Grant Smith may not be a household name, but he revels in his small accomplishments. From the age of five when he touched the ivory keys for the first time, to his first concert, Grant has never seen himself doing anything other than music.
At eighteen, Grant moved to Los Angeles from a small town in Oklahoma, ready to chase his dreams. His first full album release, “Empty Words,” landed him some new fans a few gigs, but, more importantly, showed him what he could do with hard work.
In 2017, Grant completed his first fully produced single “Broken Eyes,” produced by Marc Solomon. This created a professional and personal friendship that would lead to his soon to come releases, “Shake Me Down,” and “Better Up There.”
2018 is projected to be a busy year for Grant Smith.
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Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Fairland, a tiny country town in Northeast Oklahoma. Growing up in a place like that, I probably wouldn’t have ended up in the music industry if it weren’t for one singular moment. I’ve played piano since I was five and guitar for just as long, but one woman was the real reason I decided to pursue my career. I was helping a local store with promotion by playing trumpet in front of their shop. A woman approached and asked me to play some “New Orleans style jazz.” I played ‘When the Saints Go Marchin’ In,’ in the style of Louis Armstrong. I saw the way that woman danced and smiled. I saw the shine in her eye and I knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Create. Release. Everyone wants to look big by building castles out of cardboard. Write constantly, release constantly, and build your foundation.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Almost every time. The most common is a burp. I always seem to need to burp in the middle of a song and I have to fit it in between words in the back of my throat, away from the mic. One song in particular, “Prostitutes,” involves very fast lyrics, and it’s difficult to get through without a burp.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I haven’t had the honor of touring (yet)
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I work constantly with my producer, Marc Solomon. He’s an insanely talented artist and friend. He has a great custom set up with a mix of modern and vintage equipment.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Building off of what you have is the best way to grow. Very few people launch to the top on accident. Family, friends, and existing fans are how you reach where you want to be. Owe everything to people dedicated to your music, and do it all for them.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Definitely Ed Sheeran at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. Ed Sheeran is an incredible talent, without hiding in the studio. He’s fantastic live. Kulak’s Woodshed will always be my favorite spot to play. It’s cozy, it feels like home.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Within a week or two I will have my next release “Better Up There,” out on Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, etc. and a music video is in the works. I’m beginning another new single this week and hope to have three additional releases by 2018, to add to the full album and five singles already released.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Psychology, without a doubt.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
I will create. A lot.
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
No man is worth his weight if it weren’t for the woman beside him. And I wouldn’t be able to write such sappy music if it weren’t for her.
