"Safe Place" EP
LISTEN HERE: https://ffm.to/simonjela_safeplace
Do what feels right, not what’s trending. That’s Simon Jela's only rule and the foundation of everything he creates. Let others chase the hype—Simon Jela stays true to himself.
Simon Jela doesn’t just love music; he lives it. Growing up in a rock-infused household somewhere in the Hessian province near Frankfurt, he had an early introduction to the greats. His dad’s record collection? Way cooler than LEGO. By the age of 23, he had already built a deep-rooted love for rock and pop, shaped by legends like The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, and classic rock icons like Chicago and Toto.
Yes, you read that right—Toto is one of the most defining musical influences in his life. And no, not in a "let’s ironically end our DJ set with Africa like every hipster out there" kind of way. Simon Jela takes music seriously—and Toto even more so.
But his sound isn’t stuck in the past. Artists like Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles (back in his One Direction days) fascinate him, and oh boy—what this guy does with his passion for music is something else. His understanding of sound and music history doesn’t result in some clever, over-intellectualized pastiche. Instead, he creates intuitive, English-language pop with an effortless lightness—songs that let you lose yourself and find yourself at the same time. Pop that feels like the voice of a good friend.
The Debut EP: "Safe Place"
This year marks the release of his debut EP. Written with—swear, this isn’t a cliché, it just fits—his whole heart. Recorded with friends. Featuring lyrics that reflect his unique perspective on life. The name? "Safe Place" Perfectly fitting.
These are deeply personal songs right out of a safe place of a songwriter who digs deeper—both musically and lyrically—than what you might expect from pop music. This is an artist who never wanted to be shaped into a marketable pop product at some music school. He just naturally hits the right note—the one that resonates with his listeners. A guy who refuses to give up on his dream. A guy whose music will leave a mark.
And this? This is just the beginning.
Alright then, let’s hear it!
The First Notes
Warm piano, a little guitar—nothing more.
"You know my past Don’t care about that"
"If It Was On Me"—mature, fragile, honest. And the crazy part? This was the first song Simon Jela ever wrote. How is that even possible?
Simon just shrugs. He had watched a documentary about his favorite artist at the time—and suddenly, nothing made more sense than this: he had to start writing his own music. There was no other option.
From that moment on, the songs just kept flowing. He could already fill entire albums—but let’s take it slow. **No rush.**There’s always time for double albums, live recordings, and Christmas specials later. For now, these five tracks on his debut EP speak for themselves.
A Journey Through the EP
The EP oesn’t just sound introspective—it is. After all, how can you understand others if you don’t even understand yourself? So Simon turns inward. The result? Honest, moving, raw. Writing pop lyrics without clichés? Not easy. But he pulls it off.
His songs explore sadness, but they aren’t necessarily dressed in minor chords.
"I know panic attacks. I know shitty phases. But what’s the point of making an unbearably dark song out of it?" he says.
For him, the real comfort lies in showing people that they aren’t alone. That it’s okay to not have a picture-perfect Instagram life. Editing out emotions with Photoshop? Simon Jela doesn’t offer that.
Musically, "In My Mind" delivers far more than just delicately played piano. Take Chances—the way it kicks in with that crunchy, raw energy. This isn’t just some songwriter strumming on a barstool. This has power. A blend of pop and folk wrapped in a timeless rock aesthetic—a sound that confidently stands on its own.
Songs That Leave a Mark
"Imprudent Things" is a reality check. "Love finds a way? Love always leads to a happy ending?" Yeah… tell that to a youth counselor at church camp. Love is a battlefield. And in this song, it’s all about expectations, disappointment, and—most importantly—the realization that none of us are free from making mistakes.
Authenticity and openness make this song an emotional spectacle. It starts with an intimate acoustic guitar, drawing you in—before unleashing a soaring, orchestral explosion. Peak-climax pop.
Then there’s "Too Dark to See." Simon’s most personal story. A contemporary ballad about not always being the friend you wish you could be. You realize too late what someone truly needed from you during a tough time. And yet, in close relationships, you have to be there for each other.
"I will never give up on you."
The fifth and final track? "Safe Place." Emotional lyrics, lively instrumentals, and a touch of one of Simon’s all-time favorite bands—Toto. This song captures that butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling—the hesitation, the excitement, the "should I… or shouldn’t I?" And at its core, a simple truth: you don’t have to be perfect.
A song about the beauty of having someone who makes you feel safe.
And So It Begins...
All clear so far? Or do I need to spell it out that there’s no Christmas album in the works?
No, you got that, right?
Okay, but maybe this little twist is still worth mentioning: The artist whose documentary set Simon Jela on his path, the one who made him realize that he had to start writing music?
Drumroll...
Ed Sheeran.
Wouldn’t have expected to be grateful to that guy, but… here we are.
Text by Linus Volkmann