Q&A with New England Artist, SMT

By Bridney C.

It is a pleasure to interview SMT for the Sweet Scoop.

SMT, who's real name is Sebastian, is a 16-year-old artist from Vermont. Coming from a rough family upbringing, he and his siblings expressed themselves by creating art and involving themselves in music.

"I don't consider myself a rapper. I want to be more than that. I'm in artist and I don't want to box myself into one thing because over time I'm going to do more than just rap," says SMT.

From the earliest he can remember, music came into his life after one of his cousins asked him if he could say a few lines to a remix he created to the 2010 hit song, "Airplanes" by B.O.B. At first, he did not "care about music at all," but eventually, grew fond of the art, and from there, SMT has taught himself how to produce his songs.

In this edition of Q&A, SMT explained his newest song, "Drugs," future projects he's excited about releasing, and his favorite album of all time.

BC: Where do you typically record? Do you produce, mix, and master your material?

SMT: I have a spare room in my apartment and I have all my music equipment in there. But that was only recently, before that I would just record songs on my bed or behind the couch in my room with a blanket covering me to block out the echo. I do mix and master all my work and I do also produce under the alias, Seymour Jenkins. I like getting hands-on with my work, and I've been doing it since day one.

BC: Other than the obvious title, what other meaning does your song, "Drugs" hold? How did the collaboration with featured artist, Kasuke come about?

SMT: My latest single "Drugs" is about just proving my worth to the world and music industry showing that I have the talent and drive to do what I wanna do. It's about just being true to who you are and not changing for someone else. I don't care about making catchy songs that could be played on the radio or songs people can dance to on Tik Tok. I make music so I can express my emotions and get what I need to say off my chest. Kasuke and I go to school together and we both started rapping around the same time and I've always wanted to make a song with him but the time was never right until now.

BC: You and Connecticut-based singer, Meg are working on a joint collaboration. How excited are you to work with another artist outside of your state?

SMT: I met Meg through a mutual friend we have named Sookhiiee. They made a song together late last year and I loved the track. I DM'ed Sookhiiee asking for her Instagram and wanted to know if she wanted to collaborate. The collaboration with her is something out of my comfort zone for sure, but I think people will like it. It's short, sweet, and has just an all-around fantastic vibe to it.

BC: What else is in store for you this year? Any future projects you're excited about releasing?

SMT: My debut mixtape will be dropping this year. Besides that, I don't have much planned for this year, but I do have some interesting concepts and ideas for the future years to come.

BC: What is one of your favorite albums of all time? Why?

SMT: My favorite music project of all time is "Swimming" by Mac Miller. I hate to say it but I wasn't a fan of his music until "Swimming." I saw the album cover art and I loved It so I downloaded it on my phone and fell in love with it. What was even more upsetting was that just a month after me becoming a super fan of his he tragically passed. This album came out when I was going through a difficult time in my life. The whole concept of "Swimming" as a metaphor for moving on with things and not letting the past and present issues hold you back is beautiful. And the absolute lush production, his honest expression of his emotions, and what he was going through were just amazing. Mac Miller's "Swimming" will forever be my favorite album and I will forever be grateful to that man.

To hear and see more from SMT, be sure to follow him

on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Instagram.