Cody Simpson Covers Un-Titled Project, Dishes on Going Independent

Photographed by Dennis Golonka, Australian singer Cody Simpson covers the eighth issue of Un-Titled Project. Outfitted by stylist Romina Herrera Malatesta, the 19 year-old is captured in a contemporary wardrobe that mirrors his own personal style. Rocking skinny jeans, slouchy tops and more, Simpson wears labels such as Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply and Prada.

Talking to the magazine about leaving Atlantic Records as a signed artist and going independent, Simpson shared in an interview last year, “Yeah man, it’s been kind of gnarly, with trying to navigate my way through the politics. I’m only 18, and I’m not really a big fan of politics in any way. I try to keep my stuff pretty simple and straightforward and organically done. I guess from being super young – I got started when I was 13, and signed to Atlantic on my 13th birthday, and I was kind of taken on this ride for a while being this innocent and impressionable Aussie kid, and you kind of just do whatever anyone tells you because you’re young and people are throwing shit at you. And you’re kind of psyched but still don’t know exactly what you want.”

Simpson continues, “I think any musician that would have been offered what I was offered at 13 would have taken it just to see what happened. And it only took me 5 years until I was 18 and moved out and started standing up for myself to realize that I had been taken so far from my authentic self and style. So I kind of had a sudden shock and had to leave my label and throw everything back in the water and build from the ground up, which I couldn’t be happier about. I don’t have the same philosophy as most artists do who try to get their music on the radio – I don’t really care. I see myself as a normal person who just wants to have a balanced life of being able to hang with friends and party, and surf and skate – as well as make music that does some good for people as well. But it’s all sort of a natural growth.”