Mike Smith is a country/southern rock singer, talented songwriter, and experienced musician who splits his time between Nashville and Charlotte, NC. Originally, Smith was born in Philadelphia, but his unique cultural background stems from a Cuban and German heritage. Coming from a historical lineage, he channeled his cultural pride as a reflection in his music. Smith spent his childhood years in New Jersey as he discovered his musical gift. By the age of 4, he had already learned how to play the guitar. Smith dove deeper into his love for music as he learned how to play the drums, bass guitar, and piano all by the age 10. At this point, it became clear that music was in his DNA.
The older he became, the deeper his love and appreciation for music evolved. His inspiration derived from diverse artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Soundgarden and Trace Adkins. In addition to his current work in country/southern rock, Smith has strong roots in hip-hop and R&B. He has produced, written, and performed with many revolutionary hip-hop artists including Slaughterhouse, Dizzy Wright, Cyhi the Prynce, Nappy Roots, RZA, and Inspectah Deck of Wu-Tang Clan, Justice League, DJ Revolution, Royce Da 5’9, Troy Ave, DMC of Run DMC, and Twista.
In addition to collaborating with artists, he has extensive success in songwriting. For the past 10 years, he helped pen numerous songs for artists, with over 10 sweeping the top 10 charts. Smith’s passion for songwriting reaches even further as he writes 5-6 songs per day. In 2014, he became the owner of SMH Records with his long-time colleague King Tech, of Sway and King Tech fame. Over the past year, they have signed 8 artists, and continues to collaborate with numerous artists. Lastly, Smith started his newest record label with long-time friend and colleague, RZA. With the name reflecting the work ethic, Razor Sharp Records has signed 3 artists since its March 2015 opening.
Smith is currently working on his solo album “Hard Working Man”, which is a classic mix of Country and Southern Rock. The album features work from big name artists such as the Avila Brothers, Gilby Clarke of Guns and Roses, Dave Matthews’ Horn Section, and James Taylor’s percussionist. The music always has, and will continue to be, the fire inside of Mike that makes him successful in his endeavors.
“Little Bit Of Us” currently being played on country radio stations across the US ranks 81st on Music Row without the song being officially released.
Smith had the privilege of co-producing the song with Gilby Clarke of Guns N’ Roses and The Avila Brothers. Smith wrote “Little Bit of Us” just a day before heading to LA, where he recorded the track within 24 hours. While they had planned on recording another song this was both Mike’s and Gilby’s favorite, which was enough to make “Little Bit of Us” Mike Smith’s next single.
“The whole recording process was surreal for me. I had flown home from New York City after working on my TV show. Then, after one day home with my wife and kids, I am standing in Gilby Clarke’s house in LA cutting my vocals for the track while staring at all his MTV Moonman awards,” Smith said. “It made me realize how blessed and important my kids and my wife are in keeping me grounded. It is the whole message I am trying to portray in the song.”
Ref: http://smhworldwide.com/artist/mike-smith/