Eric 'Smidi' Smith

Interview 28 September 2003

Interviews Menu - Interviews

 


Eric Douglas Smith, AKA Eric “Smidi” Smith was born 27 January 1960, Covington, Kentucky. Eric graduated from Covington Holmes High School 1978.


Eric began playing music since 8 years old. He was highly influenced by the Motown sound and his sister Renee Smith’s guidance. In 1977, Eric recorded his first single record “Big City Disease” with his cousin Darryl Huddleston in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following year He teamed up with Cincinnati’s #1 rated show band, “The Mighty Python band and show.” His band, recorded a LP album entitled “Sensation” in 1978.


Eric entered the United States Air Force, 1981. His first tour of duty was Kunsan Air Base, Korea. In 1982, his second assignment was Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. While stationed at Warner Robins, Eric auditioned to tour as lead guitarist for the prestigious Air Force “Tops-N-Blue” a military showcase tour. The tour lasted for six months. In 1985, Eric accepted an assignment to RAF Wethersfield, England. He spent six years traveling throughout Europe on special military missions. While assigned in England, Eric spent most of his off duty time in London. He met up with Keith Wilder (lead vocalist) for the group “Heatwave.” He wrote and recorded a song entitled “I didn’t know.” at Soul City Records (Kent England). In 1990 Eric returned back to the United States to Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada were he retired as a Technical Sergeant 1 May 2001.


Currently Eric is producing music from his private home studio in Las Vegas. He has compiled approximately 2000 tracks in his music library. Smidi is ranked #5 on the SoundClick.Com music charts this week (27 September 2003) Smidi has several projects on the market starting with Clay Hammond’s “ I Kissed Her Gone”, Blues. Green Eyez “Me Against the World” Hip Hop Rap. DeWayne McCoy “Why So Much Pain” Gospel co-written and produced multi platinum artist i.e. Leon Haywood, Spice 1, Club Nouveau, and New Birth.


Eric “Smidi” Smith’s main goal in the music industry is to be the first man in history to have a top 10 record in multiple genres of music i.e. R&B, Rap, Pop, Soul, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Country and Gospel.


Is that your full time career?


After retirement music is my full time career!

 

And how did you hook up with Clay...........and people like Leon Haywood.


I met Clay Hammond through Pete Peterson my friend and Co-producer.

 

From the little I know about you do contemporary R'n'B, yet you also link up with these guys from the roots of Soul, Southern Soul and stuff.  What are your roots and how do these guys give you pleasure.  And what are they like to work with.


I had a fascinating experience working on the “I kissed Her Gone” CD. This CD gave me an opportunity to expand my music horizon. After programming Hip Hop rap music, working with Clay challenged me to create true R&B music from the soul with basic instruments i.e. pianos, horns, and real bass lines etc…

 

What else are you working on?  Anything else we can expect - keep me posted whatever eh!


Right now I am working on several projects and mostly licensing my music over the internet at SoundClick.com http://www.soundclick.com/smidibeats

 

What else have you done that you can tell us about?  What are your skills?  Computer and keyboard orientated?  How does this go down with the older guys! No offense meant!!!!!!!


I have never had any formal musical training. I am completely self taught. I have mastered the art of sequencing music with the Mackintosh computer. My main instrument is the bass guitar even though I don’t play it much anymore.

 

Clay’s album is polished and clean yet you allow his style to shine through.  What do you feel about the album?


I believe Clay’s project is one of my better projects! After reviewing it I have no regrets about my music production!

 

What do you know about the UK?  Both Clay and Leon have had some successes on the UK Northern Soul scene, what do you know about that.


As mentioned in my bio, I lived in the UK (Braintree, Essex County RAF Wethersfield UK from 1985-1990. I love the UK!

 

What's Leon up to?


It’s been a while since I spoke to Leon Haywood.

 

Do you get involved personally or with Clay or anybody in any other parts of their careers, live gigs or anything?


In fact Clay was one of the original “Mighty Clouds Of Joy” singers and I have submitted a few tracks to be featured on there next CD.

 

What are you looking out for right now as far as your personal career is concerned?


I am looking to exploit my music library to the word

 

Anything else you'd like to add.


I think I said it all! It you need more info please reply or call me at home. Thank you for giving me this time to shine Mate! Cheers! SMIDI

 

Take care now and good luck

 

Mike















Visitors: