The Smith event (derived from the word song smith) rises from the ashes for a one night only event, inviting writers and musicians of all levels along to learn new skills, share their own and network, on Friday 8 September.
Following its COVID closure, Smith is back by popular demand. This non-for-profit songwriter showcase kicks off in HOTA's own moody haunt, Basement, for one epic evening.
Bringing together a wide range of musicians, poets, writers of any kind, and the public, this night is one not to be missed.
Registration is essential for the free Smith event, which includes a complimentary drink on entry (yes, you read that right). After landing a sponsorship through HOTA who have kindly donated their venue and staff.
Smith ripples with live performances, Q&As with established musicians and offers the opportunity for writers to shoot their shot with a live, acoustic performance of their own. Followed by a Q&A with attendees-turned-stage sharers and a constructive critique by the crowd.
With a laid-back atmosphere, yet meticulous schedule, most audience members will have their chance to perform. Consider this the perfect opportunity for complete beginners to test new sets, and seasoned pros to gleam existing work.
The night ends with an uplifting networking event where attendees are encouraged to trade contracts and chat future collaborations.
The brainchild of seasoned rocker Reg Keyworth, the idea for Smith erupted from a need to create an accessibly free, safe and professional hub on the Gold Coast for songwriters to get together.
Bringing his decades of experience in the music industry to the table, Keyworth volunteers his time at Smith for the sole purpose of bringing this vision to life. As well as the sheer enjoyment he exudes from seeing others excel and showcase their talents.
When he's not riding his Harley or shredding guitar, Smith founder Reg is an active member of the Gold Coast music scene.
He's also the evening's MC.
The Smith is one of those events you really need to experience to appreciate the wow factor. It's an awesome night and I really feel this one-off evening is going to be great!
So who is this mysterious Reg? And why does he remind us of a wise coyote meandering through the desert? Here's a little bit about his background.
You'll be pleased to know that lifelong rocker Reg is the real deal. A pro guitarist and music producer hailing from New Zealand who started writing original material at the age of 16 with his mates. Six years later, he pursued a music career in Australia, starting two hard rock bands.
Reg went on to freelance as a guitarist and writer, which landed him some sweet film and TV gigs. Continuing his musical escapades to tour the Australian outback for two years straight as a member of the country music scene. Then moving to Austin, Texas to write, record and play club gigs while he worked in a guitar store.
At the time, this guitar fanatic connected with Elvis Presley's lapseel player, Del, who told Reg, "if you make a mistake while playing guitar... just keep going... you'll catch the groove the next time around." Reg continued his travels around the US and UK, starting up Platinum Music Creations to collaborate with other artists. A highlight? One notably wet dinner with buddies Nick Kane (The Mavericks), Mike Scaccia (Ministry) and Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper).
After 22 years away, Reg moved back to New Zealand, built the reputation for his recording studio and added 'guitar teacher' to his swag of talents. Here Reg was invited to hold a guitar clinic at the G-Taranaki Guitar Festival with a lineup that featured the likes of Slash, Jon Roth and Jennifer Batten.
Today, Reg works at a local guitar store on the Gold Coast and gets his rock star thrills from seeing others thrive.
Head along for a killer night of music, to showcase your work, or to simply be in Reg's presence, which is set to be a highlight of its own.
Doors open for The Smith One Night Only at HOTA's Basement at 6.15pm for a 7pm start on Friday 8 September.
