#Smashby Interview

[brulermag]

The SMASHBY Interview

Tell me a little bit about your childhood.

My childhood was at times pretty rough but also full of magical moments. I’m a glass half full kinda guy so I always try and find the best in a bad situation. When I was younger I was bullied a lot throughout my entire school life but that made me a stronger person and gave me some real inspiration with my music. So yeah I was pretty much the outcast in school, I really just didn't fit in but as I got older I found the beauty in that and embraced my weirdness.

What are five things people would be pleasantly surprised to know about you?

I’m really down to earth, I love animals, I’m really spiritual, I’m pretty clumsy and embarrassing. I’m also a hopeless romantic.

What is the biggest misconception people have about you?

I think because of my confidence people see me as kinda arrogant and big headed because I like to walk around in colorful shades and sparkly jackets but that couldn't be further from the truth.

What are your hobbies?

I love going out to eat... like I eat a lot!! I also really enjoy Zumba fitness classes and just being lazy when I get the chance.

Tell me about your music and how you broke into it?

I started writing songs when I was like 12/13. I was going through a hard time in school and it was the only way I could express myself. Once I left school I just began working my ass off, getting in the studio when I could, contacting managers, getting vocal coaching... literally hustling my way to where I am now.

Being Gay in the world has not been the easiest. Can you tell me about your journey?

I’ve always known that I’ve been attracted to guys...like even when I was a kid but for some reason I never thought that made me gay. It wasn’t till I got older and started thinking whether I could actually be sexually attracted to a girl and it was a definite no-no. Then I started actually falling for guys and I was like "okay time to wake up!" My family were super supportive and some close friends I had at the time really made me comfortable with it. Once I came out, I felt like a weight had been lifted and I finally felt like I could learn to love myself.

You have a very edgy flair that is really catching on. What inspires your style?

Thank you! I’ve always been really inspired by artists that push the boundaries. The legends like Michael Jackson, Prince, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, David Bowie all really inspire my style.

Tell me a bit about your activism?

I love being an activist and raising awareness any way that I can. I’ve done a bunch of anti- bullying performances/talks in schools & colleges across the country and relate it to struggles we face in the LGBT community. I think it’s really important to show the younger generation that there’s no need for hate and discrimination, hopefully they can pass on the message of love and we can strive towards a more equal world.

What does 2018 have in store for Smashby?

2018 is a huge year for me and my screwballs! I have a brand new EP coming out full of original material, lots of pride festivals and performances in the summer and some surprises…

If you were in a room with audience of young gay children, what would your message be to them?

My message would be to not be afraid of being different, to accept everyone for who they are and to always follow your dreams.

What are five songs currently on heavy rotation in your playlist?

Never Be the Same – Camila Cabello

My My My – Troye Sivan

Beautiful Trauma – Pink

Sinner – Trevor Moran

This Is Me – Kesha

How did your name "Smashby" come about? (Which I love)*

It just came to me one day and people started calling me by it... sort of like a nickname. It kinda stuck I guess, I felt by becoming Smashby I left behind all the troubles I'd been through in my personal life. It was like I shed my skin and had become this phoenix from the ashes.

The world is currently undergoing some nasty changes with a bunch of shitty leaders taking Trump's lead. What are your thoughts on that?

Honestly, this does scare me and it definitely shows we have a lot of work to do as far as equality is involved. But I’m hopeful that these changes will not affect the progress we have made so far.

When was the last time you cried into a pillow and why?

I cry at movies a lot! Especially Disney movies like Tarzan or Lilo & Stitch so probably when I last watched one of those.

When you're writing a song, what inspires you to write it?

It depends really, it might be something I’m going through at that time or something that someone close to me is going through. I sometimes like to imagine a story in my head and write a song about that. There’s really no limits when it comes to my songwriting.

What's your favorite pair of underwear and why?

I have a pair of tight black boxers that ripped on my hip and I actually love them even more now cause it makes me feel like I have a fat ass.

As a young gay in the world, what is your goal you want to accomplish in regards to OUR LGBT Movement?

I want to unite the world through music and be a part of the movement any way that I can. If I can just inspire even one person to be more open minded towards our community then that is making a change in my eyes.

Lastly, What makes you happiest in life?

Music, food and my fans!

INTERVIEW BY: XAVII MATISSE @XaviiMatisse

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