The Smith & Western Jury

'Hotel Texas' Single and Band Interview

The Smith and Western Jury's story began long before their official formation. Simon and Sam, a couple deeply entrenched in the world of music, had been crafting melodies together for over 15 years, albeit in separate bands. However, a transformative trip to Nashville in 2015 ignited a spark within them, propelling them to take their musical pursuits more seriously. It was during this time that the band found its name due to a misheard lyric from Dwight Yoakam.

The band's music reflects a rich tapestry of influences, ranging from the raw energy of punk rock to the soulful twang of classic country.

"I grew up on everything from Alanis Morisette to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Simon was a huge punk rock fan. One of the first times we hung out was at a ‘Brand New’ show. We fell in love with country music about ten years ago and really love the classic country sound. Marty Robbins, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Dwight Yoakam, they’ve all influenced us in some way."

Drawing inspiration from a diverse list of artists, The Smith and Western Jury create an atmospheric experience that transports listeners to a cinematic realm. Their sound, characterised by a blend of Tarantino-esque storytelling and Spaghetti Western aesthetics, captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression.

Visual art serves as an integral part of The Smith and Western Jury's identity. Both Simon and Sam bring their expertise as graphic designers to the forefront, meticulously crafting every aspect of the band's visual presentation.

"We are both graphic designers by day, so we put so much thought into how everything looks. It’s one aspect of the band that we can have full control of how it presents, so we really put a lot of effort & time into it."

From album covers to music videos, their creative direction imbues each piece with a distinct allure, enhancing the overall narrative and message of their music.

At the heart of The Smith and Western Jury's music lies a commitment to storytelling. Sam's introspective songwriting delves into deep emotional and thought-provoking themes, drawing from personal experiences and observations.

"Song writing is my favourite part of being a musician and sometimes I’ll write words and it’s like they’ve subconsciously been sitting in my head waiting to get out. Our upcoming album ‘Hotel Texas’ is like an old family photo album, but instead of photos, I’ve got songs. I’m either writing about my own experiences or people that are super close to me and their experiences, through my own eyes."

Each lyric is a reflection of a moment in time, resonating with listeners on a profound level and sparking conversations about shared struggles and triumphs.

The Smith and Western Jury's latest song 'Hotel Texas' from their upcoming album of the same name is a crowd favourite.

"It’s a bit of a western waltz that’ll make you feel like you’re swaying in the desert."

Touching on judgment in the music industry as its main objective. "Whether it's being labelled "too country," "too heavy," or criticised for not fitting a certain mould, there's always someone with an opinion. Even down to the clothes you wear, someone will always have something to say. While every artist aims for uniqueness, at the end of the day, we’re all influenced by others, our surroundings, and our past."

Sam was prompted to write the song, when the two were discussing the exact topic at home. Guitarist Simon suggested that they should write a song called 'Bolo Ties & Bullshit'. The song was later renamed to 'Hotel Texas' but the band decided to keep those lyrics in the song.

"Simon and I fell in love with country music about ten years ago. Having listened to heavy music throughout our teenage years, along with my background in pop writing, our pasts helped form the sound we are making now. When I wrote the line "I'm from out of town, but I'll show you around," it’s my way of saying - even though we didn't always play country music, this is what we're doing now, like it or hate it."

Despite their artistic pursuits, the band has faced its share of challenges. Sam's battle with health issues, including vestibular migraine and a rare autoimmune disease, posed significant obstacles along the way.

"It causes constant dizziness and vertigo for days, and is completely debilitating. And whilst trying to navigate my way through that, and how to live with such a terrible condition, other parts of my body started to mess with me. I found out I had an autoimmune disease which was causing all sorts of issues."

However, Sam's passion for music remained unwavering, driving the band to persevere through adversity and continue sharing their art with the world.

Live performances serve as a cornerstone of The Smith and Western Jury's identity, offering an opportunity to engage with their audience on a visceral level.

"We love having our setlist tight and rehearsed, so we can do our best to impress a crowd, but we also love to change it up & let loose in a few songs where we can just feel it out and enjoy the experience."

Maintaining aesthetic consistency is paramount for The Smith and Western Jury, and Simon's creative prowess ensures that every visual aspect aligns seamlessly with the band's identity.

"Simon is a great designer, and has worked on a lot of shoots in the past, so he always has amazing ideas and creative concepts. Our first three video clips were shot by our friend Tim O’keefe who is super talented and has an incredible eye. And our last video for ‘Have Mercy’ was all done ourselves. Simon came up with the whole concept, shot and directed it."

From album artwork to music videos, each piece is a testament to their artistic integrity and dedication to upholding their brand.

Through their music, The Smith and Western Jury has forged meaningful connections with fans, touching lives and sparking conversations about shared experiences.

"I wrote a song about how heartbroken I was when I lost one of my best friends to cancer, and I had someone tell me they saw us play it at a show and it really touched them as they were in a very similar situation. Cancer touches everyone in some way, so that song in particular seems to be the one that people often mention. Fuck cancer."

These lyrics deeply resonate with listeners, serving as a source of comfort and solace during difficult times, either first hand or at the hand of a loved one.

For aspiring musicians embarking on their own creative journey, The Smith and Western Jury offers a simple yet profound piece of advice

"One, don’t quit your day job haha. And two, listen to our latest single ‘Hotel Texas’, read what it’s about above, and don’t worry about anybody else."

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