INTERVIEW WITH… LOS ANGELES RAP ROCKER SMILEZ
INTERVIEW WITH… LOS ANGELES RAP ROCKER SMILEZ
| MEET SMILEZ |
SMILEZ is a rising Los Angeles rapper, musician, and producer who just dropped his debut album ‘Ur in My World’. His sound is a genre-blending mix of rock-edged hip-hop beats that he self-produces, incorporating samples. Now that he is quickly carving out a fanbase with tracks like ‘Someday’. Which samples a part of the early Aughts band The Strokes song of the same name. Then ‘Coffee Queen’, a gen z take on finding your one and only. The artist known for his vibrant sunny yellow-hued persona (all puns intended), as much as his deadpan rap delivery, answered some questions for The Reclusive Blogger, which you can read below. SMILEZ talks about his influences, debut record, and how SMILEZ acquired his name.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Thanks for taking some time out for a few questions. So, how has your 2023 been both professionally and personally, if you mind me asking?
SMILEZ: It’s been amazing, I’ve been really locked in on my craft this year. If I’m not in the studio I’m making music videos all the time. Right now I’m in Tokyo, so I’m on a high so I can’t complain about this year at all.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let's talk about how you got into the music scene, where the music persona SMILEZ came from, and how it all fits into where you are today?
SMILEZ: I’ve been making music for years since I was a little kid really. I’ve always loved punk rock and hip-hop. When I started going by SMILEZ it was just this lighthearted like fuck it why not go by some ridiculous name Its memorable which is what I liked. The name just fits the color aesthetic which Is kind of a color theme to my music videos etc. Yellow and bright colors musically I’m always on those 2 lines of punk rock and hip hop.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was the recording and writing process like for the album ‘Ur in My World’? Was it any different that any of your past experiences creating music?
SMILEZ: It was mainly different because I was making it with the whole project in mind. Most of my older music was just kind of random songs I had made. I made this whole album at home. Recording vocals and guitars myself and producing the whole thing. I love working with people but I wanted this to be very personal so I just was like fuck it ill do it myself. I wanted it to be a transparent look at my life.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: One of my favorite tracks off the record and the catchiest as well is “Someday”. I loved how you incorporated The Strokes sample. Can you talk more about how that came together? Is the blending of rock and hip-hop something that you did for this album or is that just innate in your music?
SMILEZ: Both, it kind of happens naturally but I love that idea of mixing rock and hip-hop in a new cool way. Blending both elements of the production and songwriting. The idea of what would the strokes or Nirvana sound like if they started today always interests me.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was it like opening up for such hip-hop and rap names like Wiz Khalifa and the passed-on JuiceWRLD?
SMILEZ: They were both insane experiences. I love performing so its just a pure rush for me. To be around Iconic artists like that was just inspiring.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was the last album you played that had no skips?
SMILEZ: Lil Uzi Vert Pink Tape would be the closest thing to no skips but I probably would skip the track with Travis Scott.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What fictional character do you think would most identify with the SMILEZ sound and aesthetic?
SMILEZ: Pikachu, for the color theme, and Batman because that’s who I aspire to be
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Who are three artists from any type of artistic world, it doesn't have to be music, that influence you the most as a creative?
SMILEZ: Since we just mentioned Batman, Christopher Nolan as a director is inspiring for sure.
-I’m in Tokyo right now I’m definitely very inspired by the art and culture here.
-Anything that is cool and interesting to me
FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS + ANDY GRAMMER BRING THE WRONG PARTY TOUR TO L.A. WITH HELP FROM BRELAND
Last Saturday, Three of what seems like the unlikeliest artists brought what was an epic dance party to The Greek Theatre. Opener Breland with Hip-Hop Country, Andy Grammer with his happy Pop, and Fitz And The Tantrums, whose soulful pop tunes have ears tuned, feet dancing since their KCRW days have endearingly collided on their The Wrong Party tour.
Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick of Fitz And The Tantrums
Last Saturday, Three of what seems like the unlikeliest artists brought what was an epic dance party to The Greek Theatre. Opener Breland with Hip-Hop Country, Andy Grammer with his happy Pop, and Fitz And The Tantrums, whose soulful pop tunes have ears tuned, feet dancing since their KCRW days have endearingly collided on their The Wrong Party tour. While it may, on the surface, come across like a mish-mash of Adult Alternative radio artists with popular hits. It ultimately worked for many reasons, as it was a family show. Families were out and about on this breezy Saturday evening. Also, all three acts together brought showmanship. Lastly, two performers on the lineup (Breland and Andy Grammer) have roots in the country music space.
Breland performs at The Greek Theatre
Breland was first up on the lineup. His sound has its roots in country music but was so much more. "Praise The Lord" was gospel tinged with a hipper country sound. Then songs like "Thick" and "Throw It Back" completely leaned into the Country-Rap sound. So it was no surprise that his Nelly mashup was straight fire. The New Jersey native and Gen Z artist fused Hip-Hop, Gospel, Soul, and Pop into what I could only describe as a Breland fusion. A mix of funky, bouncy, feel-good music. That easily captured the audience. An audience that was only starting to trickle in. Make no mistake, though, Breland fans were there and ready to party. His opening set was full of exuberant boundless energy and the perfect joyful vibe to start the night out. His banter between his songs was my favorite as he regaled the audience with jokes and other anecdotes from his life. Including the time Keith Urban asked him out to Nashville to write music, and he hopped on a plane and arrived the following morning.
Andy Grammer performs at The Greek Theatre
Andy Grammer was next out, opening with a spoken word poem befitting his brand of joyful uplifting pop. That poem transitioned into the song "Damn It Feels Good to Be Me". A booming pop-jazz style band backed Grammer and was complete with backup singers who also played jazz instruments like the saxophone. For some, Grammer may not be a face that is easily recognizable but with his penchant for writing memorable pop hooks and catchy melodies. There is no doubt that you have heard a song or two from him. Infectious melodies, jazzy riffs, and dance-pop synths permeated the well-paced sixteen-song set. Some highlights include the new collab, “The Wrong Party”, with Michael ‘Fitz’ Fitzpatrick of Fitz And The Tantrums, who popped out to sing it with him. Then the monogamy and relationship anthem, Honey, I’m Good. Or the soulful foot stomper, Good To Be Alive. His vocals shined throughout and soared best on the more personal numbers like “Fresh Eyes”, Joy, or later on, during the encore “Saved My Life”. The jazz-inflected “Pennies From Heaven / Stay / Fine by Me” mashup was a sweet surprise. His debut track, “Keep Your Head Up”, was another brilliant moment during his encore. Those lyrics still resonate and speak to the dreamer in all of us.
Noelle Scaggs of Fitz And The Tantrums performs at The Greek Theatre
Lastly, Fitz And The Tantrums closed out the night and the L.A. stop of The Wrong Party tour. Although far removed from their KRCW days where blue-eyed soul and a vintage sound dominated their music. Their evolution to Alterna-Pop heavy hitters makes this band so great, reminding us that a dream and hard work will ultimately pay off. The band fronted by two singers, the aforementioned Michael 'Fitz' Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs plus their insane chemistry. The Greek Theatre showcased their exuberant blend of soulful dance pop and was the perfect way to cap off what was an eclectic dance party in the canyons of L.A. The band opened with “OCD” into a “Don’t Gotta Work It Out”, a Fitz classic and staple. Songs like “Complicated” got the party moving with its R&B bounce before moving into synth-laden “Out Of My League”. Other highlights from the band include their new cut “Sway”, the soul-inflected “MoneyGrabber”, and the skittering pop of “123456”. Fitz and The Tantrums continued the trend of incredible musicianship and professionalism that night. They closed out their eighteen-song set with an encore that included hits, “HandClap” and “The Walker”. “The Wrong Party” tour offered fans and music lovers a night of fun, dancing, and lighthearted escapism in its purest form. It was a bubbly hip-pop disco party accentuated by an incredible light show. Fun for all too, as you’re never late to this party.
PHOEBE BRIDGERS CAPTIVATES CLOSING OUT HER TWO NIGHT GREEK THEATER STINT ON A HIGH
Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, who sold out both nights at The Greek Theater, even brought along a few special guests. Which included her label signing, Charlie Hickey and guitarist Blake Mills among others.
Indie Folk phenom Phoebe Bridgers closed out the final night of her two sold-out headlining shows last Friday to much acclaim. Bridgers, riding high from Grammy nominations and critical acclaim from her second album “Punisher”. The singer-songwriter brought the “Reunion” tour to L.A. to the delight of fans. Playing through a well fleshed out set of Folk-Pop soundscapes in seventeen songs. She also had a surprise opener in store. None other than The 1975 frontman Matty Healy. He came out to do a intimate acoustic set in support of Phoebe. The best part was their duet. Their voices on that song blended quite exquisitely.
As much as the crowd and I were surprised to see Matty Healy as the opener that night. I might’ve been the only one caught off guard by Phoebe and her band walking out to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. I later discovered she was referencing a memory from High School. When she made and gave a mixtape to a high school crush. Somehow this song choice just made sense, it was very “Phoebe”. They somehow easily segued into “Motion Sickness”. A track that lyrically is full of anger and sadness among so much else. “Motion Sickness” was also one of the few tracks she performed from her debut record “Stranger in the Alps”. Most of the setlist included songs from her Emo meets Folk-Pop second act, “Punisher”. Songs like the beautifully quirky “Moon Song” or the pensive “Garden Song” rang out like soft lullabies. While the menacing “Punisher” cut through the silence. Bridgers ended on with the amusing sarcasm of her Bo Burnham encore cover of “That Funny Feeling”. Simply letting the music speak for itself that night with exception of a few well placed quips throughout her set. Phoebe led her orchestral leaning band of skulls (still sporting those infamous glow in dark skull onesies I mentioned earlier) in quite the autumnal rallying cry in the canyons. A true storyteller at heart her songs are not party jams (no, “Kyoto” doesn’t count but it’s still a bop”). Yet, the crowd stayed on their feet the entire time enjoying the overall atmosphere. An audience that that was truly happy to sing along to Phoebe that night and to have the hometown bestie back. You can check out my full photo gallery from the show below. To stream “Punisher” go here.
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