JC Smith

ole and J.C. Smith are expanding their relationship.

When ole first became involved with the Toronto-based Smith two years ago through an administration deal, he was a principal of Sound Of Pop, a combined label, publishing and management entity whose roster included Cadence Grace, Canadian Idol finalist Brandon Jones, The Amber Room and others.

As he winds down his involvement with Sound Of Pop, J.C. Smith has now been signed directly by ole as part of a multi-year, co-publishing deal.

And he couldn't be happier.

"I'm excited," says Smith. "For me, it used to be about other artists. Now the focus is back on my writing."

Smith says the new deal also allows him to incorporate some production in terms of ole demo work.

"I'm going to be doing some of the production demos for some of the ole catalogue," notes Smith. "I'll also be able to do up the production demos of the co-writing I'm involved in."

Thanks to the aggressive efforts of the ole Creative team, Smith had a number of his songs placed on high-profile television series ranging from MTV’s The Hills, N’s The Best Years and DeGrassi: The Next Generation to critically acclaimed teen drama renegadepress.com.

Those songs will be included in the 50 active titles Smith is immediately adding to the ole publishing catalogue.

"This new deal marks a shift in focus towards my own songwriting," says Smith. "It's an amazing opportunity that allows me to capitalize on what I do best.”

ole Chairman and CEO Robert Ott welcomed Smith to the fold.

"J.C. is proof that you can be a great creative songwriter, have a killer work ethic and be surpassingly easy to work with," said Ott.

"He's a great addition to our songwriting team and we look forward to building on the success we've already had together over the coming years."

Smith's first introduction into the music business occurred over a decade ago when he wrote and recorded with EMI Canada band Bam Boo. He left the project and lived in California for a decade before returning to further pursue his music career, striking a partnership with independent record entrepreneur Graham Stairs and Popguru as a collaborator and producer.

Founding Sound Of Pop six years ago, he helped develop such promising recording talents as singer Cadence Grace, alt. music duo The London Apartments and Canadian Idol finalist Brandon Jones with both writing and production.

Currently working with fellow ole songwriter Rebecca Everett, serving as co-writer and producer of Everett's first EP, Smith says he welcomes all future creative opportunities with the Toronto-headquartered independent music publisher.

"I've really enjoyed my association with ole over the past two years, and this arrangement takes everything to a whole new level," says Smith.

"I intend to become one of ole's most successful songwriters. I'm going to take this opportunity and hit it out of the park." - ole