We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shane “Smittyyy” Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shane “Smittyyy” below.
Shane “Smittyyy”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have an agent or someone (or a team) that helps you secure opportunities and compensation for your creative work? How did you meet you, why did you decide to work with them, why do you think they decided to work with you?
When it comes to signing with an agent, manager, label,etc, I think that is every musician’s dream. It is a sign that you have “made it” in the business. About five years ago, I signed on with a small agency / label to release my old band’s single “Does She Know?”. This was my first experience of ever signing with an agency of any kind. We did not make any money from this deal, but they agreed to release our single as a CD that comes with a copy of a pretty well-known magazine throughout the entire world. I had friends and family sending me photos of them buying our CD in this magazine literally all over the US, Spain, London, and everywhere….. It was one of the coolest experiences I think I have ever had. I just felt like a rock star to have my cousin in London snapchat me a photo of her with our CD. Unfortunately, this was a short lived thing. The magazine had a monthly issue, and once next month’s issue came out, we were done. We never talked to that agency again and that was that.
Since then, I have always wanted to sign with another agency again. I have my bachelor’s degree in business from Colorado State University (Go Rams), so I have always understood the great things that can come from having something like that in your corner. Finally, in 2023 I finally found that opportunity again. In January 2023 I was offered to sign on with Anonymous Collective based out of Colorado Springs. I had been keeping my eyes on these guys for a year or 2 and it was kind of a low key goal / dream of mine to join their crew. Their owner, Glen, finally gave me a chance early this year…… I can honestly say it was 1 of the most exciting moments I have had in awhile musically. I just released my newest solo album “The Sounds of Mile High ” on the label this past summer. It features my bandmate Kyle Chatham, as well as my friend Morbyd (Wicked Intent Records). The album is meant to be kind of a chill / easy listening type of record that you put on while you are just sitting back and enjoying the summer. It was on iTunes top pre – orders list for most of June, and that was something I was pretty proud of. Having Anonymous Collective helping me definitely made the album more successful. They did a great job of promoting it and getting the word out….. I have been very blessed to call them a part of my musical family this year.
As far as a manager goes, I have never really wanted or needed to sign on with one. My father has always been my biggest supporter, and quite frankly he is my manager. He has put together shows for me, dealt with business stuff, he kind of does it all. He is my roadie, manager, drum – tech and best friend. I trust him more than any manager I could ever sign on with, so I have never had that as a goal of mine. Between my dad, Anonymous Collective, bandmates, and the rest of my family, I have all the support I need.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Shane “Smittyyy” Smith. I am a local musician and producer. Most people probably know me as the drummer of local Colorado bands such as Kyle Chatham & The Road Shots, Altitude Travelers, or The Frost. You also might have seen me playing drums / percussion at one of your local Christian churches (Pine Valley, Reverb, Element).
I also have made a small name for myself as a producer. I have helped other local artists produce singles, EP’s, and albums. I have also been the producer on several podcasts that have gained national recognition, such as “Trudging Together”, a podcast about recovery from addiction.
I started music at a very young age when my parents bought me my first drum set. From then on, music has been my life. I’ve had the chance to work with national acts such as Saving Abel, Creed Fisher, Moonshine Bandits, Struggle Jennings, Demun Jones, mc chris, Lex The Hex Master and much more.
I think the thing I would want people to know about me the most is that I am very hard working. I might not be a rich and famous rock star, but I have made a name for myself as a musician. I have accomplished this by working hard. I want this to be the thing people remember about me so that they feel like they can do the same and even make it “big”. With enough hard work anything is possible.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I love that you asked me this question because 1 specific story comes to mind. My mother and wife will HATE that I am telling this story, but here we go! A few years back, I was playing in a band called Altitude Travelers. Every year we played Oktoberfest and another date or 2 at a bar in Breckenridge, Colorado called The Gold Pan Saloon. Every time we played there it was pure magic. The crowd was like none other, and the band fed off of that energy. It is some of the best memories I have from playing live music. Anyways, one time we were set to play there but a few days before that I came down with a bad case of pneumonia. I spent the next few days trying to shake it, but pneumonia is not one of those things you just brush off and get over quickly. I did everything I could to get myself in good health before the show, but the day came and ultimately, I was still sick as a dog. However, I told myself “The show must go on”. My wife and mother were furious with me, but I went up to the mountains and I played that show anyways. I stayed in my hotel room taking medication and sleeping until the last possible minute. Then, the boys came and woke me up and drove me to the show. I did the gig, and I went straight back to bed…. after a quick shot of whiskey to celebrate (sorry mom). Anyways, this particular night I feel is a good reflection of my resilience. To be honest, I should have listened to the women in my life, but I did not. Like I said, “the show must go on”, and that night it did…. and it was worth every second of it because we played a set I will always remember that night.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
This is a GREAT question! I will keep this one short and sweet. If you want to support a local artist, go to their shows, performances, etc and maybe even buy a shirt or something!
Also, do NOT just stream their music on Spotify, iTunes, or whatever. BUY their art! Whether it be on CD, vinyl, a painting or anything else. Of course, stream their art digitally as well, but spend money and buy things from them!
This is the best way to support local artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smittyyy.hearnow.com/?fbclid=IwAR3ASu701DOA8WZmIOS58KvRCWQgTg4oq95RTuFxQYFHsJed95I48LusKAA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyyy_drummer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmittyyyDrummer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@smittyyy8435
Image Credits
Midknight Photography