Music Review – Smiiffy – Element
Any artist aiming to raise much needed awareness of mental health issues is more than worthy of a listen, and Smiiffy’s music doesn’t let you down. The backdrop is really beautiful, quite intimate and expressive, very creative, and with an unusual almost trip-hop kind of vibe to it. Then the lead vocal comes in, that UK accent, quick fire lyrics, ounces of attitude and depth, in a great way – an artist who means every word he says. The contrast between those angst driven, loud, hard and fast verses, and then the beautifully soft and gentle chorus melody, is really, really effective. You forget the last part of the song when the next one kicks in, and vice versa, back again – each part as strong as the last, unique in it’s own way, yet fusing together as one whole complete and powerful piece.
It’s a genuinely memorable track that deserves far more than just a single listen. He’s an artist that I would without doubt look forward to hearing more from. The kind of rap that requires you to listen, to not miss a single word, and the kind of music that asks nothing of you, just let’s you drift off into your own world of thought between verses. It’s a great track, lots going on within it, and so much identity – it’s unique, that’s for sure. He was awarded as Rising Star of 2015, and if this track is anything to go by, this is just the very beginning of a long and lustrous career in music. There must be so much more to come.
What strikes me the most about this track is the realness, the absolute honesty and meaning behind every word. I love the fact that his natural accent and personality just shines right through so brightly.
It all sounds great. A brilliant track, and a brilliant cause to stand tall for. The lyrics are dark and gritty, but they need to be – that’s how it is, that’s how to tell the story and represent the real world. You have to be honest. I love the honesty in this.
By Rebecca Cullen
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Smiiffy: I grew up in a small place in Birmingham, UK called Smethwick and since then i’ve ventured into other cities in order to find my musical calling. I decided to become an artist at first to become popular, this failed horrendously! I was absolutely terrible when i first started! 6 years on I’m now taking my music more seriously hoping to inspire both young and old to make a change in both their local communities and across the globe.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Smiiffy: I came up with my music name (Smiiffy) as it came from my last name, simple and effective! I decided to add an extra I in my name to try and become more unique.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Smiiffy: I think online music sharing or streaming is brilliant and its such a great way to let your fans and supporters connect with both you and the music, I constantly give music away for free and perform for free just to try and help people and raised awareness for numerous charities that i work with, its great being able to stream music across the whole world to connect with new people.
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?
Smiiffy: Throw yourself in the deep end, your not getting younger and your talent can only get better, aim to be confident and definitely do work your hardest, send constant emails, constant phonically even if you become annoying!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Smiiffy: I gain inspiration to write my music from my own life experiences or what I’ve seen. As soon as i put a backing track on the first thing that comes to mind ill write about. I met UK famous ‘Jacob Banks’ and he taught me always write about the first thing in your mind and don’t be afraid to say what you truly think and believe as long as its not hurting anybody else.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Smiiffy: I do have my own website which can be found from clicking http://www.SmiiffyArtist.com/, I share my music nearly everywhere for free just type my name! however i also, do charge for some songs as i like to give profits to charity in order to help out as much as i can and make a difference.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Smiiffy: Great question! Tricky one too! I’d love to set up my own youth group where i can feed children, talk and provide the support a lot of children lack, I’d love to teach music and help children and teens grow more confidence just to be themselves. I find greater benefit helping others rather than myself.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Smiiffy: I find social media a god send! through connecting with numerous people i’ve now got thousands of supporters who constantly promote and support me keeping me on my feet and always excited for my next project.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Smiiffy: I’ve got so many projects coming up where I’m trying to involve youth or people around arts and creativity, i have a passion for the people! I’m working on a lot currently and have interviews on Radio, TV and newspapers all around the UK and beyond.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Smiiffy: I daren’t admit it really.. I’d probably be in the wrong crowd still being nothing but a problem but luckily music saved me from the wrong path and set me straight.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Smiiffy: Luckily for me musics my full time job, however i still find time to be social with family and friends, I’m lucky i guess! I really enjoy what i do though so musics always a priority.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Smiiffy: Theres lots to look forward to, you’ll be seeing me in a lot more places too!
