We recently caught up with Jennifer Fielder and Trey Smith, the duo that make up Smithfield, to discuss their rise to success and new single “When You’re Gone.”
The Texas natives whose families have been friends for nearly three generations are swiftly gaining mainstream country notoriety. In fact, we named them as one of our “17 for 17: Artists To Watch This Year” and with good reason. They are fresh off the SiriusXM The Highway Highway Finds Tour, where they joined Steve Moakler and Drew Baldridge, and their previous single, “Hey Whiskey,” has more than two million Spotify streams and over one million YouTube views.
After re-connecting about six years ago, Fielder and Smith joined forces to create Smithfield and haven’t stopped writing since. In fact, they co-wrote each of the eight tracks on their self-titled debut EP. Fielder stresses that she feels it’s important that they have a hand in writing the songs they release. “It’s the biggest part of the artistry, and you are the artist,” Smith says. Fielder adds, “it’s the way you share your message.” They explained that while “girl-guy duos may traditionally write and sing about love and being in love, we want to also sing about being young and having fun.” They also employ strong imagery to put an unexpected twist on their stories, evident in “Hey Whiskey,” where the breakup takes shape around a bottle of whiskey instead of a cheating partner.
“When You’re Gone” is another example of Smithfield’s ability to bring their lyrics to life. It’s a flirty, sexy, up-tempo song with Smith on lead vocals. Working with co-writers Adam James and Brennin, the song tells the story of a man watching his girlfriend, who’s got a buzz on, relax and let some of her inhibitions down. He tells himself how lucky he is to be with her. Smith sings, “Got everybody in here wishing you were all alone / And, I don’t know how you do it, girl you know it’s making me weak / You’re the one with buzz but somehow I can’t speak.”
Having already opened for acts such as Brothers Osborne, Eric Paslay, Jana Kramer and more, the duo are more than comfortable on stage. The two have an undeniable chemistry which is found amongst old friends. Add their impressive vocal blend and you’re left with a match made in beautiful harmony.
Key Lyrics: “You’re as fine as the wine that you been sippin’ on when you’re hair’s down and you’re dancin’ around to every song / I love what you do when you’ve had too many, hard to believe that you’re coming home with me / This drink ain’t the only thing that’s coming on strong, you get me going when you’re gone.”
Smithfield are currently touring and working on their second EP in hopes of a fall 2017 release. For tour information and updates follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and their website.
“When You’re Gone” is available on iTunes now.