Artist Biography
b. England. An integral part of the Bristol, Avon-based music scene, Smith was originally an electronics engineer for Rolls Royce but left to play guitar in a reggae band. He then made a name for himself as part of Bristol’s booming breakbeat and chill-out scene in the late 80s and early 90s, as part of Smith And Mighty, who achieved considerable success with several albums and a plethora of remix and production work. In 2003, Smith released his solo debut, Up On The Downs, on the acclaimed UK hip-hop label, Grand Central Records. The album featured a number of vocalists and MCs from the Bristol scene. Like his work with Smith And Mighty, the album drew largely on dub, reggae and hip-hop influences, fusing breakbeats with vocals, elements of drum ‘n’ bass and strings. The album demonstrated clear evidence of Smith’s early influences, from 50s and 60s soul and Motown Records, through dub and reggae and labels such as Trojan Records, to punk. The album’s moody atmospherics prompted some critics to draw parallels with America’s DJ Shadow.
Hometown
England
Genre
Electronic