John Smyths

From rock-inspired beginnings to heartfelt country storytelling, John Smyths has carved his own sound shaped by legends from KISS to Johnny Cash. In this interview, he shares his journey, influences, and what’s next.

You grew up surrounded by music through your family, but you mentioned it wasn’t the kind of music you liked at first. What were those early influences, and how did they shape your later love for country and rock?

Well, when I was 13, KISS was on television and was amazed by it. The sound, the show, the make-up, that´s what I want too. But, hey, I was just a kid and was also watching Rawhide, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Once upon a time in the West, The good, the bad and the ugly, and more. These series, movies, had always some kind of music that drew me into the world of country. And as time passes by, in my youth, it was (of course) KISS, but I discovered more like Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Judas Priest, W.A.S.P, Motley Crüe, Van Halen and so on. On the other hand, it was also the sound of Morricone, Charlie Rich, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson……

You started out in the old-school rock scene, inspired by bands like Kiss and AC/DC, but later transitioned into country music. What drew you to that shift in style, and how do you blend those two worlds in your sound today?

There was a time where I discovered the Kentucky Headhunters and started listening to them. From there on I started listening to Alan Jackson, George Strait, Blackberry Smoke and more. Then I joined a band named Uncaged, a band that just started and we wanted to play Country Rock, so we came with songs of band with Country Rock or solo artist, that make country rock. For “Now I´m Wiser” I wanted a song that rocks, but still has a message in it, about life. And like the song, life goes by quickly.

You’ve performed across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands — how does the country music scene differ in those places, and how have audiences responded to your performances?

Those countries have all a great country scene. The response depends on the stage. If you´re at a festival or in a pub, the difference is about storytelling or Linedance music. There is no big difference between those countries. I had some great shows, but also a couple of shows where you feel like being left alone. A little example, what happened to me this year. I was performing in a pub in Wolfhagen, Germany. It should be organized by the pub-owner. It turned out to be a birthday party from the guy who booked me and let the boss pay 😊. What made it even wors, was the fact that they turned on the TV to watch a football game. But in the end, I´ve got some new fans, who were really listening and that´s what counts.

You’re nominated for several awards at the Red Carpet Show International, including “Country Voice of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year.” What do these nominations mean to you at this point in your career?

They mean a lot for me and for artists in general. We, as an artist, are always looking for conformation and recognition when it comes to the songs we´re singing. In fact, I´ve been rewarded in that show for my song “Lovin ‘you makes me a better Man”, which was a cover from a Hal Ketchum song.

As someone who records both covers and original material, how do you approach songwriting? Do your own life experiences find their way into your lyrics?

Yes, they do. Now I´m Wiser, for example, is such a song. I wrote this from the heart, with the experience that I´ve gained over the years. The song is the story of my life, but I think that a lot of people out there can say “Hey, this sounds like my life too”

With more performances and big events ahead in 2025, what can fans expect next from John Smyths — any new recordings, collaborations, or musical directions on the horizon?

In fact, for 2026, I´ll be recording 3 songs, text is ready, so is the melody, all we need to do, is the recording of it. And I´ll be also recording 3 duets with 3 amazing ladies. And these projects will be going in all directions from up-tempo to ballads. But it will always be country music.

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