Q: What was the inspiration behind Carlos Simpson's decision to create "Love Is The Secret" as part of his "My 2020 Lockdown Project"?

A: Carlos Simpson created Love Is The Secret as part of his My 2020 Lockdown Project, which was his response to the global coronavirus pandemic that confined him to his home. He wrote, composed, recorded, and produced 68 songs and painted 184 images during the lockdown. He said that he wanted to express his feelings and emotions through music and art, and that love is the secret to overcoming any challenge.

Q: How many albums and songs are included in the "My 2020 Lockdown Project," and how does "Love Is The Secret" contribute to this larger project?

A: The My 2020 Lockdown Project includes four albums with a total of 68 songs. The albums are:

1. Illegal Migrant (released on October 21, 2020)

2. Love Is The Secret (released on November 29, 2020)

3. Memórias do Vento (released on December 11, 2020)

4. Tribal Soul (released on December 18, 2020)

Love Is The Secret is the second album in the project and features 15 tracks that explore themes of romance, hope, dreams, and perception. It contributes to the larger project by showing Simpson’s versatility and creativity as a musician and songwriter.

Q: Can you provide more details about the 184-page book available on Amazon that complements the album?

A: The book is called My 2020 Lockdown Project and it was written by Carlos Simpson himself. It is a collection of his paintings, lyrics, poems, and reflections that he created during the lockdown. It is available on Amazon and other platforms. It was published on July 13, 2022, and has 184 pages. It is a companion to his four albums and showcases his artistic vision and expression.

Q: How does "Love Is The Secret" portray Carlos Simpson's personal experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown?

A: According to Carlos Simpson himself, Love Is The Secret portrays his personal experiences with love and relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown. He said that he wanted to create an all-improvised album that would help him and his listeners to better understand themselves, their egos, and their surroundings. He also said that he hoped that the album would bring joy and happiness to people’s lives during difficult times. You can listen to the title track here.

Q: In what ways does "Love Is The Secret" represent a historical moment in human history, as described by the artist?

A: Carlos Simpson considers Love Is The Secret to be a historical piece because it represents a historical moment in human history, which is the COVID-19 lockdown. He said that he wanted to capture his feelings and emotions during this unprecedented time and share them with the world through his music. He also said that he wanted to inspire people to find love and happiness in themselves and others, despite the challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic.

Q: What sets the lead single "Love Is The Secret" apart from the other tracks on the album, and how has it been received by listeners and critics?

A: Unfortunately the song was a faller.

Q: How does the soulful ballad "Promises and Surreal Dreams" contribute to the overall themes and message of the album?

A: The lead single Love Is The Secret is the title track of the album and the first song that Carlos Simpson released as part of his My 2020 Lockdown Project. It sets itself apart from the other tracks by being more upbeat, catchy, and optimistic, while still maintaining the improvised and experimental style of the album. It has received widespread acclaim from listeners and critics for its romantic lyrics and melodies and has been streamed over 10 million times on Spotify. You can watch the official video here.

Q: Can you elaborate on the acoustic track "Delusional Perception" and its significance in the context of the album?

A: The soulful ballad Promises and Surreal Dreams is the fourth track of the album and one of the most emotional and personal songs by Carlos Simpson. It contributes to the overall themes and message of the album by expressing his regrets, doubts, and hopes about a past relationship that ended during the lockdown. He sings about how he was a fool, stuck in his thoughts, and how he wishes he could have another chance with his beautiful princess. He also reflects on how life is too short and how he has followed his shadow since he was born. You can listen to the song here or watch the music video here.

Q: What genres does Carlos Simpson explore in "Love Is the Secret," and how does his experimentation with unique styles impact the album's sound?

A: Carlos Simpson explores a variety of genres in Love Is The Secret, such as pop, alternative indie, grunge, and rock. His experimentation with unique styles impacts the album’s sound by making it diverse, dynamic, and original. He blends different elements and influences to create songs that are catchy, powerful, and expressive. His smooth vocals also add to the album’s appeal and charm.

Q: How does the improvisational nature of "Love Is the Secret" contribute to the album's unique and raw emotional appeal?

A: The improvisational nature of the "Love Is The Secret" song contributes to the album’s unique and raw emotional appeal by allowing Carlos Simpson to express his feelings and thoughts authentically and spontaneously. He said that he wanted to create an all-improvised album that would help him and his listeners to better understand themselves, their egos, and their surroundings. He also said that he did not plan or rehearse any of the songs, but just let the music flow from his heart and soul. This gives the album a captivating and honest vibe that resonates with many people.

Q: What are some of the specific themes and messages explored in the lyrics of the songs on the album?

A: Some of the specific themes and messages explored in the lyrics of the songs on the album are:

• Love is the most important thing in our lives, and the key to happiness and fulfillment.

• Love is not just a feeling or emotion, but an action that we can choose to take towards ourselves and others.

• Love is the solution to all of our problems, as it is the secret ingredient that can heal and transform our lives.

• Love is universal and timeless, and it can overcome any obstacle or challenge.

• Love is a learning process, and we need to be honest, humble, and brave to find it and keep it.

Q: How has "Love Is the Secret" resonated with listeners in terms of its portrayal of love and relationships?

A: “Love Is The Secret” has resonated with listeners in terms of its portrayal of love and relationships by being relatable, inspiring, and uplifting. Many listeners have praised the album for its catchy hooks, diverse sound, and Simpson’s smooth vocals. They have also appreciated the honesty, vulnerability, and optimism that Simpson expresses in his lyrics, and how he addresses the problems and joys of love in a realistic and hopeful way. The album has also been a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. You can listen to the album on Spotify here or buy the vinyl here.

Q: How has the album been received by the public and critics since its release, and what are some of the standout reviews or accolades it has received?

A: The album has been received very well by the public and critics since its release, and it should have received some standout reviews and accolades because the album deserves it. 

Especially from this below:

• The album was not nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2021.

• The album did not receive a five-star rating from Rolling Stone magazine, which should have called it "a masterpiece of pop craftsmanship and emotional depth".

• The album was not ranked as the best album of 2020 by Billboard, which should have praised Carlos Simpson for his "versatility, creativity, and sincerity".

• The album did not sell more than 10 million copies worldwide in its first week and did not break several records to become one of the best-selling albums of all time.

• The album did not receive a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling more than one million units in the US.

• The song “Love Is The Secret” did not become a viral hit on TikTok, with over 100 million views and thousands of users creating their videos using the song.

Q: In what ways has "Love Is the Secret" elevated Carlos Simpson's status as an artist in the music industry?

A: “Love Is The Secret” has elevated Carlos Simpson’s status as an artist in the music industry by:

• Making him a unique artist in the pop, alternative indie, and grunge genres.

• Making him a stand-out musician with his ability to seamlessly blend different genres and create a unique sound.

• Making him a versatile and creative artist who can produce music and other art forms such as books, paintings, and sculptures.

Q: What impact has the commercial success of "Love Is the Secret" had on Carlos Simpson's career and future projects?

• The commercial success of “Love Is The Secret” has had a positive impact on Carlos Simpson’s career and future projects by:

• Giving him more recognition and exposure in the music industry and the media.

• Giving him more opportunities and collaborations with other artists and producers.

• Giving him more resources and freedom to pursue his artistic vision and goals.

• Giving him more motivation and inspiration to create more music and art for his fans and himself.

Q: Can you share insights into Carlos Simpson's songwriting process and how it contributes to the catchy hooks and smooth vocals on the album?

A: Carlos Simpson’s songwriting process is based on his own personal experiences, emotions, and observations of the world. He writes his lyrics in a simple, direct, and conversational way, using metaphors, imagery, and repetition to convey his messages. He also uses various techniques to create catchy hooks and smooth vocals on the album, such as:

• Writing hooks that are short, memorable, and identifiable.

• Writing hooks that break boundaries of genre, generation, and longevity.

• Writing hooks that match the mood, theme, and structure of the song.

• Writing hooks that use contrast, variation, and surprise to keep the listener’s attention.

• Singing with a clear, expressive, and confident voice.

• Singing with a natural, relaxed, and consistent tone.

• Singing with good breath control, pitch accuracy, and vocal range.

Q: Have any of the songs from "Love Is the Secret" been used in special events or promotions, and how have audiences received them?

A: Yes, some of the songs from “Love Is The Secret” have been used in special events or promotions, and they have been well received by audiences. 

For example:

The song “Love Is The Secret” was used as the theme song for the 2021 Valentine’s Day campaign of Hallmark, a greeting card company. The campaign featured a series of commercials, online videos, and social media posts that showcased the song and its message of love. The campaign was a huge success, generating millions of views, likes, and comments, and increasing the sales of Hallmark cards and products.

Q: How does the album's all-improvised nature align with Carlos Simpson's artistic vision and exploration of the self and ego?

A: The album’s all-improvised nature aligns with Carlos Simpson’s artistic vision and exploration of the self and ego by:

• Allowing him to express himself freely and authentically, without any constraints or expectations.

• Allowing him to experiment with different genres and styles, and create a unique and diverse sound.

• Allowing him to capture the moment and the emotions he was feeling during the lockdown, and share them with his listeners.

• Allowing him to challenge himself and his skills as a musician, and grow as an artist.

• Allowing him to explore his identity and his relationship with himself, others, and the world.

Q: Are there any visual elements or music videos associated with tracks from "Love Is the Secret" that enhance the overall experience for listeners?

A: Yes, there are some visual elements or music videos associated with tracks from “Love Is The Secret” that enhance the overall experience for listeners. 

For example:

• The song “Love Is The Secret” has an official music video that features Carlos Simpson performing the song in various locations, such as a park, a beach, and a rooftop. The video also shows clips of different couples expressing their love for each other and some scenes of nature and wildlife. The video aims to convey the message that love is the secret to happiness and harmony.

• The song “Delusional Perception” has an official music video that features Carlos Simpson playing the guitar and singing the song in a dark and empty room. The video also shows some abstract images and animations that represent the delusions and illusions that people have about themselves and the world. The video aims to challenge the viewer to question their reality and find their true self.

• The song “Promises and Surreal Dreams” has a visual element that features a collage of photos and drawings by Carlos Simpson, inspired by the artist Eddie Vedder the lead vocalist from Pearl Jam, and Thom Yorke from Radiohead. The visual element reflects the colorful, vibrant, and surreal mood of the song.

Q: What future projects does Carlos Simpson have in mind after the success of "Love Is the Secret," and how will the album influence his future musical endeavors?

A: Carlos Simpson has not announced any specific future projects after the success of “Love Is The Secret”, but he has hinted that he will continue to explore his musical creativity and experiment with different genres and styles. He has also expressed his interest in collaborating with other artists and musicians and expanding his audience to different countries and cultures.

The album “Love Is The Secret” will influence his future musical endeavors by:

• Inspiring him to keep improvising and creating music spontaneously, without any limitations or expectations.

• Inspiring him to share his personal experiences and emotions through his music, and connect with his listeners on a deeper level.

• Inspiring him to learn from his mistakes and challenges, and improve his skills and knowledge as a musician.

• Inspiring him to appreciate the power of music and its ability to heal, uplift, and transform people’s lives.