Smashby is an upcoming independent singer-songwriter who has made an impact in the music scene with his own infectious pop sound, energetic persona and determination to do things on his own terms.
I got an opportunity to ask singer-songwriter Smashby a few questions about how he got into singing originally, his musical influences and working with RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars – Aja.
Q. How did you first get into singing professionally?
A. It kinda just happened lol. I had always loved singing, but I would really suppress the urge to burst into song. Because I had no confidence in it when I was younger cause I wasn’t very good, then the urge just kinda took over and I knew I had to make it a thing. So, I got singing lessons and piano lessons which REALLY helped me with like pitch, breathing and all that stuff. Then I just started writing, recording, releasing music and along the way I’ve kinda found my voice. Now all of a sudden, I have fans and I’m making money from performing my songs it’s crazy.
Q. Where did the stage name Smashby come from?
A. My hot P.E teacher use to call me it lol, so I always had that as like my social media when I was younger. My friend Kitty Brucknell from X Factor was like you should have that as your stage name it’ll really help you stand out, so I did it and never looked back.
Q. How would you describe your musical style and who are some of your biggest influences?
A. I’m massively inspired by strong female artists like Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus. I also take a lot of inspiration from the older flamboyant legends like Prince and Michael Jackson.
Q. As a singer-songwriter what is your process when writing new material?
A. It can vary but most the time I just get a melody in my head and a bunch of random words come to mind, so I record it into my phone then like write the whole thing acapella in my phone. Then I send it to my producer and see if it’s any good and then next thing you know it’s a full track, it’s on iTunes and people are singing it back to me at pride.
Q. You have made a conscious decision to remain an independent artist and not sign up to a record label. What influenced your decision to remain an independent artist?
A. I’ve worked with some real tools in the industry who tried to undermine me and make me feel like I wasn’t good enough. That I was too gay to be mainstream, but I was like I don’t care about that. I just want a big enough fan base that enjoy my music so I can go on tour. Record deals and chart positions are not what makes a good artist. It might make a ‘credible’ artist, but I don’t care about impressing some men in suits with lots of money, so they think I’m ‘credible’ the only people I want to impress are my fans.
Q. Following your recent collaborated with RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars – Aja on the track ‘Independent B**ch’, are there any other artists that you would like to collaborate with?
A. I loved working with Aja, they’re really breaking boundaries in the music industry which can be difficult if you have a reality TV background. There are so many other artists I’d love to work with like Todrick Hall, Trisha Paytas, Iggy Azalea she’s an independent butch now we stan.
Q. Using the success of your music in a positive way you started an Anti-Bullying campaign back in 2016, where you talk and perform in schools and colleges around the UK. What made you decide to start the campaign?
A. I was really badly bullied in school for everything to the point where all I had were my dreams to hold onto. I knew that I wanted to be an artist that is myself, so that it inspires all the kids who feel like I did to be themselves.
Q. Whilst doing the campaign creates a positive influence for some of the students especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, not everyone is going to be supportive. Have you experienced any negativity from the campaign from students, parents or staff within the school?
A. Not really, I was worried about that cause school kids can be really mean, it’s a tough crowd. But luckily, I had a really good reaction to it.
Q. You are currently performing across the country are there any upcoming events where we can see you perform?
A. Yes! My headline concert Planet X is on Friday 6th September at The Leadmill, Sheffield! Tickets are out now https://www.leadmill.co.uk/event/planet-x-the-unxpected/
Q. Do you have any new projects which you are working on at the moment?
A. I’m currently rehearsing with my dancers for Planet X, I’m really excited about it. Headline shows have always been my dream cause like it’s a venue full of people all there to see you and support you. That feeling is unreal. I also have a new single dropping in August which I’m really excited about.
Q. If someone was looking to get into singing themselves what advice would you give them?
A. Find what kind of artist you want to be, know yourself, know your audience and stick to your guns.
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Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
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