Introducing The Dreamy Emerging Artist…James Smith

James Smith is an emerging talent that’s ready to make his mark in the industry. Born and raised in Upton Park of East London, Smith first got his taste of music at 14, sneaking into local pubs and clubs and performing. The young talent took an interest in guitar and quickly began teaching himself how to play through YouTube tutorials.

After a turbulent move to Essex, Smith soon found himself expelled from school. With his future uncertain, the singer-songwriter refocused his attention on music. A few months after being expelled Smith enrolled in another school, scoring stellar grades, which lead him to attend a performing arts college in West London. 

Since then James Smith has steadily become an artist to watch, securing over 200 million streams, performing all over Europe and releasing a plethora of singles. 

We were able to chat with James Smith about everything from his single ‘I Don’t Wanna Know’, performing in the pub scene, 2021 plans, and more. Read the full interview below! 

Heya James, how’s it going?

Hi! I’m all good thanks. Keeping my spirits up in 2020 lol!

How’s this lockdown been treating you?

It’s been up and down! I had a lot planned this year in terms of touring and live shows, which SUCKS! But I have been able to write so much more and been surprisingly busy in the studio, which is GREAT. Worked on a lot of different projects this year so I’m super excited for 2021 and all the new music!

Alright, let’s dive into your music! Which artist(s) inspired you to get into music?

Well, I was actually a crazy obsessive Elvis and Johnny Cash fan when I was younger…I know, odd. From the age of about seven, I would get up and sing their songs wherever I could. I actually had a copy of Elvis’ birth certificate on my wall hahaha. It was something about that era of music that really resonated with me as a kid. It was so rootsy and cool – and the songwriting was amazing. I later got into a lot of Bob Dylan and the Beatles – and more currently Paolo Nuttini. Paolo is my guy. Obsessed with his records.

You grew up performing in the local pub and club scene. What’s the most memorable moment from that time?

I used to work on my dad’s stool on Green Street market and there was a club called ‘East Ham Working Mans Club’ where all the market traders would go to drink after work. I would sing down there a lot. And my most vivid memory singing there was when I got up and sung ’Folsom Prison Blues’ by Johnny Cash. They loved it. Used to go off in there. Everyone would sing along and a good ol drink up.

We have to talk about your sound, it gives off such a warm and calming vibe. How would you personally describe your style of music?

Thank you! I’d also describe my music as warm, sing-songwritery storyteller vibes – rooted with a lot of classic influence. I’m a sucker for a good ol love song too!

Your latest single ‘I Don’t Wanna Know’ pulls at the heartstrings. Can you take us through the creative process for the record?

I Don’t Wanna Know is a song I wrote about a relationship I was in. We’d broken up but rekindled and sat down for a meal to discuss the time apart. The song basically describes how I was feeling in this moment when I was told this person had been seeing someone else! and in this case, I really DIDN’T wanna know aha. It’s really sad and I didn’t write it too long ago so I’m super proud of this tune.

The video for the track beautifully strips down to the basics and really showcases your vocal ability. Was this your initial concept when planing the video?

Thank you! That’s very kind. I really did want the video to be as simple as it could be. I wanted people to really dive deep into the lyricism in this song and pay attention. I sometimes feel that videos can take away from the song when there is too much going on. So we decided to go with a one-shot take of me performing the track, and I feel like it really paid off!

Okay, we have to know, when will we be getting an album or EP?

haha!!! Well hopefully around March/April so not too long! I have another single out in Jan which I’m SUPER excited about so keep ya eyes peeled!!!!

With 2021 nearly over, what can fans expect from James Smith in the new year?

they can expect a whole new side of me. The music has really been thought out this time around and it’s something I’m really proud of. I’ve also produced the whole thing myself! I will hopefully start towards my debut album next year also (which is currently in the works). I’d say more shows but who knows with covid!!!! If not I got plenty of content on its way.

Make sure to watch James Smith’s video for his single ‘I Don’t Wanna Know’ below.