The Next Me

About the Artist

The Next Me is a heartfelt country single from Australian singer-songwriter Simon Orton, written in the quiet weeks after the birth of his first daughter. The song reflects the profound shift that happens in a man’s heart when he becomes a father — how ambition softens into purpose, ego gives way to legacy, and priorities change for the better. With warm acoustic tones, steady rhythm and an honest vocal delivery, The Next Me captures that defining moment where responsibility becomes joy and love reshapes identity. Simon Orton is an independent Australian country artist known for emotionally mature storytelling and authentic, lived-in lyrics. His music blends traditional country warmth with modern reflection, drawing on real-life experience — from love and loss to hope, resilience and fatherhood. Beyond music, Simon travels throughout Australia providing assistance to businesses to help create safer and more emotionally safe work environments, bringing the same authenticity and care into boardrooms and worksites as he does into his songwriting.