On a breezy Friday morning in Los Angeles, Shinedown’s frontman Brent Smith joins our Zoom name, apologizing for a slight delay. “Sorry I’m late! I simply spent ten minutes looking for my telephone outdoors the resort solely to search out it in a flower pot,” he shares with a heat Knoxville accent. My very own story of misplacing my automotive keys—solely to search out them contained in the automotive—elicits a chuckle from him, revealing a shared sentiment within the realm of on a regular basis blunders.
“How are you? The place are you at?” he asks, his enthusiasm evident as he dons a black zippered hoodie, wanting prepared for both a health club exercise or a stroll underneath California’s palm bushes. For the frontman of one in all fashionable rock’s most profitable bands, leisure would possibly really feel like a luxurious, particularly with a significant tour and the upcoming launch of Shinedown’s eighth studio album, EI8HT, on the horizon.
Smith’s enthusiastic outlook shines via regardless of his busy schedule. “For this album, there have been no boundaries on what we may discover,” he explains. “We targeted on no matter inspiration hit us throughout writing classes. The sequencing of the tracks grew to become essential for the ultimate product.” This time round, EI8HT goals to reclaim the essence of a conventional album, a departure from Shinedown’s earlier initiatives, Consideration Consideration (2018) and Planet Zero (2022), which delved into themes of psychological well being and societal points throughout the pandemic.
“I feel individuals anticipated round ten or twelve tracks,” he notes. “However with 18 songs, it successfully turns into a double album—primarily, it insisted on being one.”
Smith highlights a notable observe from the album, the nostalgic “Younger Once more”, and mentions one other distinctive track titled “Dizzy”, which he describes as an anthemic tribute to your closest companions. With a legacy of anthemic rock anthems, EI8HT seems tailor-made for exhilarating dwell performances.
Within the reflective “Impostor,” the lyrics sort out themes of emotional well-being. “I’ve all the time been approachable,” Smith shares. “When followers inform me that our music saved their lives, it highlights how they’ve felt misunderstood till connecting with our band. ‘Impostor’ is about wanting within the mirror and wrestling along with your self-identity—discovering easy methods to reconnect with your self.” His candid lyricism mirrors his life philosophy—a steadiness of truthfulness and vulnerability.
“Shy” is hardly a phrase that matches Brent Smith. He possesses an easy confidence, solid over a long time spent navigating the complexities of fame and honesty. True to Shinedown’s ethos, EI8HT encapsulates resilience in opposition to existential challenges, drawing connections to historical past, notably with the track “Machine Gun,” which displays on the struggles confronted throughout World Battle II.
“Each Eric Bass and I’ve grandfathers who served throughout the warfare,” Smith recollects. “They fought to return to their family members. My grandfather’s battalion confronted critical accidents, however he managed to carry lots of them again. He as soon as promised my dad that if he made it out alive, he would attempt to embody goodness and love.”
The authenticity of human expertise is important in EI8HT. “We’ve included a stamp on this file that reads ‘100% human,’ clarifying that no AI was concerned in its creation. Whereas we do make the most of software program and plug-ins, each facet is crafted by human beings.”
In an period the place many musicians go for digital shortcuts, Shinedown’s dedication to a tangible, heartfelt method resonates deeply with listeners. Smith additionally speaks candidly concerning the insidious nature of latest tradition, which frequently thrives on cynicism.
“We don’t need to sugarcoat our actuality,” he expresses with sincerity. “Social media isn’t evolving positively for individuals.” His gaze grows intense as he continues, “It’s unrealistic for people to shoulder each international difficulty each second. Some individuals select to stay unfulfilled.”
“I’ve seen individuals keen to assist and make modifications, caught up in who they’re in opposition to. However my query is: why make investments vitality in adverse emotions? You might redirect that zeal towards creating one thing constructive.” He expresses concern moderately than anger. “You possibly can’t repair the world. Deal with what you’ll be able to affect positively.”
“Your sphere of affect,” I counsel.
“Precisely. Public figures should guard themselves in opposition to scrutiny. Many well-known people perceive the frenzy of reward versus the harshness of criticism.” After a short pause he provides, “Folks will flip from adoration to contempt instantly. However why make investments time in hating somebody? In the event you dislike them, disengage.”
Smith displays on his father’s knowledge relating to public life, recalling the significance of specializing in the constructive whereas acknowledging the potential for negativity. “He as soon as famous that folks don’t present as much as witness triumph; they arrive to observe you stumble.”
Such statements encapsulate the essence of recent media tradition.
“Dad ceaselessly jogged my memory, ‘If success was straightforward, everybody would have it. In 20 years, what you and your band have achieved, bear in mind, most individuals aren’t keen to do the work.’” Smith chuckles, recalling his father’s reference to Kevin Hart: “Everybody seeks fame, but few are keen to place within the effort.”
I share some private anxieties about being underneath public scrutiny. Smith relates, acknowledging early indicators of the general public’s mistrust in journalism throughout the pandemic. “We’re at a crossroads of skepticism in the direction of journalists, with disruptors muddying the waters. In the end, authenticity shines via.”
We return to discussing social media’s affect. “You might disconnect for every week, but the outrage would stay. As an alternative of remaining in that cycle, search actual positivity and encompass your self with good firm.”
Smith reminisces about his grandmother, who imparted a vital lesson: “On the finish of the day, love conquers hate. You could love fearlessly, put on out negativity till it surrenders.”
“That’s highly effective,” I reply. “In the event you may provide one piece of encouragement to a struggling younger Shinedown fan—possibly a teen or grownup—what wouldn’t it be?”
Smith pauses, considerate. “I’d say to each: ‘Preserve going.’ All the time be curious and refuse to accept mediocrity.” He echoes Shinedown’s spirited essence, emphasizing, “Life isn’t meant to be good; it thrives on overcoming challenges.” With a mischievous grin, he provides, “I thrive when somebody tells me ‘No.’ That turns into my motivation.”
When celebrating achievements, Smith all the time provides credit score to the followers. “All of the accolades Shinedown has achieved stem from our listeners. The flowers on the duvet of EI8HT symbolize them—some beat up, some vibrant—every representing completely different walks of life. We intention to provide again to our followers.”
I reminisce about my sixteenth birthday the place I noticed Shinedown dwell. “What 12 months was that?” Smith inquires, his pleasure palpable. “2018, in Salem, Virginia.” He lights up, recognizing the present vividly. “I bear in mind it properly! We had an unbelievable pyro show.” His enthusiasm and a spotlight to element are putting as we conclude our dialog, revealing a profound connection between him and his viewers.
