What the lead vocalist learned helming one of the world’s biggest bands, the story behind his recording of Simple Man, and more.
In 2004, the unmistakable chord sequence of Lynyrd Skynyrd's timeless classic, Simple Man, rang out across the airwaves. At first, it seemed as though radio stations had put the track back into heavy rotation three decades after its release. But with its crisp acoustic guitar and lack of bass line and cymbals, it was clear this was something new. Then with a soulful rasp, Brent Smith launched into the first verse, "Well, mama told me when I was young. Said, sit beside me, my only son…." His emotive vocals created a vulnerable, almost confessional atmosphere that pulled listeners in and refused to let go. Although it was the first time many people had heard of Shinedown, it was a powerful introduction.
Over the past two decades, Shinedown has evolved into nothing less than a rock 'n' roll juggernaut. With 20 number-one singles (including their latest hit Dead Don’t Die), more than 10 million albums sold, and a staggering 6.5 billion global streams, their hard-hitting style has become the soundtrack of a generation.
And yet, for Brent Smith, the band's lead singer, success was anything but easy. He recently joined us on the Men's Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast. During the riveting 60-minute discussion, he shares insight into what he's learned leading one of the world’s biggest bands, the story behind his recording of Simple Man, and more.
While talent brought incredible success, nothing could have prepared him for life as a rockstar. As history has proven, the road to rock immortality is often unforgiving. This article examines a story sure to bleed into rock lore and echo through the ages; learn how this enigmatic frontman rose from the ashes of addiction to become a symbol of strength and resilience for millions.
Early Influences
Nestled among the rolling hills of Knoxville, TN, is a vibrant culture responsible for countless musicians, actors, and artists. In this creative environment, Smith developed the talent that would one day propel Shinedown into the annals of rock history.
Raised in a close-knit family, Smith’s father played a critical role in shaping his early artistic sensibilities. As he grew, he surrounded himself with the sounds of soul, R&B, and other genres that informed his unique songwriting style. Smith says that when his father introduced him to the music of Otis Redding, it was a revelation that opened a world he never knew existed. "It was the first time I heard people use their voice as an instrument," Smith recalls.
His musical tastes evolved as he entered his teenage years. While he gravitated towards the heavier, more rebellious sounds of grunge and hard rock, he never forgot the raw emotions and vivid storytelling of the greats he grew up listening to, such as Percy Sledge, Etta James, and The Doors. It was this eclectic blend of musical influences that inspired his sound.
"Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a singer, songwriter, and performer," Smith says. That dream would become a reality the night he picked up a microphone and stepped onstage at the Mercury Theater. It was a transformative experience that ignited something inside of him that still burns bright.
Performing with local bands in Knoxville's thriving music scene was where he honed his vocal style and developed his magnetic stage presence. As the sun began slowly setting on the millennium, Smith’s destiny awaited just beyond the horizon.
Shinedown
Smith’s powerful, soul-stirring voice and writing ability were his ticket to a world beyond his hometown. In 2001, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and formed Shinedown with bassist Brad Stewart, guitarist Jasin Todd, and drummer Barry Kerch.
It was a pivotal moment in music history. Just a decade prior, the unexpected popularity of bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains compelled the music industry to abandon power ballads in favor of the gut-punching power chords that defined grunge rock. But like all things that burn with such unbridled intensity, the Seattle sound flickered out, leaving millions yearning for authenticity.
And in 2003, Shinedown stepped up to fill that void. With the release of their platinum-certified debut, Leave a Whisper, Smith's textured vocal range and the band's ability to channel emotion into every note resonated with fans worldwide. Their unique sound, influenced by the distortion-heavy bands they grew up emulating, helped define a new era in rock.
The Dark Side of Success
Amidst the euphoria of Shinedown's meteoric rise, the band grappled with soaring expectations and the relentless demands of life on the road. As pressure mounted, Smith spiraled into the abyss of addiction—an often-repeated narrative in rock’s painful history. Shinedown's 2008 release, The Sound of Madness, was more than an album; it was a reckoning that laid bare the realities of Smith's pain.
On the precipice of becoming yet another rockstar consumed by the dark side of success, Smith finally faced a truth that had become evident to those who knew him best: he was teetering on the edge of self-destruction. Resolute to overcome his demons, he embarked on an introspective journey, confronting his fears and rekindling the guiding principles that once anchored him.
Smith cast aside his vices and embraced a newfound hope that forever altered the band’s trajectory.
Finding Purpose
In music, reinvention is the key to longevity. When Smith emerged with renewed purpose in 2012, he breathed new life into Shinedown, resulting in their critically acclaimed release, Amaryllis. It was a testament to the band's resilience, showcasing lessons from Smith's struggles and epitomizing the power of redemption, self-belief, and determination.
The band continued to evolve and released their sixth studio album, Attention Attention, in 2018. This time, they dared to explore themes of self-discovery, mental health, and adversity. Smith's willingness to share his journey with such brutal honesty revealed strength through vulnerability and solidified the band's standing as rock icons, unflinching in their pursuit of the human experience.
Rather than distancing himself from his turbulent past, Smith embraced the realities of this pivotal chapter to raise awareness for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
“A legacy is not only what you contribute while alive," says Smith. "It's also the impact you leave behind." As he continues using his vast platform to make a lasting difference, there's no doubt that Shinedown’s legacy will reach far beyond the corridors of rock 'n' roll.
The Power of Music
For Smith, music isn't just a career—it's a way of life. And he's maintained an unwavering belief in its transformative power to heal and inspire. Through his struggles and triumphs, he's poured his soul into Shinedown's lyrics, offering solace and inspiration to fans across the globe. Smith often credits songwriting as a therapeutic tool that's guided him through his darkest days.
Shinedown's enduring success is a testament to Smith’s gift for transmuting his experiences into music that resonates with audiences on a profound, emotional level. The band’s live performances are also nothing short of electrifying, with Smith's charisma and energy leaving fans feeling invigorated and understood.
On April 3, Shinedown embarked on The Revolutions Live Tour, with special guests Three Days Grace and From Ashes To New. They’re currently playing shows across the United States and donating $1 from every ticket sold to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an organization they’ve long supported.
The band’s latest offering, Planet Zero, takes things to a new level. The groundbreaking 2022 release shattered the confines of their prior artistry, soaring to uncharted heights. It stormed the charts, debuting in the Top 5 on Billboard 200 and the UK Official Albums Chart and clinching the number one spot on six Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales, Rock, Hard Rock, and Alternative Albums.
Planet Zero emerges as a beacon of hope in a world increasingly fractured by digital disconnection and growing conflict, forging anthems like Hot AC hit A Symptom of Being Human and Daylight. Through fearless songwriting, the band stands against the relentless tide of cancel culture, illuminating the devastating consequences of silencing dissenting opinions.
“We want people to ask questions [and] learn from one another,” explains Smith. “Allow other people to speak even if you disagree with them; let’s have a constructive conversation,” he adds.
While Shinedown exposes the ever-widening chasm of ideological differences decaying our society—they dare to envision a brighter tomorrow. The album's stirring lyrics extol the virtues of empathy and open discourse, inviting listeners to embark on a voyage of understanding and authentic progress.
Planet Zero isn't just another rock album—it's a call to action. It's a reminder that music can still unite us, even in an increasingly divided world.
A Brighter Dawn
Smith's version of Simple Man revived a timeless song. His haunting and potent arrangement resonated with listeners and critics alike, and it even caught the attention of the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd. Last fall, the iconic band brought him onstage to perform at Nashville's revered Ryman Auditorium, further cementing Smith's status as a rock icon in his own right.
Of course, a single song isn’t responsible for Shinedown’s lasting success. But their journey of staying true to themselves, overcoming obstacles, and finding purpose amid hardship mirrors the wisdom passed from mother to son in the famous Skynyrd track.
Their continued relevance has allowed them to inspire a new generation of fans. Smith observes, "The great thing about this new generation is that they don't care when a song came out…they just care if it's cool.” As more young people explore the music that influenced their parents, they too will find inspiration in Shinedown’s journey—a journey that proves even the darkest nights give way to the light of dawn.
The Talking Series is a weekly segment that delves deeper into topics discussed by guests of the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast. A new episode of the Podcast is released each Tuesday.
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