Conner Smith Archives - off the record

WATCH: Conner Smith Showcases ‘Take It Slow’

Imogen Marshall — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Conner Smith savours the moment in the music video for his latest single ‘Take It Slow.’

At just 22 years old, Conner Smith has already established himself an uncommon talent in Nashville mixing prime-of-life passion with old-soul perspective. His talent is self-evident on his latest single “Take It Slow” (The Valory Music Co.).

Knowing good things come to those who wait, Smith takes his foot off the gas in the easy-does-it anthem co-penned alongside Ryan Hurd and Mark Trussell, and its new video out today shows off his romantic reward. Already amassing nearly 100 million streams to date, the modern-Country power ballad built around pounding drums and hearts finds Smith letting love move at its own pace, savoring every moment with a slow-rolling vocal and tender memories made to last. Meanwhile, the no-hurry theme comes alive in the rising star’s official music video, developing like an old-school photo of passionate perfection.

“It’s been special to see what ‘Take It Slow’ has become,” shared Smith. “I’m thankful to the team for helping me bring it to life with this video and excited for everyone to continue connecting with the song.”

As one of Country music’s most hotly-anticipated new artists, Smith revealed plans for his first-ever headline IF I WENT TO COLLEGE TOUR earlier this week featuring special guests Mackenzie Carpenter and Jonathan Hutcherson. Presented by the Monster Entergy Outbreak tour, the trek kicks off February 9 in Rosemont, IL and wraps April 28 with a homecoming show in Nashville. The Music City-raised singer/songwriter’s fan pre-sale is available now ahead of the public on sale Friday (27/1) at 10:00A local time at ConnerSmithMusic.com.

IF I WENT TO COLLEGE TOUR DATES

February 9 | Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live^

February 10 | Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy^

February 11 | West Peoria, IL – Crusens +

February 23 | Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s+

February 24 | College Station, TX – Hurricane Harrys

March 30 | Statesboro, GA – The Blue Room+

March 31 | Auburn, AL – 17-16 Bar+

April 1 | Tuscaloosa, AL – Gallettes+

April 14 | Rome, GA – Peaches^

April 20 | Starkville, MS – Rick’s Café+

April 21 | Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge+

April 22 | Baton Rouge, LA – Texas Club+

April 27 | Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine^

April 28 | Nashville, TN – Exit In^

+ Mackenzie Carpenter

^ Jonathan Hutcherson

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Conner Smith Covers Tyler Childers on New Release

Imogen Marshall — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Conner Smith has released a brand new track – a cover of Tyler Childers’ song ‘Feathered Indians.’

Covering Americana breakout Tyler Childers, Conner Smith evokes the rolling hills of Appalachia on “Feathered Indians,” available now via The Valory Music Co. The track sparks a romantic rebellion that echos through time, matching tender fiddles and mandolin with the edgy confessions of a lovestruck outlaw. The bluegrass-tinged ballad is as vivid as a technicolor tattoo, with a message just as clear for all to see: This passion is permanent. Watch his live performance of “Feathered Indians” here.

“I’ve been fascinated by ‘Feathered Indians’ since the first time I heard it. Tyler Childers captured a magic in it that really opened my eyes to a different side of country music,” shared Smith. “When crafting my take on it, I wanted to stay as true to the song as I could and still make it me. I hope people see the love I have for Tyler and appreciation for the lyric through what we did in the studio.”

While showcasing his “wide vocal range and contagious pipes” (CMT) on Thomas Rhett’s tour – Bring the Bar To You, Smith gives fans a behind the scenes look at his meteoric rise in a video series available now on YouTube + Instagram. The tour continues on August 4 at the Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix, Arizona as momentum continues to build with Smith’s debut collection DIDN’T GO TOO FAR(The Valory Music Co.) racking up over 104 million global streams to date. Named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artist to Watch for 2022 and Amazon Music’s 2022 Amazon Artist To Watch, Smith is the only Country act named to the Pandora’ prestigious all-genre accolade, Artists To Watch 2022: The Pandora Ten list. For more information and a full list of tour dates visit ConnerSmithMusic.com.

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INTERVIEW: Parker McCollum and Conner Smith Join Thomas Rhett

Imogen Marshall — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 06:00:49 +0000

Apple Music Global Up Next alum Parker McCollum and Conner Smith join Thomas Rhett for the sixth episode of Where We Started Radio. Conner and Parker share how they pursued their interest in music, who they consider to be some of their biggest influences and what they are most looking forward to on the Bring The Bar To You Tour. Tune in and listen to the episode in-full on-demand here.

Conner Smith on developing an interest in songwriting,

My mama is an interviewer and a TV reporter, so she was working at the local channel four station, NBC station in Nashville when we moved here, and she was just kind of raising her hand for all the country music jobs. So she would do red carpets and all that. Well, they asked her to host a TV show every Sunday night on the local station, that was called Nashville Music and More, so it was just all about the music scene, so people like your dad [Rhett Akins], or Craig Wiseman, or Rivers Rutherford, she would interview these guys and have them play these massive hit songs, and then talk about how they wrote these songs. So I was a five- six-year-old watching the show and watching these interviews. I would literally sit there and watch them like they were movies, because there was something that fascinated me about telling these stories and writing country songs. So I started to do it when I was six. I was like, “That’s what I want to do,” because I understood that that was a job that was an option.

Conner Smith on getting a publishing deal at 16

For me, it was just always a part of what I did was writing songs. I played baseball and I wrote songs and it’s just always kind of who I was. So when I was 16, I connected with a dude named Zach Crowell, who’s my producer now. And he produces Sam [Hunt] and Dustin [Lynch] and wrote “Country Again” for you. And he saw the video of me singing a song he wrote called “Cop Car” and saw something in me that, looking back at it now, is crazy to me and signed me to a publishing deal. And I was a junior in high school and both my parents and me, as well, they were like, “This is awesome, but you’re staying in school. There’s really no question about that.” Once again, being in Nashville, I was able to go to school. I went to a school called Brentwood Academy that was perfect, man. They let me go to school until about 11:30, and then they let me go write songs at 12:00 on Music Row and then come back and play in baseball games at 4:00. We had my first hometown show in Nashville and all my teachers showed up and to have all their support was massive. But yeah, I mean, I got to do it all and I got to write about what I was living because I didn’t drop out of school and just become an adult. I got to be a high schooler and go to prom and start on the baseball team and do it all, and so I was able to draw from that well to write songs about.

Conner Smith on seeing Thomas Rhett on his first headlining tour

I remember being 16 when you put out “Sixteen.” And I remember playing it for my mom in the car. I remember the road. I remember… And she looks at me after the second verse. You talk about all you want is unsupervised Saturday night. And she looks at me and she goes, “Did he write this about you?” And that same year, you were doing your first headlining tour. It was you and Kelsea [Ballerini] and Russell [Dickerson] and Ryan [Hurd]. I bought two tickets to go to Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville and took this girl that I was talking to at the time. And I was trying to get her to date me. And you’re 16, you’re trying to figure out what to do. You’re trying to be smooth. I think I tried to dance with her on “Die A Happy Man” or whatever. But we go to the show, and then after the next day, two days later, dude, we broke up. And that shows we just never nailed it. So all I know is that five years later, I’m opening up for you on that same tour. So it all worked out just fine.

Parker McCollum on songwriting, his brother’s support

I think I was a freshman in high school, my brother was in college at the time, at Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas. And I’d always be trying to write something that I could play for and be like, “Well, when my big brother got home, I could play it and try to impress him.” And everything I would ever come up with, he would just, I would get no reaction. He’d be like, “I don’t know what you’re doing.” And man, I had just gotten my first truck. I was driving home one day, and I had pulled over into this Jack in the Box parking lot in my hometown, and just wrote down these verses and choruses, a song called, “Permanent Headphones.” And then my brother came home for Christmas break and I was like, “Man, I wrote this song. I’ll play it for you.” And it was “Permanent Headphones.” And after I played it, he’s like, “Dude, you’re going to be really big time in this.” He’s like, “Dude, actually.” He was really the first person to be like, “You’re good. You can do this.” And that was enough, right? So him giving me that vote of confidence was huge for me. And from then on, I was just always trying to write songs like that.

Parker McCollum on writing with Rhett Akins

Man the first time we ever wrote, I think he [Rhett Akins] chewed like an entire bag of Red Man Silver Leaf or Red Man Silver Label and I was like, “Man, me and this guy are going to get along.” And, just really enjoyed riding with him. And, then I think the second might have been the second time we ever wrote together, I’d written that first verse in chorus “To Be Loved By You” on the bus the weekend before. And, I was like, “Man, I just started this other day,” I was, “Maybe we can finish it.” And, I played it and he loved it. I mean, he was like, eyes kind of lit up and every time I’ve ever written with him or we finished it that day and every time I’ve ever written with him, it’s been the same thing, man. We just… It’s like hanging out with a buddy, you know? It doesn’t feel like work. It doesn’t feel like a normal co-write like it’s… You know, we kind of hit it off.

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EP REVIEW: Didn’t Go Too Far – Conner Smith

Imogen Marshall — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:00:00 +0000

This Friday, Conner Smith will release his new EP ‘Didn’t Go Too Far’ that showcases the reasons why he has been widely spotlit as an artist to watch by numerous outlets. Pre-order the collection here.

Conner Smith has been established as a major and fresh talent to watch in the Nashville country scene. On his new EP Didn’t Go Too Far out tomorrow, Smith showcases just why he is one of the names on everyones lips. As Smith explains, “These past 6 months have been a wild ride and started off my career in a way I could only have dreamed of,” explains Smith. “DIDN’T GO TOO FAR is the next step for me. This group of songs really gives listeners a look into my world and my roots. I can’t wait to show fans more of who I am as a writer and a performer throughout this year.” A wild ride it is. Lyrically, the project is not extraordinary but sonically it is a riotously fun introduction to a star whose sound seems ready built for the arena stage across America.

Talking of those ‘arena ready’ anthems, the lead-out track ‘College Town’ will be a sure-fire hit both on radio and at live shows. It’s loud and proud, an anthem for those who never went to college – an autobiographical track about Smith’s decision to move to Nashville rather than go to college. The infusion of background chatter throughout the instrumentation was a genius stroke to amp up the project – here it provides a real honkytonk, Friday night bar feel to the track. Similarly – from the title alone – you know that ‘I Hate Alabama’ will be an easy stand-out and was a shrewd choice for the only external cut on the record. Here, Smith sings about hating Crimson Red and the Brave, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ‘Sweet Home’ in reminding him of a girl. the clever twisting lyrical ideas so familiar in country songs. It’s a sheer delight of a song, clever lyrics and swelling emotions of heartbreak.

Elsewhere, the true depth of Smith’s potential shines through on the more quieter moments. ‘Learn From It’ leans into this in a more subdued track about his journey so far and what he took from his roots and life lessons. It’s a track that really shows the warm, honeyed tone of Smith’s vocal that makes up for where there are occasional gaps in the depth of his lyricism. The title track is another easy stand-out and is the first true sit-up moment that allows you to recognise the full potential of Smith. It’s a slick and nostalgic track, very much in the line of Sam Hunt, looking back at the inescapability of first loves in small towns. ‘The one that got away, didn’t go too far.’ The raw emotion of Smith’s vocal draws you in in a magnetic way and it’s a sheer delight of a song that will have you pressing repeat. Following this line, ‘Take It Slow’ is another enormously propulsive song about first loves in a small town, a swelling track with a delightful bluegrass underbelly.

The final track on the record brings back Smith’s easy and relatable reverence to his blue-collar roots in ‘Somewhere In A Small Town.’ It’s a sweet, summertime anthem that feels well-trodden but fresh once delivered through Smith’s warm vocal. ‘She’s laughing, he’s nervous / Cos she looks so perfect, just like you right now / Somewhere in a small town.’ This sums up the ethos of Didn’t Go Too Far – it’s an immensely evocative project, conjuring images of the America we’ve known from the movies, one of high school football teams, the cheerleader, red solo cups and white picket fences. It won’t be the most memorable project of the year but what the collection does is establish a bank of songs for Smith that will be a surefire hit on the live circuit and shows a foundation on which to grow his future potential.

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Conner Smith Announces New Collection out next Friday

Imogen Marshall — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 18:00:14 +0000

Conner Smith announces new 6-track collection – Didn’t Go Too Far – due Friday 14th January. Pre-order the collection here.

Next Friday, country singer-songwriter Conner Smith will release his six-track debut DIDN’T GO TOO FAR. Pre-order the new collection of songs featuring his current single “Learn From It” and viral hit “I Hate Alabama” now.

“These past 6 months have been a wild ride and started off my career in a way I could only have dreamed of,” explains Smith. “DIDN’T GO TOO FAR is the next step for me. This group of songs really gives listeners a look into my world and my roots. I can’t wait to show fans more of who I am as a writer and a performer throughout this year.”

Produced by Zach Crowell, Smith co-wrote four of the six tracks on the collection, including a solo write on opening track “College Town,” amplifying his songwriting prowess throughout. Born to write songs, he grew up watching his mother interview musicians and was transfixed listening to stories of where those hooks came from. At just 6 years old he too was writing and signed to BMI at age 9 with original material before collaborating with award-winning songwriters Ashley Gorley and Crowell while still in high school. Spending his teenage years as a student in the morning and a working songwriter in the afternoon, Smith is bringing his wide-eyed childhood dream full circle.

DIDN’T GO TOO FAR TRACK LISTING

“College Town” (Conner Smith)

“Learn From It” (Smith, Daniel Ross)

“Didn’t Go Too Far” (Smith, Matt Dragstrem, Matt Jenkins)

“Take It Slow” (Smith, Ryan Hurd, Mark Trussell)

“I Hate Alabama” (Nick Columbia, Drew Green, Hunter Phelps, Lee Starr)

“Somewhere In A Small Town” (Smith, Zach Crowell, Phelps)

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22 Artists to Watch in 2022

Imogen Marshall — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

[tps_header] We break down our 22 artists across different genres that we have our eye on to make big moves as ones to watch in 2022.[/tps_header]

[tps_title] Country [/tps_title]

Abbey Cone – Big Machine artist Abbey Cone released her new single ‘Rhinestone Ring’ this year that is just the start of her musical journey that promises so much more.

Alana Springsteen – Independent artist Alana Springsteen has released a slew of singles this year that have continued to push the boundaries of her sound, ‘California‘ was an easy stand-out this year, fusing country and pop sounds with ease.

Ashland Craft – Having released her debut album this year, the sky seems to be the limit for Ashland Craft in 2022, showcasing her signature gritty country twang sound. Plus, ‘Highway Like Me’ was one of our early standout tracks of 2021.

Conner Smith – Conner Smith was born to be a songwriter and has been honing his craft since he was 6 years old. 2022 is set to be a mammoth year for the singer-songwriter, having mastered his craft as showcased in the singles he released this year.

Madeline Edwards – In her music, Madeline Edwards fuses jazz, Southern soul and country elements together. ‘The Road’ was a phenomenal single that heralded a new era in Edwards’ music leading into the new year.

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SINGLE REVIEW: Why I Can’t Leave – Conner Smith

Imogen Marshall — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 18:00:04 +0000

Conner Smith continues to embrace his roots on new track ‘Why I Can’t Leave,‘as “I Hate Alabama” tackles over 6M Views on TikTok. Smith is set to tour with Ryan Hurd this fall.

Nashville raised singer-songwriter, Conner Smith embraces more than his roots with “Why I Can’t Leave.” Smith co-wrote the track alongside Ben Hayslip and Matt Jenkins about a love lost over differing dreams for the future. The hometown attributes that make one stay are the same that make another want to leave, despite their affection for one another, as Smith sings:

We had a good run under that southern sun, didn’t we

And you can call me up and I’ll fill you in if you’re missin’ this town or me

I need a front porch view, you need a balcony and

No matter what, you know where I’ll be

“With ‘Learn From It’ at Country Radio and ‘I Hate Alabama’ doing its thing online, I’m excited to be putting out ‘Why I Can’t Leave’ next” explains Smith. This song shows a side of my songwriting we haven’t really shown before. That side of me has always been the most important thing I want to be known for, so I’m really happy we get to have this chance with ‘Why I Can’t Leave’”

As his debut single “Learn From It” officially hits US Country radio, fans are also quickly discovering “I Hate Alabama.” Smith first released the song on Tik Tok and the overwhelming response prompted him to immediately release the full song on all platforms… right before Alabama suffered a loss that ended their long-running winning streak. The Tennessean called it a “…love song and perfect game day tune all wrapped in a catchy country melody” while Barstool Sports mused “Am I saying the Crimson Tide suffered their first loss since 2019 because of this objectively awesome song? I don’t know. I generally don’t believe in coincidences.”

The clever tunes and star-in-the-making swagger earned Smith an opening slot on Ryan Hurd’s 2022 US Tour following select dates on the road with Thomas Rhett and Sam Hunt. He has previously performed alongside some of the genre’s other top acts including Kane Brown, and Kip Moore. For more information and dates visit ConnerSmithMusic.com.

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SINGLE REVIEW: Take It Slow – Conner Smith

Imogen Marshall — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 17:00:26 +0000

Valory Music Co. artist Conner Smith has released his touching new track ‘Take It Slow’ that captures the innocence of young love – an earnest track penned with Ryan Hurd and Mark Trussell.

Rising Country singer-songwriter Conner Smith captures the innocence of young love with “Take It Slow,” out today via The Valory Music Co. Smith co-wrote the earnest track alongside Ryan Hurd and Mark Trussell with heartfelt lyrics over a moody melody – “we can sway back and forth to what’s on the radio, cause you said that you were all mine, innocent look in your eye. Nothing but time, kiss me all night and let’s just take it slow.” Listen here.

“Take It Slow” is one of my favorite songs I’ve been a part of,” explains Smith. “I’m really excited to get to put this one out on the heels of “Learn From It” and “Tennessee”. It shows another side of who I am as a writer and artist, and I can’t wait to continue to build off of it.

Smith was born to write songs, growing up in Nashville watching his mother interview musicians and being transfixed as he heard stories of where those hooks came from. At just 6 years old he too was writing and signed to BMI at age 9 with fresh material before hitmaking songwriters Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell began collaborating with Smith while he was still in high school. Spending his teenage years as a student in the morning and working songwriter from noon on brought a wide-eyed childhood dream full circle. With “Take It Slow,” Smith continues to live out his reality in song following the release of “Tennessee” and the autobiographical “Learn From It,” which officially debuts at Country radio later this month. With an upbeat tempo and old school lyric twists “Learn From It” chronicles the mistakes that are a part of growing up and reflecting on how those moments shaped who you have become. Watch the music video here.

Smith’s wide range shows the maturity and insight of an old soul discovered early. Once given the time, tools and opportunity to master the craftsmanship as a seasoned writer, he has become not just one more kid shuffling from writing appointment to writing appointment. This week in the US, Smith opens up for Sam Hunt and will also soon join select dates of Thomas Rhett’s THE CENTER POINT ROAD TOUR. He has previously performed alongside some of the genre’s other top acts including Kane Brown, and Kip Moore. For more information and dates visit ConnerSmithMusic.com.

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SINGLE REVIEW: Learn From It & Tennessee – Conner Smith

Imogen Marshall — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 17:00:40 +0000

Conner Smith has officially debuted two new tracks – ‘Learn From It’ and ‘Tennessee’ released via Valory Music Co.

Listen here.

Conner Smith has released two new tracks – ‘Learn From It’ and ‘Tennessee’ – released via Valory Music Co. On ‘Learn From It’, Smith has offered an autobiographical introduction, an upbeat tempo with old school lyric twists he wrote alongside Daniel Ross. The song chronicles all the stupid things and silly mistakes people make growing up then reflecting on how those moments shaped who you have become, and is a catchy anthemic track.

Conner continues sharing his life through song on “Tennessee,” a tune he and Ross collaborated on with Jessie Jo Dillon. The smooth melody sweeps over lyrics about discovering more than just the surface in a relationship: And I just wanna know ya like your hometown knows ya, who you were before you were mine / You ain’t gotta hide that girl from the East side / Let your Tennessee come out.’ It’s a powerful lyrical track that positions Conner as a phenomenal songwriter.

“I’m so excited to finally get to start this journey with these two songs,” explains Conner. “Both ‘Tennessee’ and ‘Learn From It’ show so much of who I am as a person and artist, and are the perfect songs to get this started. Been working for this moment since I was 9 years old, and it truly feels like God’s aligned all the right pieces for this moment. Couldn’t be more grateful for every person that’s helping get this music out to the world. We’re just gettin’ started.”

Working with hitmaking songwriters Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell while still in high school, the pair encouraged Conner to still finish his education. So, he spent his teenage years leading a double life: student in the morning, working songwriter from noon on. His dream turned into real life – his wide-range Country songs show the maturity and insight of an old soul discovered early. Once given the time, tools and opportunity to master the craftsmanship as a seasoned writer, he became not just one more kid shuffling from writing appointment to writing appointment.

He will next hit the road in the US on select dates of Thomas Rhett’s THE CENTER POINT ROAD TOUR. though no stranger to the stage, he has already performed alongside some of the genre’s top acts including Sam Hunt, Kane Brown, and Kip Moore. Tonight (6/28), Conner will join the coveted Whiskey Jam lineup in his hometown – local fans can catch the free show at Winners Bar & Grill at 8 PM. For more information and dates visit ConnerSmithMusic.com.

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