Christopher Smith is one of the best "under the radar" songwriters in the country. His acoustic based music is grounded in folk roots with american and celtic influences. His musicianship always serves the song, and his voice is sweet and engaging. What sets Smith apart is the sheer strength of his material. He holds a listener's attention for song after song because he writes stories that spring from interesting ideas. His songs often blend elements of humor and heart. His sound mixes both classic singer/songwriter and americana (think Cat Stevens meets Steve Earle.)
THE STANDARD BIO
Christopher has been playing music in the San Francisco Bay area for over 30 years, where he lives with his wife and two sons. He credits his day job (the world’s greatest kindergarten teacher) for helping to maintain his playful, creative energy. Besides writing great songs, he also makes killer playdough.
Smith can put his songs across in a variety of venues, from intimate house concerts and listening rooms to large outdoor festival stages. He knows how to connect with his audience.
Christopher recently spent five years in Singapore, where he was writing and woodshedding. He is now back in his beloved California home playing with great friends and musicians, and taking his new songs out for a spin. In the spirit of sharing his songs, you can freely download his music from his website, settingfreethesongs.com.
For music business purposes, I used to write a different kind of BIO. One that made me sound professional and successful. This is the story I’d rather tell…
Long ago (while still in high school) my life presented me with two different paths to walk upon; a musical path and an educational path. I fell in love with two things; creating music and working with young children. Early Childhood Education became my livelihood, (what I was paid to do) and music became my vocation, (what I was called to do.) I have walked both of these paths to the best of my ability ever since.
Along the way I’ve had the usual doubts. Would I be a better teacher if I chose only teaching? If I gave it my sole, undivided attention? If I had focused only upon music, could I have made it my livelihood? Would I be writing better songs now? When I quiet these gremlins, I remind myself that these are foolish questions. Sometimes you choose your dreams. Sometimes your dreams choose you.
Even though I’ve been travelling these two roads for a long time, the progress made wasn’t always equal along the way. Working with young children was something that I was naturally good at. It seems to have been a talent I was born with. Music, on the other hand, had a much steeper learning curve. The ability to write a good song developed more slowly. And I was distracted by other big ticket items. I became a husband and a father along the way. Even though I’d been dutifully writing songs since my teens, my musical “breakthrough” didn’t occur until I was already 40 years old.
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” At 40 I started attending the Rocky Mountain Song School. I met many teachers there, but one in particular was the right fit for me. He taught me about craft and brilliantly illustrated to me what I did not know. As a result, I deepened my commitment to my creative pursuits. I became more faithful to my muse. My songs got better. I was finally ready to call myself a songwriter without feeling like I was some kind of poser. I started to own it.
Being a late bloomer is not really a great path when it comes to music business. It is not likely to be a profitable story. But it has been rewarding on a whole different level. Of course, making music made me a better teacher. But teaching has also made me a better songwriter. Some of the playfulness that makes my writing unique comes directly from the kindergarten classroom. I try to write songs that reflect the old soul of a 5 year old.
Now I’m entering that phase in life where there won’t be an awful lot of story left to tell. And I’m profoundly aware that I want my third act to end well. Consequently, I am less interested in pretending to be in the music business, and more interested in embracing the magic of being called to write songs for “love of the game”. I want to be a poster child for music as a vocation, creativity as a lifestyle. I believe I am writing songs worthy of your listening. My commitment to my muse requires that I share these songs in performance and recording. If you, dear reader, happen to listen to any of these tunes, I want you to know how grateful I am. Your investment in careful listening means more to me than 99 cents ever could.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT
1
As a child we had a Westinghouse stereo, and I had my own children’s turntable. The radio was always on. I sang at school and at Catechism
2
I developed a love of music even though I was not particularly good at it. I openly admit that I’ve never been a “natural”. But I loved it too much to leave it to the professionals
3
My first guitar was a beautiful, beat up, small bodied Stella. It was brought to California by a man fromVirginia named Scotty Hughs. He gave the guitar to me. It was a miracle of generosity.
4
There were no lessons. I locked myself in my room and learned to read chord boxes from a book of Jimmy Webb songs. I fell in love with the sound of a naked, solo guitar. And I fell in love with good songwriting.
5
Popular music did not give me enough of the acoustic sound that my ears craved. So I my ears found some folk music via the FM underground. I discovered Sing Out! Magazine at my local library. I read Joan Baez’s Daybreak. I’ve considered myself a bit of a folkie ever since.
6
In high school I was part of an acoustic duo (“Fred and Kit”) and then part of an acoustic trio (“Fred, Kit, and Ron”) We opened for Foghat, and were the only acoustic act in the Battle of the Bands and Car Show at the Long Beach Civic Auditorium. Our career highlight came when we were “streaked” while playing the Ice House in Pasadena. He was the world’s slowest streaker, wearing only a feather boa. He paused at the mic, pointed to his belly button and said, “Something my mother gave me for my birthday.
7
When changing tastes in music made it virtually impossible to get acoustic gigs, I played in a couple of rock bands. I wore skinny ties. For me, the best thing about plugging in was the friends I made. People who are still dear to me
8
In my 30’s I kept writing and playing mostly in an empty room. My kids didn’t know where I was.
I wrote, recorded and released a couple of children’s records. I played a lot of birthday parties. I have the scars to prove it.
9
In my 40’s I started attending the Rocky Mountain Song School in Colorado. I found one particular teacher who I clicked with. He taught me some stuff. I bloomed. Better late than never.
The Song School continues to be my holy ground. The people there are my tribe. If I’ve written anything worth listening to it’s because of them.
MISSION STATEMENT
I want to write songs that blend humor and heart, that tell interesting stories that enrich and entertain.
I want to faithfully tend the fire of inspiration and remain awake to living a creative life as a sacred calling. I aim to keep my muse riding shotgun and my ego in the trunk.
I will remain grateful to anyone who offers me the priceless gift of attentive listening. I will listen in return.
I want my life's third act to culminate with songs that are graceful and true, with spirit always ascending.
