Stuart Smith is a songwriter and musician equally rooted in his Midwestern home and his Appalachian family heritage with a sonic palette as diverse as his influences. A former minister, Stuart began recording a series of demos in the fall and winter of 2017 following his exit from a decade in ministry. “These were me finding my voice and seeing if I had anything to say. All I knew was I wanted a change, but I didn’t know what it’d look like or if what I had in my head was any good”.
Those demos became his first album, War Horse, released in 2018. Before the release date, Smith went to the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, TN to record an acoustic EP of new songs in the famed studio home of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis- where rock n roll was born. Recorded live on vintage equipment, The Sun EP was released in 2019 to international critical acclaim. It was followed by The Sun EP Vol. 2 in 2021. In the interim, Stuart collaborated on songs with Denison Witmer and Lonesome Animals.
Beginning with a series of cover singles, Stuart started working with William Fitzsimmons on his second full-length album. The album Closer To Heaven, produced by William Fitzsimmons, also marks Stuart’s first collaborations with Rosie Thomas and Abby Gundersen. Exploring new sonic territory, Smith’s sharp pen and commanding presence on the guitar are still at the forefront. Live, though, is where his songs come to life, woven with his unique storytelling and humor. “It’s when you see a lyric you wrote hit home for someone else that this all makes sense. That you’re not as alone as you think you are and maybe we’re all a little more connected than we believe. Whether a song helps you to forget or to remember, it’s as human of an experience as I’ve found”.
“Smith’s songs are stripped bare, and as such their rich melodies and thoughtful lyrics are brought to the forefront.” -Americana UK
“Smith is blessed with a soothing voice that burns just right, compelling stringed instrument skills that are in the brilliant range, and thoughtful songs that offer a penetrating resonance into the human condition, all while being artful and accessible.“ -The Illinois Times
“He has a world weary, slightly worn around the edges singing voice that just oozes rustic charm; and can not just write a song that will touch the heart of everyone who hears them; but his guitar playing is both understated and somehow manages to combine the subtleties of John Martyn.”-The Rocking Magpie UK
“The singer’s Southern accent added a soothing twang to his performance, from his cover of “Disarm,” originally by the Smashing Pumpkins, to his original song “We Will Disappear” the singer showed off not just his sweet vocals, but his impressive guitar and piano skills as well.” - The Suffolk Journal