Category: Youngsmith

Special Interview: Youngsmith

theaussieword.com catches up with Youngsmith.
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Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
I’ve always had an interest in music, but it was during my teen years that I really started to listen to the words particularly those of grunge acts. Even though I had barely ever played an instrument I still found myself deeply connecting with it. I started connecting with bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Rage Against The Machine and Red Hot Chilli Peppers I found in my older brothers music collection.  Even though these bands were rock and funk, their lyrics were always full of meaning. It was like looking into the soul of an artist. That’s what I loved about it.  I became a lifelong fan of those bands for that reason alone. I didn’t pick up a guitar til my early twenties and it was within weeks I began writing. I found I could link lyrics and music fairly easily and after a few months started attending open mic nights around Brisbane.  I found music to be an awesome form of expression for me to get stuff out I couldn’t normally express.

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NEW MUSIC | Youngsmith ‘Wither’

From the muted strumming of the guitar that begins the track, to the unforgettable chorus, Youngsmith’s new track ‘Wither’ elevates this 33 year old Brisbane songwriter to new heights.
With stunning lyrics like first line “All these years I think of bled enough, for me to know that I will break your love” Smith paints a picture of a man battling his demons and refusing to back down.
“The song came to me at a .me in my life when I was feeling totally powerless. I was trying to hold onto my sanity, my relationship and avoiding all my thoughts and feelings. I kept on waiting for the pain to go away but it wouldn’t. So, I put it into this song.” – Youngsmith

Painstakingly re-created again and again with rudimentary studio gear, Smithtook 6 months to create the song that would involve a slap-strumming style of guitar playing reminiscent of the American delta blues era. After producing numerous demos on the song including rock, folk and roots versions, Smithdecided that this song would be best done with just the elements he had at the time when he wrote it, his guitar, stomp box and tambourine.
Recorded while away in his family’s hometown in Northern NSW, Smith set up a studio in his cousin’s house to record the track near the beach and where his father grew up (Maclean, NSW). With it’s beautiful interwoven guitars, foot-tapping tambourine, earthy kick drum and Smith’s smooth baritone voice, the track hints at influences including Johnny Cash and Neil Young.
A regular on the Queensland scene for years, Smith has seen success making his own path while also maintaining a career as a graphic and digital designer. He has released several EPs, performed shows at prestigious venues including The Zoo and Arena, received acclaim from industry (Smith was shortlisted for the Australian songwriting competition in 2012 and 2013), features in surfing docos, Australian compilation CDs and significant local radio support.
Shows, a national tour and more releases will follow in late 2015 / early 2016. His debut album is currently in production.