ON THE COVER: Anthony Smith
Label: Stroudavarious
Forthcoming Album: Sunshine, set for release in 2010
Current Single & Video: “Bringin’ Back The Sunshine”
Current Producer: James Stroud and Anthony Smith
Interesting Facts: #1: The album is scheduled to include an instrumental track called “Anaconda Cowboys,” performed with Smith’s band of the same name. #2: Smith’s first album was on Mercury Records. #3: Sunshine features a tune with Smith and the late Porter Wagoner.
Anthony Smith, the long-haired “country boy” from East Tennessee, has been known to break rules and ignore the usual polite conventions— he approaches life with the same hold-nothing-back passion that fills his music. Smith explains, “I have never tried to sound like anyone else. I have always wanted to be an original, because if you look at music, the ones who sound like nobody else are the same ones who break new ground and start new trends. I’m doing the kind of music I love in the only way I know how.”
Anthony Smith
Anthony Smith’s “Bringin’ Back The Sunshine” is the debut single from his first album on Stroudavarious Records. The song went for adds August 10 and is from his forthcoming album, Sunshine, scheduled for release in early 2010. The album is a collection of Smith original compositions, co-produced by Smith and label head/veteran hitmaker James Stroud. Smith also brought in the late Country Music Hall of Fame member Porter Wagoner on the album for one of his last studio recordings—”Hillbilly Romeos” features Wagoner’s witty commentary playing off of Smith’s lead vocals, for a fitting tribute to a country legend who loved songs that were playful and about rural life. Set for release in September, the accompanying music video was shot by Traci Goudie and features Derek Phillips (from Friday Night Lights and The Closer) and Danielle Rene (from the upcoming Terrence Maiick film starring Sean Penn and Brad Pitt).
Smith’s experience includes previous success as an artist, with three Top 40 songs from his critically acclaimed first album, If That Ain’t Country. He’s also had a long string of hits as a songwriter—including George Strait’s “Run,” Trace Adkins’ “Chrome” and “I’m Tryin’,” Tim McGraw’s “Kill Myself” and “Kristofferson,” Rascal Flatts’ “My Worst Fear” and Montgomery Gentry’s “What Do Ya Think About That?,” as well as memorable cuts by Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Gretchen Wilson, Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood and many others.
Despite his many songwriter hits, Smith has always seen himself as a performer first. “I’ve never written a song for another artist to cut,” he says. “I always wrote songs for myself, for me to do on stage and to record. Other artists heard them and wanted to cut them, and that’s tremendously flattering to me. But my intent was always to be the one on stage singing what I write.”
The distinctive music Smith makes injects a rock ‘n’ roll swagger and funky, fresh rhythms into a style of music that is undeniably contemporary—and undeniably country. “I like getting a reaction,” he says. “My music isn’t the kind you sit and passively listen to. It’s going to make you move, and it’s going to make you react and feel something. I want an emotional response—whether it’s good or bad or romantic.”
What runs through each song is a big personality and the accompanying jolt of energy that Smith brings to everything he does. “I don’t like holding back,” Smith says. “I like to put it all out there, on the page and on the stage. Audiences know when you’re being real, when you’re talking about what you know and what you feel.”
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Just wanted to say I love the upcoming issue with Anthony Smith on it! He is my absolute favorite! Thanks and you guys rock!
I love (Bringing back the Sunshine)and can’t wait to see the video. Looking forward to the album.Anthony has written some of the greatest songs I’ve ever heard, and no one can sing them like he does.I love his guitar playing and love seeing him perform. He’s the total package!
Amen to what Rhonda and Carol said. Anthony Smith is country music’s newest Superstar!
I cant wait to get the new issue with Anthony on it! He is a great artist and is awesome songwriter!
I’m going to have to get the new issue with Anthony Smith on it. He’s an awesome singer and songwriter. I love Bringin’ Back the Sunshine. Can’t wait for the video to come out. 🙂
Anthony is and always will be one of those artist that you can’t get enough of. His music is a powerful drug that you just can’t kick! I’ve said this time and time again and I will say it again here…. ANTHONY SMITH IS HEAVEN SENT! If you want to hear a legend who makes legendary albums then Anthony is your man. If you want to hear a yuppie cookie cutter album that EVERYONE IS SO SICK OF then don’t even bother taking a listen.
Just listened to Anthonys Bringing back the sunshine. It is really great. Way to go Anthony. We all love you..
Anthony has rocked for years…diggin’ the Sunshine! The Bad Boys
Sometime in life you here song !Days later you hear it again from that day on you catch yourself whistling or humming the melody !That is BRING BACK THE SUNSHINE !A GREAT SONG AND REMARKABLE ARTIST !THANK YOU AS IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT!
Check out “Airborne” on his album “If That Ain’t Country”
Also “What Brothers Do” is a great song… SRSLY I love ’em all. It’s also got the original “Who Invented The Wheel” – I guess that was before Trisha Yearwood recorded it.
Anthony Smith rocks! Can’t get enough of his music,I love Bringin’ Back the Sunshine. Can’t wait for the video to come out.
Anthony is the most amazing artist I know! I cant wait to get the new issue with Anthony on it! He is a great artist and is awesome songwriter! Loving “Bringin Back the Sunshine” Can’t wait for the video.
I WAS A BIG FAN OF ANTHONÝ’S FIRST ALBUM, AND I KNOW I WILL BE EVEN A BIGGER FAN OF THIS ONE. I LOVE BRINGING BACK THE SUNSHINE, I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE ALBUM AND VIDEO.
It’s very rare that I hear a song for the first time and love it. But when I heard “Bringing Back the Sunshine” after it was over all I could say was “WOW”. I can’t wait to pop it in my CD player with the windows down in the car and blast it on a open road! He writes with fire and passion! He makes me want to change my name to “Dandilion” another cut from the CD! You’ll know what I mean when you buy the CD and hear it!!!! I am so glad I found Anthony Smith! I am hooked!
I Agree With The Other People And There Comments About Anthony Smith. Except For One Thing I Like To Add Is When You Get The Oppertunity To Meet Or Talk With Anthony He Dose Take The Time, His Personal Time To Talk You As A Person Not Just Another Fan. He Will Make You Laugh,Think And Sometimes Maybe Share Personal Experanse With You. So You Know He A Person Just Like You. I Was To Let You Know Anthony Smith Sent Your Way!
I can’t wait to pick up my copy of Music Row with Anthony Smith on the cover. I loved his first cd and am so excited that he has recorded a second one. Anthony’s music is awesome!
The first time I heard “Bringing Back The Sunshine” I said WOW! It’s the type of innovative passionate rockin’song to just want to play over and over with the car windows down on an open road! Can’t wait to get the CD!