Grant Maloy Smith Co-Leading The Indie Collaborative with Song, Wit, and Friends!

Americana Folk Singer-songwriter Grant Maloy Smith is a joy to know. A self-proclaimed “Hambone,” he has quite the history working in almost every aspect of music and show business. When he was a young man, he was in a rock band called Brittania who were popular in New England, opening for Steppenwolf, Elvin Bishop, Jack Bruce and Friends, The Guess Who. and he’s worked on movies—with the most recent is “Oildale” on Amazon Prime. Since 2013 his musical output has included 7 albums, one (“Dust Bowl: American Stories”) broke through the top ten on Billboard’s Americana charts for a number of weeks. His current album is called “Penny Ballads.”

Grant has double duties as an emcee and featured performer at the Indie Collaborative Holiday Celebration this Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Lincoln Center’s Bruno Walter Auditorium. It’s a group he co-runs with Emmy-winning songwriter Eileen Bluestone Sherman.

Patch: What’s the mission of The Indie Collaborative?

Grant: Eileen and I just wanted the group to be a vehicle for indie artists to connect. Just looking at New York City, there are thousands of musicians, but very few know each other. We put “Collaborative” in our name right from the start, because that’s what we’re all about. After 10 years, we’ve got thousands of members worldwide, representing virtually every musical genre. Most importantly, our group and events have been the spark that launched countless musical collaborations that would never have happened without us. If you are an indie musician or someone in the industry, like photographers, producers, etc., please join us today. There is no cost to join the Indie Collaborative. Eileen and I don’t make any money from the IC - it’s a labor of love. Please join us today at www.indiecollaborative.com/join . I’ve always said that Indie Collaborative showcases are incredible: imagine going to an open mic where every performer is a multiple award winner, including Grammys. Introducing them and hearing them weave their magic is satisfying, humbling, and just plain fun.

Our productions give us the chance to put together a show around a theme, which is a rich experience for everyone. Each type of show has its place. Please come and see us on December 3! You won’t regret it. https://www.indiecollaborative.com/events/event-24

Patch: You have a great sense of humor. I bet emceeing is not a stretch for you.

Grant: I found that I really enjoy being the emcee of our events. I’ve known my whole life that I was a “hambone” who enjoyed being the center of attention. Most, but not all, musicians are like that, so I come by it honestly.

Besides emceeing, I will play two Christmas songs. Both of them are from my 2022 album, “The Christmas Heart.” I will do my own Jazzy version of “Silent Night,” as well as an original called “On This Day.” That song is dedicated to people who are going through hard times during the holidays. The fact that most other people are so joyful makes their pain a little worse. The song's message is that no matter what, Jesus loves you and has your back. Vivian Fang will also be performing in the show and will bring the Children’s Choir that she teaches to perform. They have agreed to sing oohs and aahs during “On This Day,” which is a real thrill for me. I can’t wait!

You can find the album “The Christmas Heart: Roots Music For The Holidays” on Apple Music, Spotify, and many other places. I also offer signed CDs on my website. www.grant-maloy-smith.com

Patch: I’d love to know about other collaborations you’ve done, including your work with Kevin Lucas.

Grant: I have collaborated with a variety of people over the years, usually co-writing with other songwriters like Betsy Walter, Mike Greenly, and others. For the last few years, I have been collaborating a lot with marimba master Kevin Lucas, as you mentioned. I think we have a unique musical chemistry, and we have no plans to stop! We’ve already done four or five songs and videos together, and more are under development. Eventually, we will have an entire album. I have also produced songs and an entire album for Jeff Hyman of Gaslight Singers fame.

I am also for hire on the website soundbetter.com, where people from all around the world hire me to play or sing on their songs, or to produce whole tracks or albums for them. I am working on several tracks for them right now. I also recently collaborated with Stephen Melillo on a Country song, “In God We Trust.”

Patch: You, Jesse Welles, and Billy Strings have gone from hard rock to Americana. Bon Jovi even recorded an Americana album some time ago. Did you have a competing or collaborative history, or been on the circuit with any of those guys?

Grant: I met Billy Strings after seeing him in Nashville, and he was very generous with his time. He’s an incredible player, much like Trey Hensley, who has played on many of my recordings. Those two take turns winning IBMA “Guitar Player of the Year” awards. I’ve never met Jon Bon Jovi, but was honored to have his fiddle player, Lorenze Ponce, play on my “Dust Bowl: American Stories” album, which was on the Billboard charts for 11 weeks. I’ve heard of Jesse Welles, but I never crossed paths with him. All three of those artists are outstanding.

Patch: Your latest album is called “Penny Ballads.” Some songs seem to be about isolation: “She Walked” and “I See You” – the bullied girl in me relates to these. How do you know about this stuff?

Grant: “She Walked” came straight from my imagination, but “I See You” came directly from a real experience. I was having dinner at a Texas Mall food court, and there was a table of 80-90-year-olds next to me talking about what it felt like to be their age. I wasn’t eavesdropping, but it was impossible not to hear them. One of them said that when she walked down the street, the younger people looked right through her as if she wasn’t even there. That one hit me hard, and I knew that I had to write about it. The song on “Penny Ballads” that I find the most gut-wrenching is “Cuts Away.” It’s about two ugly ducklings who have terrible, sad lives until the very end of the song, when they find and rescue each other. I have had people, especially women, cry out when I do that song live, “That’s me! That’s my life!” It’s so powerful and poignant when a song reaches people so strongly.

Patch: “Always a Way” is a power ballad. Are you a sucker for perfect pop like this one? Influence?

Grant: Power ballads from artists like Aerosmith and Elton John were a huge part of my listening in high school. There is no doubt that this had a huge impact on my musical lexicon.

####