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Interview: Simon Scardanelli Brings Thunder to the Ukulele on “Battle Ships,” a Rebellious War Cry Against Climate Collapse

May 13, 2025
William Brookson
Latest posts by William Brookson (see all)

British-born, France-based singer-songwriter Simon Scardanelli delivers a thunderous call to arms with his latest single, “Battle Ships,” a gritty and rebellious folk-rock anthem drawn from his forthcoming climate-themed folk-opera La Mer.

Both defiant and mythic in tone, “Battle Ships” imagines a mythical race waging war against humankind in a last-ditch rebellion against our environmental destruction. Featuring raw acoustic textures, urgent vocals, and an unexpected dose of ukulele power, the track feels like an uprising in motion – intimate and cinematic in equal measure.

Originally written for La Mer (slated for release in late 2025), the track earned its place on Scardanelli’s new album after proving to be a showstopper in his live sets. “It brings the house down live,” Simon shares. “There’s not many times you get to hear a ukulele played with this kind of aggression.”

1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
For me it was finding the last ingredient to add to the final verse – I wanted to make the sound as big as possible and it was already thundering along with the percussion. I played around with a few ideas, I even added more drums – but that wasn’t doing it. Then I took a step sideways – away from the all-natural sound of the arrangement, and added a synth. When I dropped that first big bass note in it brought a huge smile to my face!
2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
Never follow fashion – it’s a dead-end road – and always crowded. Find your own way. It may be quieter – but the view is magnificent and always surprising.
3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
Peter Gabriel.
4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
That’s a tough one as I’m never really sure what genre I fit into! I think I write in a melodic way that is perhaps different from other artists – I don’t care too much about whether the structure of my songs follows established styles – verse, chorus, middle-eight and so on. Some of my songs have melodies that don’t repeat for each verse. Sometimes there’s a chorus – sometimes not – I’m always looking for ways to create a song structure that takes the listener along a road with twists and turns, with the occasional surprise just around the corner.
5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.

I’ve just re-discovered the album “Hats” by the Blue Nile, and I’m particularly fond of “Let’s Go Out Tonight” – bedtime listening!

Simon Scardanelli has lived many musical lives. From late-80s chart success with Big Bam Boo (whose hit “Shooting From My Heart” made waves in North America), to the cult-classic Death Row Tales – a record reportedly beloved by The Matrix CGI team – Simon’s creative path has always veered toward the bold and the unexpected.

“Battle Ships” offers a first taste of La Mer – a large-scale, multi-media performance project that blends mythology, music, and environmental storytelling. With both French and English narration versions in the works, the show is set to tour internationally starting late 2025.

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