album, which we are planning to release in the fall! The single Your Love Fades Away is out now and I’m so looking forward to connecting with my fans and tugging on their heartstrings with this new music. Here I come Canada!