Stanley Simmons Project Distances Itself From Kiss: ‘It Really Has Nothing To Do With What Our Dads Do’

The sons of rock legends Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are officially joining forces, but fans expecting pyrotechnics and platform boots will likely be surprised by the result. Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons have unveiled Stanley Simmons, a collaborative project that intentionally pivots away from the hard rock legacy of Kiss in favor of a softer, more organic sound.

The duo appeared on “KTLA” with host Andy Riesmeyer to discuss their upcoming debut single, “Body Down,” which is scheduled for release this Friday, December 5.

Regarding the sonic direction of the new group, Evan was quick to clarify that they are not following in their fathers’ footsteps.

“We grew up loving a lot of roots stuff, Americana folk, so you hear a lot of that in there,” Evan explained. “It really has nothing to do with what our dads do. I think the interesting thing is we do actually have a lot of the same influences.”

Nick echoed the sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the chance to work within a genre that is often outside his usual wheelhouse.

“I never get to do just stripped down, rootsy Americana music,” Nick said. “And so it was, like, ‘Let’s do it. ‘Cause it would be fun.’ And then people were, like, ‘No, you should do this.'”

The project has gained significant industry weight with the involvement of acclaimed producer Rob Cavallo, best known for his work with Green Day. Cavallo praised the duo for carving out a unique identity that evokes the classic California sound of the 1970s.

“The fact that it has nothing to do with the sound of Kiss is the first thing that’s interesting,” Cavallo observed. “And even the name Stanley Simmons. And you realize they’re kind of like the new Laurel Canyon mystical, magical. It’s just got its own vibe that’s very deep. So we’re excited.”

When asked how their famous fathers have reacted to the material, Nick offered a humorous insight into Gene Simmons‘ unique style of parenting and critique.

“My father is the master of the backhanded compliment,” Nick joked. “He’ll be, like, ‘This is much better than the last thing you showed me.’ And I was, like, ‘Oh, you said some nice things about that.’ He goes, ‘Nothing compared to this.'”

Evan noted that despite the blunt delivery, the support from both Paul and Gene has been genuine. “They’re unbelievably supportive. If someone’s honest with you, then when they say something’s great, it’s actually worthwhile, and it means something.”

The pair are also acutely aware of the potential backlash regarding nepotism. Nick addressed the skepticism head-on, admitting that he shares the public’s fatigue with celebrity children but hopes the music speaks for itself.

“I am like every other consumer out there — I’m a little sick of the family members of people trying to insert themselves into our eyeballs,” Nick admitted. “But it doesn’t really matter if one of them is actually good.”