IN CONVERSATION WITH CONNER SMITH

Just 23 years old and already a seasoned veteran of Nashville’s elite songwriting community, Conner Smith has emerged as one of the country’s most hotly anticipated artists—one knows the past can still inspire the present, and good things come to those who wait. An uncommon talent mixing prime-of-life passion with old-soul perspective, the rising singer/songwriter has spent 15 years matching a honeyed vocal to propulsive hints of bluegrass and the warmth of ‘90s Country, an instant-classic sound infused with riveting modern appeal. Moving country forward while remembering its all-natural roots. With his new EP, Smoky Mountains Sessions now available, we caught up with him to learn more.

Hi Conner, how are you?

Amazing. We have been running 100 miles an hour on the road, so we are just trying to keep up, but the shows have been awesome. Very grateful!

2024 has been a busy one for you. How have you found the response to Smoky Mountains?

Putting out a first album is always an exciting thing. It has been cool to see the fans receiving the music and making it a part of their worlds. I love finding out what everyone's favourite song on the record is; it seems everyone has a different one.

It was a long-awaited debut album release. How did you find the album experience?

Making this first record was a lot harder than I expected. I have dreamed of this release my whole life and imagined my debut album. To then be inside of that process and bring that dream to life was a daunting task, wanting every song to be perfect and for the record as a whole to feel cohesive together. I was proud of how it came out.

You're currently touring the United States with the album. How does it translate to the live setting?

As a songwriter, everything changes in your mind once you start touring. As you write music, you begin to understand the goal more clearly. Songs have the power to engage audiences, bringing some to life during a performance, while others fail completely. I tried to write this record with the live show and fans in mind. These songs bring a lot of energy every night.

Do you have a favourite song to perform live?

Off this record, Meanwhile in Carolina has been a song the fans have really embraced and will sing back to us. That song is so personal that it makes it fun to do every night.



You have just unveiled the Smoky Mountain Sessions. Tell us more about it.

The idea behind this was to strip it back and record some songs with my band that just felt real and authentic. I wrote both Song For TN and Thousand Miles Away by myself, so it was especially cool to have those songs come to life in the studio.

Hailey Whitters makes an appearance. How did you find working with her?

Hailey is the best. She is such a talented and complete artist. I was honoured she said yes to being a part of this song and project.

The songs sound amazing stripped back. Did you always want to showcase them in that format?

I always believe that the true test of a song is whether it feels right when played acoustically. So every time we get to record my music with some layers pulled back, I love it.

Can we expect to see you in the UK any time soon?

Absolutely. We got to come over for the first time this year and play shows in March; it was incredible. The fans, the culture, the beauty—I am counting down the days to come back.

If you could work with one UK artist, who would you choose?

Probably Harry Styles... Why not.