Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a UK born musician who moved to Massachusetts 12 years ago. I have been a member of my band Dirty Vegas since 2000, and last year joined the band Squeeze. With Dirty Vegas I won a Grammy in 2003 for our song ‘Days go by’. I have a wife and two daughters and we all live in Scituate MA.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The music industry is full of challenges and struggles, I have been a professional musician since 1994 and its one huge rollercoaster of highs and lows. I have been very fortunate enough to still be able to say that music is my full-time occupation and music has taken me all around the world many times over. In the 24 + years of being in this industry, I have seen seismic changes in the way people consume or have access to music.
Digital streaming sites such as Spotify or Pandora have completely changed the way we can listen to millions of songs for free and the royalty rate that is given to the artists and writers is a tiny fraction per play. I have signed recording contracts with major labels like Capitol Records and I have self-released my own music, I have seen successes from both those methods and to be still doing this all these years later is a blessing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the lead vocalist for the band, Dirty Vegas. I am also the percussionist for the band Squeeze. I have been very fortunate to play shows around the world in countries like UK, USA, Australia, India, Thailand, Spain, France that included performances at Glastonbury (UK), Coachella (USA), Rock in Roma (Italy), Sunburn (Goa,India) as well as events like Sundance Film Festival, Milan Fashion week and South by South West.
In 2016 I was asked to perform for HRH Prince William at Kensington Palace, as the prince had said he was a fan of Dirty Vegas. I won a Grammy award back in 2003 for my song ‘Days go by’ has also composed for television and film and remixed Platinum selling artists such as Madonna, Calvin Harris and Justin Timberlake. Upon release In May 2015 the lead single from the E.P “Let the Night” has officially reached Gold status in Italy.
After working on the latest Squeeze album ‘The Knowledge’ in April 2017, I was asked to become a member of the band. Squeeze was the first concert I ever attended back in London in 1987, so this was a dream come true. Squeeze set out on a UK/US Tour with a highlight being the support for Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) in Hyde Park London July 2018.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
With over twenty years as a professional musician, I have had in-depth experience of songwriting, arranging, composing, performance and producing. Aside from songwriting, I have played drums, percussion, guitars on many releases.
My music has achieved international chart success and positive reviews from industry leaders. Over those years, I have seen the tidal changes in the music industry that I have called on my experience time and time again, to have moved with those changes and remain contemporary within the industry. With over 30 licenses for TV, Film I have gained experience in the world of synchronization.
With a 15-year career span, I have seen the ever-growing importance of Music Licensing. As music sales drop I have seen first hand the importance of my music being used in motion picture, commercials and video games. I have spoken on many Industry panels at conferences around the world like ADE (Netherlands), IMS (Spain), The Exchange (India) and Synch Summit (USA).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stevesmithmusic.com, www.dirtyvegas.com, www.squeezeofficial.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/stevesmithmusic
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dirtyvegasmusic
Image Credit:
Ann Marie Rollo, Niaomi Dryden-Smith
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