Wed. April 2, 2025
Smashby, the genre-blending artist known for his bold storytelling and infectious energy, is stepping into new musical terrain with his latest single, “First Rodeo,” which is releasing on April 4 via So Fierce Music/The Orchard/Sony Music Entertainment. The high-energy country-pop track is all about letting loose, embracing the moment and finding joy in uncertain times.
“First Rodeo” follows his late 2024 release of “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)," a musical journey of self-discovery, healing and the ultimate reward: self-love. The inspiration for Love Myself came from Smashby’s first heartbreak, when old emotions resurfaced.
“The LGBTQ+ community is going through a really tough period right now,” Smashby said. “Honestly, there’s so much violence and anger toward people like me that I don’t even feel safe dating right now.
“I hope this song lifts people’s spirits. ‘First Rodeo’ is a fun bop to throw on our cowboy boots and have a dance party with our besties. Or alone—those are good dance parties too.”
The inspiration behind ‘First Rodeo’ is a friend, giving him faith that not every guy has bad intentions. Smashby admittedly is now not looking for anything long-term — he’s happy lassoing a fun fling every now and then. When it comes to dreaming about his next cowboy, he keeps it lighthearted: “Leo Woodall from the Bridget Jones movie would be a fun time. Or Robert Irwin—he’s got golden retriever energy, which I love! And for actual cowboy vibes, Orville Peck. And, my friend met Michael B. Jordan the other day … I’m pretty jealous of that, so we’ll add him in there, too.”
“First Rodeo” mixes Smashby’s signature pop sound with country influences, thus a perfect track for honkytonks and line-dancing nights. He credits such country icons as Miley Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves, Shania Twain and Dasha as key inspirations for the song’s sound and storytelling.
Smashby endured relentless teasing from classmates who mocked his looks, voice and mannerisms. “To them, I was just the gay kid who wanted to be a star, and that wasn’t exactly the coolest thing in the 2000s (and) 2010s,” he said. “Coming out at (age) 15 was a turning point. Once I came out, a lot of my insecurities started to disappear. I started to unlearn what had been projected onto me by society and finally got to start living within my own boundaries.”
Smashby has long been a performer, including singing in front of his first-grade class. He started learning to play the piano at age 12 and then had singing lessons shortly after. At 14, he secretly started going to local recording studios just to do cover songs that were eventually uploaded to YouTube.
“Country pop was never the plan but I think it’s been waiting for me,” Smashby said. “Looking back, all the tracks I learned with my singing teacher were country or folk; she always said I sang the best but in my head I just wanted to be sexy and make electronic music which was great when that’s what fulfilled me but when (the pandemic) hit, things changed and I couldn’t write a song that wasn’t really about anything anymore. But everything I felt was too dark to write so I didn’t write anything.
“Once the lockdown (was) lifted, I worked with some songwriters to get my groove back but again the songs weren’t really about anything. Then New Year’s eve 2023 I was heartbroken and the only way I can process emotion is to write about it, so I did for the first time in 3 years and it felt amazing. Then I couldn’t stop. It was like I’d finally found my magic again but it was different, it was definitely country but still pop in some ways. Some of the songs are funny and cheeky, some of them are heartbreaking or uplifting but it’s me finally showing all sides of my personality, I think I’m finally learning how to love ALL sides of myself.”
Smashby, who lives in Leeds in the UK, is a British queer star. More Smashby:
On-Stage: “I love getting to perform at Pride events; they’re the most open-minded, loving crowds you could play to. I always say I came out at 15 but I learned how to be proud at Pride.”
Chicago: I’ve come through (on) connecting flights, but never had a chance to explore.”
More Chicago: “I’m dying to check out Chicago; I look forward to performing there really soon.”
Favorite Musician: Miley Cyrus
Favorite TV Show: Desperate Housewives
Favorite apps: Instagram or TikTok
His Song, Love Myself: “The song is super personal; it’s definitely about getting over someone you’ve been head over heels obsessed with, but it’s also about learning how important it is to love yourself. I think once you start to do that, you attract a more healthy kind of love/relationship with others but also yourself.”
Little-known Fact: “I met one of my favorite artists at an event and they knew all about me and my music; my mind went blank and, to this day, I have no idea what I said to them.”
Boxers or Briefs: “Depending on the outfit. If I’m lazy and in sweats, I’ll just wear boxers. If I’m wearing fancy pants or short shorts, I’ll wear briefs or even tucking underwear.”
“First Rodeo” will be available on all major streaming platforms on April 4 via So Fierce Music, distributed by The Orchard, a Sony Music company.
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