Today we’d like to introduce you to Smoke Face
Hi Smoke, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
SmokeFace is a dynamic fusion hip hop and jazz artist from Akron, Ohio that effortlessly blends instrumental prowess with innovative musical styles. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artists such as MonoNeon, Robert Glasper, Led Zeppelin, Jaco Pastorius, and J Dilla, SmokeFace creates a unique sound that captivates audiences worldwide.
Smoke hit the stage 8 years old and hasnt stopped since. Coming from a musical family and going back to his grandparents, I found there was nothing but opportunity for live music and the world of art.
In 2022, SmokeFace embarked on a national and international tour alongside the legendary Eric Gales, showcasing his extraordinary talent to fans around the globe. The bassist/producer has also shared the stage with esteemed musicians including MonoNeon, Machine Gun Kelly, Joe Bonamassa, Ledisi, Isiah Sharkey, Jubu Smith, Corey Henry, Christone “KingFish” Ingram, and many others, solidifying his reputation as an exceptional live act.
Since the end of 2023, SmokeFace has been performing live with his own exceptional band. His first three shows were sold out, indicating a bright and promising future for the band. They continue to mesmerize audiences with their electrifying performances, leaving a lasting impression wherever they go.
Currently, SmokeFace is focused on his upcoming projects. Smoke is set to release a live music album in 2024, featuring recordings from various captivating shows. Additionally, he is collaborating with talented local artists on new singles, promising fresh and innovative music for their dedicated fanbase.
Furthermore, SmokeFace is working diligently on his next fully self produced instrumental album, following his previous two albums titled “Clouds” and “High Life.” With his unwavering passion and immense talent, SmokeFace is poised to push the boundaries of music and make a lasting impact on the industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road of the music life has been full of ups and downs. I think one of the most common struggles is finding a place for my particular music style to thrive. With most of my music being instrumental and allowing the instruments to sing rather than a vocalist, it puts us into a weird space of opportunity. I believe in carving out a new scene and sound in the city of Akron and NE Ohio because I’m simply tired of the norm. I found over the years to lean into my individuality musically way more. I do believe artists should know music from other artists, but all in all, I also believe that we all have a mark to leave that only we can do, and until we find out what WE sound like, we will always be chasing the same things.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been a working musician since the age of 8, doing sessions for artists and playing in multiple bands consistently. My first 4 years were strictly based on just playing and getting better, but I found out I also had a passion for the audio engineering and producing side of things. I began my journey into music production around the age of 13, when I would make music ideas on our home computer. I began to see music production and being a musician as a way bigger position around this time, which encouraged me to not only study my instrument but the whole product of what an artist is and what they should bring to the table when presenting music to listeners.
I specialize in Bass guitar, electric guitar, music production, and audio engineering.
One of the things that I’m most known for is my appearence on stage. I’m a masked artist who has found an identity known as SmokeFace, which includes the presentation of smoke coming from my mask while I play. It has certainly set me apart from other artists. Sometimes people are welcoming to it and sometimes not, but I believe artists should be artistic in all areas. I believe that creating the SmokeFace persona has a way of visually sending my music message across a bit better in the sense of visual presentation.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was blessed to be around a musical family, leading back to my grandparents. My grandmother was a bassist, and my grandfather was a percussionist and singer. They had their band and would play shows when my father was growing up. That life inspired my father to play guitar and embark on his music journey. So, for me and my brother growing up, we were just simply always around live music, whether it be at our father’s shows or rehearsals at the house or our music engagements.
Growing up in this environment had a way of making me grow up quickly, being around more people that were older than me most the time. I was a more calm and collected kid who enjoyed learning anything I could to get back on the stage. I always felt at home on stage more than anywhere else in the world.
As a kid, my days consisted of school, BMX, and music on repeat. I always enjoyed being a student in school in all subjects. I skipped high school completely and went to a college program right after middle school where I could excel in my general education and also be around the University of Akron music program, which I had always been interested in since I saw live jazz for the first time.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.smokeface.epk.fm
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokefvcebass?igsh=YWpvd2UyOXJqNW5r&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smokefacebass
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@smokefacebass?si=9juEEaTdbwPuxZZr
