Catching up with Xander Smith & His New Music

Xander Smith is best known for rockin out! He's recently fronted the psychedelic indie rock band Run Run Run as well as played guitar for Monte Pittman, Rickie Lee Jones and LA drag phenomenon Tranzkuntinental. And while he's got some major rock cred under his belt (ie, the Nymphs Inger Lorre, OtherStarPeople with Jennifer Finch/L7), he's only shared his softer side with a select few - until now. Smith's first solo CD, to be released Spring 2012, is a collection of some of his most precious, personal songs. His earliest influences - Neil Young, Roy Orbison, Syd Barrett - help to shape this material. It’s wistful and sentimental, peculiar, only-the-lonely indie folk that looks at life and relationships. For this record, Smith sets down his electric guitar and grabs an acoustic (and a few other odd-sounding instruments) and opens his heart to the listener. Never cynical, always searching, Smith's songs of what-could-have-been invite you to look back and, more importantly, look within.