New Country Music: Country-Rocker Anthony Smith

Hit-Songwriter Shares 'Sunshine' Single, EP with Country Radio, Fans

© Lisa L. Rollins

Aug 11, 2009
Country-rock artist Anthony Smith, Courtesy of Anthony Smith
After penning songs for country stars such as Rascal Flatts, Gretchen Wilso and George Strait, singer-songwriter Anthony Smith's elated to have his own new single.

After penning hit music for other country artists, singer-songwriter Anthony Smith is thrilled to have his own debut single, Bringin’ Sunshine Back, available for the music community at large—and namely, country fans.

With a plethora of musical Influences that run the gamut, from Mozart, Jerry Reed, Porter Wagoner and Waylon Jennings, to Boston, Don Williams, The Eagles and Steve Earle, Smith's new single has been described by his own camp as “a full-tilt country rocker.” The track shipped to country-radio programmers this week and is set to be part of the musician’s extended-play release for the fledgling Stroudavarious Records. The full EP will be available beginning this winter.

New Artist Made A Career By Penning Hit-Country Songs for Top Country Stars

As a songwriter, the blond-tressed Smith has contributed hit songs to projects by country stars such as George Strait (Cowboys Like Us and Run), Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw (Kill Myself), Faith Hill, Trace Adkins (Chrome) and Montgomery Gentry (Whataya Think About That?), among others. And along the way, it’s estimated that he’s aided the artists’ respective album sales to the tune of some 30 million.

Nonetheless, in an Aug. 11, 2009, e-mail correspondence, the Oneida, Tenn., native said that while writing hits for others is undoubtedly an honor, he’s always been all about making his own music—something he’s doing on his forthcoming Sunshine EP and brand-new single.

Singer-Songwriter Ready To Score On the Country Music Charts & Radio As An Artist

“I’m absolutely thrilled to get this record out there,” he shared. “It’s been a while for me. I’ve always written songs with the intention of me being the one to record them and perform them live.

“Other artists have heard them and wanted to cut them,” he continued, “and that’s tremendously flattering to me. But my intent was always to be the one on stage singing what I write.”

With a critically acclaimed first CD dubbed If That Ain’t Country to his credit, Smith’s current single was penned by the performer and Jess Leary, with veteran country-music producer and label CEO James Stroud leading the production of the artist’s Sunshine project.

Veteran Record Producer James Stroud Praises Country Singer's Talents

“I have been a huge believer in Anthony Smith’s talents for years,” commented Stroud in a press release from the Nashville-based record company. “Launching this new label gave me a great opportunity to demonstrate that belief.

“(Smith) is an incredibly talented writer, singer and musician,” he noted. “We just had an awesome time working on this music together.”

Country Music Video In the Works for Anthony Smith's Sunshine Single

The Bringin’ Back The Sunshine, in the current age of digital recording and online marketing, will be available for download by music fans in early September through digital-music retailers as part of the special promotion for the Sunshine EP.

Additionally, a video for the track, directed by Taillight TV’s Traci Goudie, also will be unleashed. The music clip is set to star Derek Phillips of NBC’s Friday Night Lights and Danielle Rene, who is will appear in Terrence Malick’s upcoming film, Tree Of Life, with Sean Penn and Brad Pitt.

To learn more about Smith, please visit www.anthonysmith.com


The copyright of the article New Country Music: Country-Rocker Anthony Smith in New Country Music is owned by Lisa L. Rollins. Permission to republish New Country Music: Country-Rocker Anthony Smith in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


New CD by country's Anthony Smith, Courtesy of Anthony Smith
Country-rock artist Anthony Smith, Courtesy of Anthony Smith
     


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Comments
Aug 12, 2009 10:01 AM
Guest :
I listed to his music on the site given. I like it. He has his own style but could fit in with Travis Tritt and others.
Aug 12, 2009 10:50 AM
Guest :
Thanks for the article, Lisa. It is wonderful that Anthony will "be the one on stage singing" his own songs. That is very exciting! He is a grand songwriter! I love the picture of him performing. He appears to be having such a blast! And, his tee shirt is wonderful! As always your articles are entertaining and informative.

Dee Hopkins
Aug 27, 2009 7:30 PM
Guest :
awesome!! i can't wait to go to see anthony play live!
3 Comments