Kieren Smith
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Kieren Smith

Upton, Massachusetts, United States | SELF

Upton, Massachusetts, United States | SELF
Band Alternative Singer/Songwriter

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"Music Addict (Review): Kieren Smith opts for a different sound on first solo EP"

PWNZ Like: Ben Jorgensen, My Favorite Highway, We Shot the Moon


After the Minneapolis, MN pop punk band Sing It Loud called it quits last fall, former guitarist/backing vocalist Kieren Smith, like many other of the band’s former members, decided to continue pursuing a career in music. But Smith had a plan—to stray away from SIL’s pop sound and go for a more raw alternative sound.

Inspired by bands like Weezer and Goo Goo Dolls, Smith independently recorded The Better Life EP with producer Jordan Schmidt (All Time Low, the Morning Light), which was released last November.

The Better Life is Smith at his best. The EP captures the heartfelt honesty and openness of Smith’s lyrics. Though it is a softer sound than what Smith produced in the past with SIL, The Better Life has an obvious resemblance to the band’s last record. Smith’s voice is soothing and angelic, similar to that of Ben Jorgensen.

“Hold On” has a faster beat than all of the other songs on the EP. It is young and exuberant as a love-stricken Smith embraces his relationship and his place in the world. Smith seems optimistic and powerful, ready to take on the world and its challenges. It’s an inspiring and refreshing track, with a unique outlook towards the future comparable to We Shot the Moon.

The track “Up To Me” is liberating and uplifting as Smith tries to re-discover himself by reevaluating his life and his beliefs. He decides to live his life for himself and not everyone else, because ultimately, it is up to him to decide who he wants to be. “Up To Me” is the most upbeat and inspirational song off The Better Life.

“I’ll keep moving on/

Despite what they’re saying/

Never liked them anyway/

If it was up to me/

I would spend my day, every day/

Making love and being free,” Smith sings.

Overall The Better Life is definitely an album worth listening to. It is a fulfilling and exceptional album. The work and dedication Smith put into the EP is apparent—and this is just his first release.


Catch Kieren Smith on tour with Jamestown Story in February:

http://www.facebook.com/kierensmithmusic


Stream The Better Life for free:

http://www.purevolume.com/kierensmith/albums/The+Better+Life - Buzznet


"Kieren Smith Solo EP"

Kieren Smith has released his solo EP on iTunes. - Absolutepunk


Discography

The Better Life EP - 2010
Produced by Jordan Schmidt

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Bio

Ever since he can remember, Kieren Smith has lived and breathed music. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, he started playing violin at age four; and by age ten, Kieren had picked up guitar and the drums. Even though the majority of his youth was spent writing and playing music, it wasn't until he first stepped on stage with his high school band, Jamestown Story, that he knew he was meant to spend his life committed to playing music. Kieren started touring full-time at age sixteen, completing school-work on the road and eventually graduating high school early to focus on touring.

Shortly after high school, Kieren moved to Minneapolis and formed the band, Sing It Loud. Within five shows, the young pop-rock act signed with Epitaph records and hit the road. Sing It Loud would continue on to release two full length albums and play over 1,000 shows in four years.

After the group disbanded in late 2010, Kieren was left to establish the next step of his career. With support from his good friend and producer, Jordan Schmidt, Kieren released his first solo album, "The Better Life."

"The Better Life" displays Kieren's vast musical inspiration and skill. Heavily inspired by Third Eye Blind and Goo Goo Dolls, Kieren brings back the youthful and wide-eyed sound of the 90's alternative rock scene. Now 23 years old, he is living and playing music in New York City. After seven years of touring and writing music, Kieren is a seasoned musician at a young age. With a new album on the horizon, things are bright for this young songwriter.

"I've spent my whole life dedicated to music, and I've had my share of ups and downs," says Smith. "Those are the best part. It's not about the end of the road, it's the shows I play and the fans I meet on the way there."