Jeryd Smith is a Seattle, WA based musician who got his start in music at an early age by singing at church, but his rock n roll spirit was given new life with a donated drum kit.
“It wasn’t nice, but it was mine. I used an old bandana to hold the kick pedal together and played on cymbols that amounted to trash can lids… I still love that trash can lid sound.”
In early high school, Jeryd bought himself his first guitar and began teaching himself to play.
“I imagine it was pretty tough on my parents to listen as I was figuring out the mysteries of the guitar… just like I did with drums. We couldn’t afford lessons, so I just had to come up with my own system. Mostly, I tried to watch my very talented friends play their instruments and copy their moves.”
Jeryd Smith has been fortunate to play with various professional artists as well as performing in original bands and most recently as a solo act. In doing so, he has traveled the world and played in front of crowds varying from the 10’s to the 1000’s and has been honored with radio airplay on 5 continents.
“It’s nice to be out there in unfamiliar territory and hear the cheers of the big crowds and talk to people that without the vehicle of music, you would never have met and never experienced their culture. I have to say though… I love to be home in Seattle, playing or just listening at one of the local clubs with the smaller crowds. You have to keep your roots planted firmly and enjoy your friends and family.”
Currently, Jeryd Smith is working as an independent solo artist.
“I am wearing a lot of hats for my current project, meaning I am the producer, engineer, marketing and the entire band. I always thought it would be cool to make an entire album that features only one artist playing all the instruments and singing all the main and backing vocals. Probably a foolish ambition, but that is what I am doing.”
The album “Love & Aggression” is slated for release in 2011 after being delayed from it’s original 2008 release schedule. The album is to feature the pre-release hits Déjà Vu and Things We Hide.
“I feel like I have made a career out of a summer job with the ‘Love & Aggression’ project. Without the financing, know-how and studio access of the record label, I am left to my own devices and resources to make this album happen. Let me tell you, my personal economy has not been extremely fruitful since my departure from corporate funding into the world of the truly independent artists… thus I am dubbed The Starving Artist. Ha ha!”
Though Jeryd Smith has been involved in several music projects including movie soundtracks, original bands, vocal backing and voice-overs, he prefers to talk about the future.
“I have enjoyed some success and endured some failure in the music business, but you can’t walk through life backwards. That is why I don’t feel the need to make a list of the things I have done. Some of those things hold fond memories for me, but I would prefer to look to the future and continue to dream… continue to find new adventures, new success and new venues of expression. That is what this is all about for me.”
Look for ‘Love & Aggression’ at online retailers in 2011. Stay updated by joining the mailing list. Support local music by attending shows and participating in online promotions, because no one works harder to rock your world than an indie artist.
“I’m may not have the answers or write songs that change the world, but I do hope you will remember my name…
I am Jeryd Smith”