Simon Illa not only produced The Strength Coach theme song, but
also wrote and produced a theme song for the Philadelphia Phillies new stadium and the
Philadelphia Eagles. Born with osteogenisis imperfecta, Simon uses a power wheelchair to move
through the recording industry.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
I'm not sure if I could pinpoint it to one thing or person. Throughout my life, there have been
many events and people that have come along to shape who I am today ... However, my parents
(who are both deceased) taught me quite a bit. Even though they are not here, knowing that all
of us one day will no longer be here is a great motivational factor. Also, my grandmother who
raised me always let me test my limits and never made me feel limited. I owe so much to her,
may she rest in peace.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
When I came to Philly with no way home, determined to break into the music industry, with no
apartment and little money ... that was a bit scary to say the least. But everything seemed to
fall into place, like it was meant to be. I just focused on the end goal and all the
"challenges" around that goal became trivial. To this day, things fall into order, as long as
I stay focused.
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
People need to know they are in control of their lives and their limits are in their head. I
used to see very successful music producers and say, "I'd love to do that." The key was my
question, "Why not me?" People that we admire or aspire to follow are, just that ... people,
but they are people who understand there are no limits. Also, there seems to be value in
persistence and never being satisfied and pushing forward. Even the smallest steps are steps
toward a goal.
Why is it important to focus on inner strength?
So many people are focused on physical ability and physical things in general. However,
"disabled" or not, the body is a machine of sorts … it can break down. Inner strength carries
much further and can overcome physical limitations. Case and point, thousands of "able" people
commute to New York daily. So do I. Even though I may seem to have physical limitations to
some, I have the knowledge (inner strength) to overcome any obstacles/situations to attain the
same goal. Thus, making the term, "disabled," meaningless.
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
Really, I would just love to keep building my client base of artists/writers/musicians. A
second Emmy nomination would be nice (rumors are stirring) and, of course, I wouldn't mind a
Grammy or two. A great friend and mentor of mine, Billy Terrell (also a great producer), gave
me this thought and I live by it to this day: "You only lose if you give up."
