Jimmy Smyth
From Pop Roots to a Self-Made Sound
We sat down with Jimmy Smyth, the Melbourne-based acoustic pop artist who is quickly making a name for himself with his heartfelt melodies and fierce independent spirit. We discussed his rapid-fire release schedule, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and the unexpected influences that have shaped his sound.
Hailing from Melbourne, Jimmy Smyth is an artist on a mission. Young and prodigiously prolific, he’s quickly carving out his own space in the acoustic pop scene with a sound that’s both familiar and uniquely his own. While his melodies may be captivating, his story is one of a tireless work ethic, a fierce independent spirit, and a deep appreciation for the people who have supported him from the start.
A Spark From The UK Scene
For Jimmy, the spark that ignited his musical journey was an unexpected one: an Ed Sheeran documentary on MTV in 2014. The British artist's approach to life and music resonated with him, opening his eyes to the UK's vibrant underground scene and artists on platforms like SBTV.
Now, Jimmy is leading his own project with the help of his live band, which he affectionately calls the 'Jimmy Smyth Band.' The lineup consists of himself, Will Ricker, Elliot Senftlelaben, and Tom Dunn—friends he's known since primary school, high school, and through the local open mic scene. While the core of the project is Jimmy's solo work, the band comes together for live sessions and gigs to bring his music to life.
An Evolution of Sound
Jimmy's musical influences are as diverse as they are surprising. He admits that his love for all types of music is both a strength and a weakness. Growing up, his listening was a mix of Pop, RnB, and rock, with a particular fondness for Justin Timberlake, Nirvana, and The Smashing Pumpkins. His sound has since evolved from the "pure pop" of his early solo work and high school band, 'No Vacancy,' to a more refined, self-produced alternative pop and rock. He's now drawn to the atmospheric sounds of artists like Jeff Buckley and Sneaker Pimps, along with the genre of trip-hop.
His creative process is equally fluid. While a top-line melody and a chord progression are consistent starting points, everything else builds from there, ensuring no two songs are created the same way. He finds this approach keeps the music interesting, as he's "increasingly bored" by pop that isn't done with a certain edge.
A Relentless Work Ethic and Live Energy
Jimmy Smyth is nothing if not prolific. He notes that his life is consistently about "recording, writing, and producing music," and he’s been on an incredible release schedule. In a span of just a few months, he's put out one EP ('a girl named Autumn'), with another ('indigo') coming out soon, and a third with five songs planned for the next month.
Despite his collaborative live setup, Jimmy has a very particular way of producing, preferring to work alone for now. He believes that "pressure breeds success," and this mindset has fuelled a string of successful live performances. He holds a firm belief that all gigs are awesome, but his favourite so far was at Nevermind bar last month, where he was joined by friends who have supported him from the beginning.
His live performances are full of energy, and he loves to connect with the crowd. While he doesn't "wear the hat" of any other artist on stage, his dream is to one day open for Limp Bizkit at Woodstock '99. His favourite song to perform live is 'Stuck In Melbourne' for its high-tempo energy, but nothing beats the audience's reaction when he performs the classic 'Teenage Dirtbag' by Wheatus—a moment he says is "just awesome."
The Independent Artist's Perspective
Jimmy is direct and honest when discussing the music industry. His best advice is to "make your own advice" and "be kind." When asked what he would change about the Australian music scene, his frustration is clear. He calls for more support for independent artists over major-label acts, arguing that "pay to play" schemes take away from the careers of those who fund their music by working at cafes and bars. He also expresses a general distaste for the internet and AI, though he humorously admits his love for Clash of Clans.
Ultimately, his message to his fans is a heartfelt one: "I love you all, and I know I might be a small artist but I will never forget the people who supported me so early on. You guys are literally the best."
Jimmy Smyth is not just making music; he's building a career with grit, talent, and an unwavering belief in his own path. What's next for him? A gig on the fourth of October at Bar Oussou. It’s sure to be huge.