Reggae / rock singer Kyle Smith is a relatively newer artist on the music scene. Raised in Southern California, this Ventura native cites his troubled youth and addiction as inspiration for his music and life goal of spreading positivity and hope. His music is a unique combination of reggae, ska punk, punk rock with a dash of hip-hop. Although named after the lead singer and lead guitarist, Kyle Smith also features bass player Chris Nishida as well as drummer Scotty Beatz. After a few EP and single releases since 2017, Smith released his first full length album titled “Lost Cause” in 2021 via Unfazed Records. The album has been a huge success, even being nominated for Album of the Year by Surf Roots TV & Radio. In the same year, Kyle Smith teamed up with Maryland punk reggae band Bumpin Uglies as well as Ballyhoo! frontman and songwriter Howi Spangler for the album’s hit song “Sinkin’” (Check out the lyric video here!) Since then, Smith has released a new live album titled “Kyle Smith (Live at Sugarshack Sessions)” where he recorded at the popular namesake’s series location in Bonita Springs, Florida.
His newest single release, “Family Song” shows a more intimate look at Smith’s admittedly troubled upbringing. When asked about the track the singer said, “This is a brand new style for me. It’s a darker song about childhood trauma and walking on eggshells growing up.” Offering up a more raw and real insight, the song leads us down a long road of generational hardships with memories of parents screaming and fighting each other, school bullying and substance abuse. He mentioned how this song differs from his usual releases, “This is the first time I’ve ever rapped without singing, created hip-hop beats from scratch, and used a mean synthesizer as a hook. It’s a completely different sound from anything I’ve ever put out.”
Kyle is no stranger to lyric videos and has teamed up with our team in the past. We asked why he chose a lyric video for this single and he said, “I knew going the extra mile on this track would pay off. I wasn’t wrong and I’m always extremely happy with the quality you guys bring.” Seeing as this single comes with a heavy subject matter, the use of black and white imagery was really useful in establishing a “memory” themed video. Ripped up newspaper, chain link fences and deteriorating walls flaunt that powerful “broken home” symbolism. The visuals are fast paced and almost create a sense of anxiety especially when the glass shatters when he sings, “I heard a yell and a shatter and a bang”. I especially love the red floating pills during the stunning piano arpeggio overtop of the rapidly transitioning newspaper – it’s almost as if all of those memories are a blur.
Considering the story that the singer wanted to tell, the video is rightfully lyric focused. Putting those words on the screen for his fans to read and absorb was really important. They’re showcased using two different fonts, one which appears to be a hand scratched doodle font, while the other is a bold sans-serif which helps present key words such as “paranoia” and “lies”.We asked Smith what he liked most about the video and he said, “I like the black & red themes. And the wolves that were put on each side. Really brought an evil element into the mix.” Although the song is dark natured, we applaud Smith for using music as a tool to share his pain and growth and hope that it will help others who may find themselves in similar situations. He ends the track with a very important message and that is, “Pray to God everyday for a life worth livin’” which really gives it that shining light moment.
After a whole year of “spewing out singles” as he says, this talented musician plans on performing live around the country non-stop and is even hoping to drop another full length album next spring. You can grab tickets to one of his many shows at linktr.ee/kylesmithmusic or follow him on social media @kylesmithjams.
Check out the lyric video for “Family Song” on Kyle Smith’s Official YouTube Channel Here: