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Hannah Simone
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Hannah Simone, MuchMusic VJ
Hannah Simone brings a wealth of worldly experience, education and enthusiasm to her role as a MuchMusic VJ. Equally passionate about both world issues and pop culture, Hannah’s ready to offer a well-informed and well-spoken perspective on everything from global human rights to the latest music trends. Born in London, England, Hannah grew up in Calgary before moving to Saudia Arabia at age seven. Hannah’s family left Saudia Arabia when she was 10, leaving the turmoil of the first Gulf War behind. At age 13, she moved to Cyprus. Three years later, she relocated to New Delhi, India, where her dad was employed. She attended an American Embassy school and spearheaded a charity concert to raise awareness and money for a shelter to house women and children with AIDS. Hannah returned to Canada at 17, living first in White Rock, BC, and then Vancouver, where she completed a degree in international relations and political science at UBC. After spending two years as a researcher for a book authored by former Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, Hannah moved back to London, where she became a human rights and refugee officer for the United Nations. In this role, she developed cultural awareness programs for Model UN participants, educating them on the politics, history and ways of life in other countries.
It was during this period that she developed a keen interest in becoming a MuchMusic VJ. She felt young people didn't have a solid understanding or appreciation of global/social/political issues, and she knew mass media would be the way to foster understanding and inspire change.
“I’m inspired by the fusion between music and humanitarian issues.”
Interview
AisB: What music are you listening to these days?
HS: I listen to a variety of music that reflects my nomadic taste. Everyone from CSS from Brazil, to MIA from London / Sri Lanka and Serena Ryder from the Maritimes here in Canada. Hosting The NewMusic gives me the opportunity to meet such an incredibly diverse group of artists from all over the world.
AisB: Why should people, especially youth, vote?
HS: The only way to impact positive change is to participate. Voting is one of the key ways to have your voice heard and to see the changes you want take effect. The most powerful demographic in the world is youth. It is our future. It is our votes that shape the world we, and future generations, have to live in.
AisB: For you, is there a connection between music and democracy? What is it?
HS: Being part of a democratic nation gives your voice power through your vote. A vote is an expression of who you are and what you care about. It reflects your priorities in life and tells the story of what you want to see happen around you, for your generation and your community. Music is the tool that many artists use to give power to their voice and to motivate change.
AisB: Why do you care about community, when it is so easy not to?
HS: I was raised in countries such as Saudi Arabia, India and Cyprus and travelled throughout the regions where I lived. Returning home, as a Canadian I realized how fortunate I was and the incredible ability I had to make a difference. Apathy towards social issues and my responsibility as a citizen of a democratic nation has never been a choice for me.
AisB: What do you look for in a politician? What do you expect from your MP?
HS: I expect my MP to use her or his position responsibly and to serve our community in a way that reflects our needs.
Hannah Simone brings a wealth of worldly experience, education and enthusiasm to her role as a MuchMusic VJ. Equally passionate about both world issues and pop culture, Hannah’s ready to offer a well-informed and well-spoken perspective on everything from global human rights to the latest music trends. Born in London, England, Hannah grew up in Calgary before moving to Saudia Arabia at age seven. Hannah’s family left Saudia Arabia when she was 10, leaving the turmoil of the first Gulf War behind. At age 13, she moved to Cyprus. Three years later, she relocated to New Delhi, India, where her dad was employed. She attended an American Embassy school and spearheaded a charity concert to raise awareness and money for a shelter to house women and children with AIDS. Hannah returned to Canada at 17, living first in White Rock, BC, and then Vancouver, where she completed a degree in international relations and political science at UBC. After spending two years as a researcher for a book authored by former Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, Hannah moved back to London, where she became a human rights and refugee officer for the United Nations. In this role, she developed cultural awareness programs for Model UN participants, educating them on the politics, history and ways of life in other countries.
It was during this period that she developed a keen interest in becoming a MuchMusic VJ. She felt young people didn't have a solid understanding or appreciation of global/social/political issues, and she knew mass media would be the way to foster understanding and inspire change.
“I’m inspired by the fusion between music and humanitarian issues.”
Interview
AisB: What music are you listening to these days?
HS: I listen to a variety of music that reflects my nomadic taste. Everyone from CSS from Brazil, to MIA from London / Sri Lanka and Serena Ryder from the Maritimes here in Canada. Hosting The NewMusic gives me the opportunity to meet such an incredibly diverse group of artists from all over the world.
AisB: Why should people, especially youth, vote?
HS: The only way to impact positive change is to participate. Voting is one of the key ways to have your voice heard and to see the changes you want take effect. The most powerful demographic in the world is youth. It is our future. It is our votes that shape the world we, and future generations, have to live in.
AisB: For you, is there a connection between music and democracy? What is it?
HS: Being part of a democratic nation gives your voice power through your vote. A vote is an expression of who you are and what you care about. It reflects your priorities in life and tells the story of what you want to see happen around you, for your generation and your community. Music is the tool that many artists use to give power to their voice and to motivate change.
AisB: Why do you care about community, when it is so easy not to?
HS: I was raised in countries such as Saudi Arabia, India and Cyprus and travelled throughout the regions where I lived. Returning home, as a Canadian I realized how fortunate I was and the incredible ability I had to make a difference. Apathy towards social issues and my responsibility as a citizen of a democratic nation has never been a choice for me.
AisB: What do you look for in a politician? What do you expect from your MP?
HS: I expect my MP to use her or his position responsibly and to serve our community in a way that reflects our needs.
