Newcastle Band: JSmith and the Kids EP Debut

by Dean on June 19, 2013

JSmith and the Kids are one of those humble, local Newie bands that you can just tell are bursting with the right stuff. Jay Smith started out as an up and coming mathematician studying at Newcastle Uni, but told us his degree was mainly in learning “how to drink lots of rum at Bar on the Hill.” The hours spent at the bar listening to the bands play must have captivated his interest because out of the morning after hangovers grew the indie rock band that is ‘JSmith & the Kids’. The band is made up of Jay Smith on vocals, Talisha Stopp on percussion, tambourine and backing vocals, Shelley Thomas smashing the drums and Rohan Hicks rocking the bass.

This modest foursome will be rocking out this Saturday the 22nd of June at the release of their debut EP alongside Ash Grunwald and Scott and Andy from the Living End in Newcastle’s Cambridge Hotel! We asked Jay if he had ever imagined that he would be sharing a stage with that kind of rock royalty?

He told us “I remember being in year 6 and buying the Prisoner of Society single, I thought I was the baddest cat. I never pictured myself ever being in a position where I was privileged enough to support Ash Grunwald, Andy Strachan or Scott Owen.”

Their new EP entitled ‘The Good/Bad Times’ is a deep and calming tune with soft vocals and has been compared to such bands as Kings of Leon and The Jezabels. Jay told us that though the band is compared to more modern popular artists, their influences are more established musicians such as “Ryan Adams, Nirvana and John Lennon.” This can really be heard when the band plays and with inspiration being drawn from every aspect of his life, it’s no wonder that JSmith & the Kids use such heartfelt lyrics and emotional tones.

JSmith & the Kids will be touring all over the east coast after their EP debut in the Cambridge. Jay said “We’ve done this east coast thing a few times, and it’s always great finding new places, meeting new people and sharing new experiences. Especially now having an EP that we are super proud of to show people.”

You can find out more about JSmith & the Kids’ tour dates on their Facebook page and on the Triple J unearthed website. Not forgetting their EP debut this Saturday at the Cambridge.

When: Doors open at 8pm

tickets cost $30 available at the door or through oztix.com