Singer and songwriter John Smith is a man with a captivating voice, deft touch on the acoustic guitar and plenty to say through his work. He has been both the gun for hire – working with esteemed recording artists in the world’s finest studios – and the leader of his own musical projects, on the way to becoming one of contemporary folk-rock’s most respected British artists. Like many other musicians, he’s on a journey of musical discovery and will often find inspiration in beautiful sounds new and old – from long-standing influences like John Renbourn to enrapturing present-day folk acts like The Brother Brothers. Having ‘had the pleasure of assisting’ folk protestor Joan Baez during the period which produced her final studio record – he recently releasing a new music video and we’re thrilled to bring you a playlist curated by the man himself.
In John’s words, “Here are the tunes that see me safely down the motorway after a show. If I find myself at home with a night off, I’ll listen to some of these and pick up a pen.”
The Devon-born artist has just finished a run of shows in Ireland and we cannot wait for his return to Manchester. He and support act Louis Baker take to the Band on the Wall stage on 10th May. Check out the playlist below.
