We recently connected with Smooth & Storm and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Smooth & Storm, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time we knew we wanted to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally was deeply rooted in our cultural heritage and the vibrant music scene of Trinidad & Tobago. It all began with the infectious rhythms of Calypso & Soca music, the heartbeat of our island. Growing up, we were constantly surrounded by the energetic beats and vibrant melodies of Calypso & Soca, especially the legendary tunes of David Rudder & Machel Montano. There music filled the airwaves and blared from Maxi Taxis (public transportation) as we traveled around the island. The joy and excitement there songs brought to everyday life left an indelible mark on us.

Our journey into music expanded as we immersed ourselves in the rich and soulful sounds of Reggae. Icons like Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Sanchez, Sizzla, Tony Rebel, and Bob Marley introduced us to the beautiful and infectious melodies of Reggae. The soothing and powerful messages in their music resonated with us and broadened our appreciation for different genres.

From there, we discovered the smooth, soothing sounds of Kenny G’s jazz, and the high-energy beats of Dancehall hitmakers like Sean Paul, Mr. Vegas, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Red Rat, and Beenie Man. These genres influenced our musical style and creativity.

R&B further enriched our musical journey. We were captivated by the soulful voices and emotional depth of artists like Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Immature, Joe, Sam Cooke, Aaliyah, Usher, Luther Vandross, Soul 4 Real, Marvin Gaye, Mariah Carey, Anita Baker, All-4-One, and 112. Their ability to convey profound emotions through their music inspired us to express our own feelings and stories through song.

Hip-Hop also played a significant role in shaping our musical path. Legends like LL Cool J, Total, Mase, Biggie, Kid&Play, Tupac, Snoop Dogg, A Tribe Called Quest, and Busta Rhymes brought a raw and powerful energy that we couldn’t resist. Their lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities influenced our approach to songwriting and performance.

However, the pivotal moment for us was when we encountered the incomparable Michael Jackson. Watching him perform “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Rock With You,” “Billie Jean” “Smooth Criminal” and “Beat It” was a transformative experience. His electrifying performances, unmatched stage presence, and timeless music showed us the heights that artistry and dedication could achieve. Michael Jackson’s impact on us was profound and undeniable, cementing our desire to pursue music professionally.

These early influences from a wide array of genres and artists cultivated our passion for music and performance. Chris Brown, Genuwine, Nsync, BackstreetBoys, B2K, Savage Garden, Aerosmith, Linkin Park, Sade, Maxwell, The Fugees, New Edition & India Arie also provided a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that inspired us to create, sing, and dance. Our journey began with the vibrant Soca rhythms of Trinidad & Tobago and expanded into a diverse and eclectic musical landscape, ultimately leading us to embrace our path as Smooth & Storm.

Smooth & Storm, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

What Sets Us Apart

What sets us apart from others is our unique blend of diverse musical influences and our ability to seamlessly integrate these styles into our own original sound. Our music is a fusion of Soca’s vibrant energy, Reggae’s soulful rhythms, Dancehall’s dynamic beats, R&B’s smooth melodies, and Hip-Hop’s lyrical prowess. This eclectic mix allows us to create music that is both fresh and familiar, resonating with a wide audience while staying true to our roots.

Additionally, our twin dynamic adds a special element to our writing, harmonies, melodies, singing & performances. There’s an unspoken synergy between us that enhances our gift from God that allows us to connect deeply with our audience. Our ability to write, sing, and dance together creates a captivating and memorable experience for our fans.

What We Are Most Proud Of

We are most proud of the journey we have taken to get to where we are today. From our humble beginnings in Trinidad & Tobago performing at clubs and beach side hotels to being recognized on international platforms like BETs 106&Park where we made history being the first Trinbagonians to win the R&B competition to being 2X nominated for the Georgia Music Awards in ATL. Our journey has been filled with hard work, perseverance, and a deep love for music.

Our story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep connection to our cultural heritage. Formerly known by many other names, Double Trouble, Innocent, Harmony High, New3ra, WeAreIBIS. Allow us to reintroduce ourselves. We are Smooth & Storm, and we are excited to share our new music and journey with you.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Our creative journey is driven by a profound goal and mission: to inspire, uplift, and unite people through the power of music. We believe that music has the unique ability to transcend boundaries, bring joy, and create a sense of community. Our mission is to share the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad & Tobago with the world while blending it with diverse musical influences to create a sound that is both unique and universally appealing.

At the core of our mission is the desire to honor our roots and contribute to the global recognition of Caribbean music. We aim to showcase the vibrant energy of Soca, the soulful depth of Reggae, and the dynamic rhythms of Dancehall, all while infusing our music with elements of R&B, Hip-Hop, and other genres that have shaped our artistic identity. By doing so, we hope to bridge cultural gaps and create a musical experience that resonates with people from all walks of life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For us, the most rewarding aspect of being artists is the profound connection we make with our audience through our music. There is something incredibly fulfilling about creating a song that resonates with people, evokes emotions, and becomes a part of their lives. Knowing that our music can bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to others is a feeling that is truly unmatched.

One of the highlights of our journey is performing live and witnessing the immediate impact of our music on our audience. Seeing people dance, sing along, and lose themselves in the moment creates a powerful sense of unity and shared experience. These moments remind us of the universal language of music and its ability to bring people together regardless of background or differences.

Writing and composing music allows us to express our deepest thoughts, feelings, and stories. It’s a form of therapy and a way to channel our creativity into something tangible. Each song we create is a piece of our journey, and sharing it with the world is incredibly gratifying.

The ability to inspire and influence others through our art is deeply rewarding. When fans reach out to tell us how our music has impacted their lives, it reaffirms our purpose and motivates us to keep creating. Whether it’s helping someone through a tough time, motivating them to pursue their dreams, or simply making them smile, knowing that our music has a positive effect on people is what makes this journey worthwhile. Being artists allows us to live our passion every day, connect with people on a profound level.
It’s a privilege and an honor, and we are grateful that God has multiplied our days and increased our years for every moment of it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @smoothandstorm
• Facebook: @smoothandstorm
• Twitter: @smoothandstorm
• Youtube: @smoothandstorm

Image Credits

Adrian Rios @shotbydub