Jaryd Smith is a 27-year-old Springs resident who loves music and making people happy.
He was invited by the Rotary Club of Springs Park to perform at their annual Rhythm by the River picnic held at Grootvaly on Sunday afternoon.
Smith was excited to perform in front of a home crowd and performed some folk music at first.
He explained he always gets the “feel of the crowd” to see if they like what he has planned for his performance.
The picnic atmosphere was something he enjoyed and although he only performed for three hours, he is hoping the Rotarians will invite him back next year.
His passion for music started when he received his first guitar at the age of six, a gift from his grandparents.
When he left school at the age of 16 he went to study music at the Kensington Campus of Performing Art (Copa) where he majored in guitar and vocals.
“I get my musical inspiration from Jack Johnson, who I believe has an incredible way of songwriting.
“He is an amazing lyricist,” says Smith, adding “it’s about taking what you like most about each artist and finding inspiration in their strengths.”
While he studied at Copa, he played for a band called Cry Out Riot for two years until he met basist Willie van Tonder.
Because they liked the same style of music, it was inevitable that they started the band Van Smith.
However, the band only existed for three years before they broke up.
This break-up led to Smith starting his solo career, which adds to his passion to entertain and make people happy.
“It is a fundamental part of who I am and why I love doing what I do,” he says.
When he talks about his music, he explains “my music and singing style is a culmination of all the great artists I have been following over the years.”
He says he mixes it with “a little Jaryd” and includes a pinch of South African flavour.
When he released his album Charcoal Sketch in February, he included songs he wrote including Just a Little Bit More and Take it to the Light.
This young man doesn’t only write and sing, he also teaches children music, drums, guitar and vocals.
“I am also a junior self defense and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach at the House of Tinkerbel,” he says.
Smith’s motto is to be true to who you are and the world will hopefully see authenticity within the music.
