SMILEZ – Ur in My World

By starrymag | September 7, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) I’ve heard your sound as described as “pop-punk,” but how would you describe it?

A) I would say it’s like one foot in punk/alt rock, and one foot in hip hop.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) It’s all over the place from Kanye West, to Nirvana, to Queen, to Lil Uzi Vert.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Open Ur Eyes.”

A) “Open Ur Eyes” was the last song I wrote for the album, and it was just a very natural process. Once I wrote that guitar riff, the lyrics kind of just came together. In the song I’m talking about my older brother passing away a few years ago and his daughter growing up without him and that sometimes dark/sad situations can remind us to be grateful that we’re still alive.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think it’s the vulnerability that connects with people. It’s just raw emotions there and I think people can feel it too.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The video is kind of its own thing. It doesn’t necessarily tell the story but just creates a vibe that matches the song. Darker tones, spending time alone in the desert, pondering life – stuff like that.

Q) Your song “Someday” samples The Strokes. Where did the idea come from to combine their music with your own?

A) I’ve always loved The Strokes and the idea to make hip hop meets The Strokes was fascinating to me. I always think what would bands like The Strokes or Nirvana sound like if they came out today. That’s kind of what inspired the idea to make that song.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) It’s always different. Sometimes I’ll have a lyrical idea that sits on my phone for months until I hear a piece of music that I think fits with it. Sometimes I’ll make a beat and I’ll come up with lyrics on the spot. I just like to keep things interesting for myself.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) On this last album I produced on every single song, and most of the songs I did 100% on my own. I love producing. I love messing with sounds. Sometimes you don’t want to wait around on other people especially when you know what you want something to sound like. Even when I work with producers, I’m very hands on. I just love the whole process of it.

Q) Your new album, Ur in My World, is out now. What are some themes you explore on it?

A) It’s really a full photograph of my life. I talk about a lot of things – my own battle with addiction, the loss of my brother, dating, relationships, sex, trying to make it in music, and staying spiritual thru all of those things.

Q) There are fifteen tracks on it. Which song on the album holds a personal significance for you and what makes it so close to your heart?

A) I would say “Saddest Smile” is a really special record musically it perfectly captures me. It starts with an old school sample almost Kanye-esque then boom screeching guitars and 808’s come in. Lyrically it’s all about making the best out of sad situations, and kind of ties in my name as SMILEZ. Try to have a positive outlook on life.

Q) Which single on the album challenged you the most creatively?

A) “Sex & Money” was the biggest challenge. I come from the punk rock world so trying to make a song that had a little sex appeal and also just more of a singing song was a challenge. I love challenges though it’s what makes everything fun and can make for different shit.

Q) What do you hope lingers with people who explore Ur in My World as a whole?

A) I hope people can relate to me and can feel what I’m talking about. I put my whole life into this project. I’m super proud of it. That’s the only thing you can hope for in music – that you can positively affect someone with one of your songs and they feel something.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Drake or Kanye for sure. It would just be dope to see how those guys work.

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) Lil Uzi Vert a lot. Pink Tape album is so interesting musically. I just love the mix of rock and hip hop and I love that someone who holds a lot of weight in culture is experimenting and breaking new barriers. It makes it easier for an artist like me to exist.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It’s just the way of the world nowadays. It’s really the only way you can get your music out nowadays. I’m a really social person so I don’t mind talking to people anyways.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I have a lot of new music and videos on the way. Go listen to Ur in MY World.