Biography
Youngsmith is the moniker of Brisbane based songwriter Dan Smith. His music paints a picture of a man faced with his demons and refusing to back down.
Smith’s songs, although simple in their accompaniment, tell stories without letting the music get in the way, echoing the style of the narrative songwriters of the past.
Influenced during his childhood by his father’s love of Johnny Cash, Slim Dusty and other country storytellers and by his older brothers love of 90s grunge acts the young visual artist took to playing and songwriting as a way to get over a girl and express something he couldn’t through his art. After years of sitting in a cupboard, his Dad’s acoustic guitar with three strings started something special.
Teaching himself basic chords, he found himself writing dozens of songs and playing local open mic nights and small venues with a the year.
Since then, Smith has released 4 EPs, been shortlisted for the Australian Songwriting Competition twice (2011 / 2013), been featured on surfing docos, Australian compilation CDs and soundtracks as well as on radio in Germany and on LA. He has also received significant local radio support. With headline shows at prestigious venues including The Zoo and Arena, Smith has established himself as one of Brisbane’s live music troubadours.
2015 sees Smith release his first single with Pavement Records and The A & R Department who brought Australia Meg Mac, Harts, Battleships, SAFIA and many others.
A tour of the East coast of Australia in late 2015 with regional tours and more releases will follow in 2016.
His debut album is currently in production.
