Slyder Smith Talks New Single, Favourite Instruments And More

UK rock artist Slyder Smith breaks the silence with a gripping new single, “Nobody’s Listening,” out now. We chatted to him all about it: 

 

When did you begin singing/songwriting?

 

I was playing guitar & songwriting way back in bands in my teens, I was playing in a band called Silver Hearts in London in the early 90s, later called Last Great Dreamers, & the bass player/backing vocalist left & his replacement couldn’t sing so I had to step up. That eventually led to singing harmony parts & double lead vocals. Eventually I fronted my own band on lead vox & guitar & taking care of all lyric & music writing.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

It has to be when I was about 4 or 5 years old, my parents listening to music at home, usually late at night plus the radio on in the kitchen in the mornings. Neither of my parents played any instruments but they loved music & both used to sing a lot at home. 

 

You have your new single ‘Nobody’s Listening’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

It’s inspired by the world we now live it with smart phones & other devices with everyone vying for attention. I think our attention spans have become very short because of this & it has become very hard to be noticed & listened to whether it’s your friend constantly staring at their phone or nobody noticing someone else doing something brilliant.

 

Was it a difficult song to write?

It came very easily, the title , the idea & the music all flowed. It can be very exciting & a joyous occasion when a song comes to you like this.

 

Do you have a visualiser to accompany the track?

There are no plans for a full video at this stage just small individual promo clips. I do enjoy making videos but again I think it’s one of those things that is maybe is losing its appeal in modern day music & music promotion.

 

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

I recorded the track along with 4 other songs at TPot Studio in Perthshire, Scotland. It’s a converted schoolhouse in the middle of nowhere in the Ochill Hills. A very remote & beautiful location to switch off from the rest of the world & immerse yourself in the process. Robin Wynn Evans produced it, he’s very relaxed & has a wealth of experience in what he does. He’s notably worked with Manic Street Preachers, Dodgy & Sam Brown.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Just the whole process was very relaxed & enjoyable, the studio is residential so it was great to stay there in the wilderness. It’s always good fun using old effects & instruments that are knocking about in the studio. There’s an Edwardian Dulcitone electric piano there, I’m determined to get that on a track.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I’m not really techy so I couldn’t tell you about mics etc. The desk is a vintage 1970s desk, used a few different vintage guitar amps & effects for different sounds & purposes, Guitar wise I mostly used my Fender Telecaster & Epiphone acoustic, we also use a 1958 Hofner semi acoustic for some parts & my 1974 Gibson Les Paul for some lead parts.

 

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective? 

I think all my songs contain a lot of myself & my emotions. I’m getting better at be more ambiguous with my lyric writing & I’m a big fan of the juxtaposition of a sad & angry lyric set to a happy melody.

 

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?

There will be another 2 or 3 tracks released throughout the rest of this year that we’ve already recorded & then I’ll be back in the studio to record the rest of what will be released as an album next spring.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

A great show for me is just being in the zone & everything being effortless, not thinking just doing. So if I come away feeling that & knowing the crowd has come along & shared the emotions with me & lost themselves for the 45 minutes or so then that what I set out to achieve.

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I like to keep things simple so just guitar & amp, occasionally effects pedals. I’m currently playing my Fender Tele through my trusted Marshall JCM900 Valve amp which I’ve had for many years.

 

How do you look after your voice?

I use Vocalzone & herbal teas & usually try & take it easy before a show & try not to talk to much.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

 

It would have to be Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt, it’s a desperately sad tale of a poverty-stricken family in post 2nd world war Ireland but strangely upbeat at the same time & a very endearingly written. I wouldn’t where to start but I’d have a go!

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I currently live in a small town in North Ayshire in west Scotland called Dalry. I’ve just been here a few years, I was born in Portsmouth, moved to London when I was 20 & then Somerset when I was 33 & now here. I would describe Dalry as friendly, faded-grandeur, quiet, rural, home.

 

Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?

Just 2 shows planned for now, single launch on 17/8 Forfar – Ten Bar & Rockwich Festival, Cheshire 24/8. There will be more to come.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I have too many to mention from post punk new wave to heavy rock & metal to pop & disco. Some of my favourite bands & artist are Manic Street Preachers, Morrisey, Squeeze for songwriting but the list could go on & on.

 

What makes Slyder Smith happy and what makes you unhappy?

I’m happy when things go well & to plan, when I’m achieving my goals, when I’m relaxed & the sun is shining in good company with good food & wine in a beautiful place. I’m a control freak & a perfectionist & am my harshest critic so I often make myself unhappy when I’m not doing as well as I think I should.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By  BJF Media.PR

Slyder Smith’s new single ‘Nobody’s Listening’ is out now on Ray Records. 

Order the ltd edition signed CD here: https://slydersmith.com/store

Live show:
24th August Rockwich Festival, Cheshire

Follow for more information:

https://www.facebook.com/slydersmithandtheoblivionkids
https://www.instagram.com/slyder_smith
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJya7QcdImW-Y2OUS0StfQ