These days, finding music with a perfect balance of amazing vocals and an uplifting vibe can be tough, but only if you aren’t familiar with Loren Smith. Nicknamed “The Luther Vandross of the Next Generation,” Smith’s smooth vocals are coupled with a sincere and joyful delivery. His lyrics are oftentimes full of hope and have the ability to warm even the coldest heart.
His newest single, “Break Free,” is quickly becoming the ultimate anthem for encouragement and inspiration. While the feel-good music video includes a few scenarios of people letting go of worry and stress, Smith gleefully sings, “Won’t you break free/ free from worry/free from sorrow/free from heartache.” The song has been featured on NBC’s “The Today Show” and is only getting more well-deserved recognition day after day.
We recently spoke with Smith about his budding career, his biggest inspirations, and his future in the music industry.
When did you know that being a musician was your calling?
In high school, I recall wanting people to not just hear a nice voice, but also hear the message of the song. I started really toying with the idea that just maybe I had been trusted with something special, and I had to make a decision to take it seriously or not.
What are three other occupations you’ve held?
I was a radiologist transporter at a hospital for a few years, an emergency room discharge clerk, and a vocal group performance coach.
What inspires you to perform?
I feel an urgency and desperation to do what I do, because the need for the message of my music is so great. We are a sensitive society nursing a lot of wounds. People need to know they’re not alone and [have] the option to look at the hand they’ve been dealt in a different way.
What instruments, if any, do you play?
I play piano, but I hope to play drums sometime in the near future.
How would you describe you brand of music?
My brand is a smooth, sexy marriage between soul and pop music.
When you are on stage, what do you want to convey about your style?
I hope I am a visual and audio representation of being outside the box. I’m 6’4, 240 pounds, with a huge presence and voice that’s low and high at the same time. If you are only able to see me live once, I hope you never forget how you felt at the end of the night. I hope you always remember hope, encouragement, and so much love. That’s my live show style in a nutshell.
Name three musicians who have influenced your approach to being a musician.
Only three? Eeek! Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and the Smith Family.
Describe you creative process from concept to complete song.
My songwriting always begins with one line. One line will haunt me and stay in my head until I sit at the piano and build around it. Generally, I bring the first draft to a small circle of writers and musicians I trust, and after some feedback, I’ll give it another go until I finish it. My songs go through dozens of changes and versions before they’re finally recorded. “Break Free” had over 20 versions when we got into the studio, and the version I came in with isn’t the song we know today. I believe art is a living, breathing thing, and you’ve gotta be open.
How do you select your creative music partners to fashion your musical voice?
I place a lot of importance on partnering with people that understand and honor my musical past, present and future. My team understands I grew up singing in church before studying R&B and jazz, and now adding soul and pop to the mix. All of those things create my foundation as a singer, and I pull from those influences regularly, and I invite them to do the same.
What advice would you give anyone preparing to enter the music business about publishing and management?
Three things: Be clear about who you are and what you want, research, [and] remember who works for whom.
If you were going to sing for any famous person as a celebration of what they have done for humanity, who would it be?
A few folks come to mind: Patti LaBelle, Beyoncé, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber … I could keep going.
What are the effects to society that you would like the results of listening to your music to be?
I want people to love themselves and each other better.
If you could go outside of the U.S. to write and produce music, what country would you choose and why?
No specific place in mind, but I’d want to be somewhere I could sit and reflect and let inspiration hit me. Someplace high in the mountains or low near calm waters.
What do you like most about being a musician?
I love performing the most. Ironically, I spend the least amount of time doing that. Nothing beats standing on stage as yourself singing your own words.
What producers are you looking forward to working with soon?
Pharrell, Quincy Jones, and Timbaland. I don’t have any of them yet. I’m dreaming big.
Name three musician you would like to record with who are hit makers?
John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, and Stevie Wonder.
If you could make a duet with someone, who would it be and why?
Either Janet Jackson or Lauryn Hill! I really admire and identify with their vocal and production skills.
What musical awards have you aspired to receive and actually won?
None yet. We’ve only just begun!
What musical achievements have you yet to obtain?
I want to keep working hard, I want to completely change the male vocal music game, I want to headline a tour, I want Grammys. I’ve got my work cut out for me.
Finish the sentences:
When I hit the stage, I feel … FREEDOM.
When the crowd is responding to my music, I know … I’ve done my job.
I appreciate my fans because … it’s all for you.
Music is my calling … and ain’t no doubt about it.
My method of studying music is … intense. I shut myself away from the world for pure concentration.
When you find my music, I want you to … only let it go to share it with those you love.
Name your favorite two books.
I loved the Encyclopedia Brown books as a kid because I love mysteries. I’m currently enjoying a couple books about how to change the way we think.
Download “Break Free” on iTunes here. For more information about Loren Smith, visit www.sanglorensmith.com. Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @sanglorensmith.
