Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Edmond native and singer/songwriter Nick Smith's debut EP, 'Paradise' goes down smooth from the titular first track- a burnished vocalist with hints of R&B, jazz and folk lurking beneath the surface, Smith lays his vocals down on an inviting bed of acoustic pop. Calling this performer Oklahoma's answer to John Mayer would be a bit reductive and a disservice to both artists; Smith's assured, stylish recording-produced by Ryan Dillman and Smith in Dillman's home studio-is a sleek calling card the demonstrably plants the seeds of possibility. Smith is yet another homegrown talent that is poised to take that next step. - Oklahoma Gazette
Nick Smith has a charming way of delivering heartfelt, rhythmic acoustic guitar tunes. "Underneath the Skin" is my favorite track on this 6-song EP, which has a strong Ari Hest vibe happening. Smith's strongest assets besides his clear depth-filled voice is his ability to deliver catchy, rhythm-based tunes that shine. Things are looking bright for Smith as this EP makes its way into the hands of acoustic rock fans all over. It takes a professional sound and the ability to stand out for me to really enjoy all-acoustic music. Smith has excelled at my parameters for a good acoustic CD.
- DiscoveringArtists.com
Oklahoma City native Nick Smith is turning heads and capturing attention with his debut release, "Paradise EP." The six-song EP is an acoustic recording that features Smith's melodic style and soulful lyrics.
The Oklahoma State University business student's lyric-driven tunes sneak up on you and get "underneath the skin" and into your head. Puns aside, the track, "Underneath the Skin" captures the emotion of a relationship that hits you hard before you even realize it. "Coming to Your World," "For You" and "Thought for Thought" are simple yet sincere tunes that capture the emotion of discovering love in this less than perfect world. "Priceless" reminds us not to get so lost in the hectic pace of our lives that we forget to notice what's right in our world.
It's the title song, though, that commands the most notice. "Paradise" is a microcosm of the entire EP; the upbeat musings of a young man who realizes, despite exhaustion and the demands of daily life, that the rewards of sincere love make everything worthwhile. "This is my life. This is paradise."
The promising newcomer has taken this semester off from school for his first national tour. Afterward, Smith plans to return to the studio to record a CD of new music. "Paradise EP" may prove to be your opportunity to follow the evolution of a musical talent in progress.
- TunedInMusic.com
Discography
'Paradise' EP-2004
* The song 'Paradise' charted at #25 at Oklahoma State's KXZY in the fall of 2005, making Nick the highest ranking independent artist on the chart.
* Songs also played on many college and commercial stations nationwide.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Acoustic-pop songster and Oklahoma City native Nick Smith has made a name for himself by touring clubs and universities across the nation, building new fan bases city by city. After having toured with The Graham Colton Band and Adam Richman, as well as opening for many other acts such as Ari Hest, Ingram Hill, Michael Tolcher, Stephen Kellogg, Matt Wertz, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Green Lemon and David Mead, Nick has been able to create a sturdy group of listeners.
Heading out on his first tour in the spring of 2005 in support of his independently released EP, ‘Paradise,’ Nick played over 50 shows in as many cities. Tour stops included clubs such as Los Angeles’ Genghis Cohen, New York City’s Tribeca Rock Club, San Diego’s Twigg’s and Chicago’s Uncommon Grounds among many others. Other venues recently played include Gypsy Tea Room in Dallas, Stubb’s in Austin and Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa.
Nick has also played many universities across the country, including stops at schools such as Stanford University (CA), Elizabethtown University (PA), the University of New Mexico, the University of St. Thomas (MN), Texas Tech University, Oklahoma State University and many more.
To date, the ‘Paradise’ EP has independently sold over 1,300 copies at shows and through Nick’s online distributor, AwareStore.com, as well as received stellar reviews from both local and out of state publications.
Nick has also been featured on AwareStore.com’s ‘Ear Snacks’ Vol. 7 compilation disc in which other acts featured have included artists such as Damien Rice, Citizen Cope, Jason Mraz, Liz Phair, Ari Hest and John Mayer. His music has also been featured on many college and commercial stations across the country and he has showcased at music festivals such as Diversafest and the North Texas New Music Festival.
This smooth singing road-dog will continue to tour clubs and universities nationwide, spreading his music to new and eager listeners alike.
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