Today we’d like to introduce you to Smiley.
Hi Smiley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved music. As a kid my parents would have their favorite/hottest songs playing on the radio every morning on my way to school, (anytime in the car really.) My parents split when I was young so I lived with my mom. When I would spend weekends with my father he’d be playing hip hop, rap, and RnB on his vintage, tall floor standing speakers. I fell in love with hip hop as young as 4 or 5 years old, my father was a heavy influence on my newfound interest in music. My mom on the other end enjoys listening to a range of different genres like RnB, pop, EDM, alternative rock, and anything else that catches her ear. Thinking on it now, that would explain how I have a wide range of sounds I like experimenting with in my songs. I’m not afraid to switch up flows, sounds, or rhythms in my music. I’m always trying to add something outside the box. I started writing at the age of 12. Eminem, Hopsin, Drake, and Lil Wayne were some of my biggest influences at the time. I don’t remember what inspired me to pick up a pen and paper to write my first song, but I’m glad I did. I would come home from school and sit at my desk almost every night finding beats from YouTube and writing lyrics to them. When I thought I had something good written I’d only show my mom or a few close friends. Though I didn’t take myself seriously as an artist until I was about 19 years old, the passion never faded away and I’ve only gotten better.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not always, I struggled a lot with confidence. Like I said before, I started writing at the age of 12 and attempted to take a jump at my music career at 17. I started going to studios and posting tracks on SoundCloud. I’d even perform in a few shows around the Twin Cities. I’d get good feedback but still didn’t feel confident in my own work. At the time, part of it was comparing myself to other artists that were ahead of me. I didn’t think I could make it. I took a year off from music, focusing on graduating high school and what I might want to do for college. Long story short I never went to college, school was never my thing if I’m being honest. So after deciding that, I got a job to help fund what I truly wanted to do, make music. Since then I’ve been continuously working on my craft and building my confidence to a level where I now believe I have a clear shot at becoming a successful artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a hip-hop/rap artist. My favorite subgenre of rap has got to be conscious rap. I find myself writing in that style a lot more nowadays. I like the realness, awareness, and knowledge that is shared in most of the songs I hear. Some of my favorite artists now are J. Cole, K-Dot, Nipsey Hussle, Saba, Mac Miller, and Cordae. I have a list of artists I genuinely vibe with, but those guys hold the top spots. I’d say I’m known for my style of music. It’s cool when I can’t really be compared to other artists cause I’m bringing something new to the table. That’s what I feel really sets me apart from others. You really just have to listen to the music to find out for yourself. Though I’ve been told a couple of times by people that I remind them of Big Sean, which has probably been my favorite compliment, Lol. Sean is someone I’ve looked up to for a while now. I respect how he keeps it real and is true to himself. I am someone who is heavy into spiritual journeys, learning how I can better myself mentally and physically, so Sean being open with his own journey is something I admire.
Any big plans?
One thing about me is that I’m always thinking ahead, and planning my next steps. Last year I dropped 7 tracks and this year I only plan to drop 2, focusing more on the promotion/marketing for them. My marketing skills definitely need improvement so my future plans are to invest in myself to learn those fundamentals. Another big goal of mine is to host my own showcase. As a rising local artist, I understand how difficult it can be to find a place where you have a voice, or showcase your talents. I’ve been to multiple open mics to perform in front of small crowds, but I’m interested in putting together an event myself to help my local music community.
Pricing:
- Features – $80
- Booking – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.officialsmileystore.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatonesmiley/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/onlysmileymusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCegJ3PtCNRNzDAdk2u0L1Tw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/3c2U7boQowBHzCgo6
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bbOetoh4RTnPx3MGudw8m?si=YS5V1cszQ-WcgevBxaiR5A
Image Credits:
NODU Studios https://www.instagram.com/nodustudios/
