Gypsies frontman’s solo debut is cathartic root to tackle grief

Groove Tube with Cian O’Connell

Since Gypsies on the Autobahn called time on their fourteen-year relationship in March of last year, the indie four-piece’s former frontman James Smith has been throwing himself into new projects. Honing his production skills under the moniker Yurn, his January EP with Gareth Quinn Redmond was the culmination of a new drive and direction in his work – an experimental, electronic tracklist that strayed far from the Gypsies’ guitar-driven sound.

Now, with a more familiar alias of J Smith, he is set to release a debut solo album.

Out on May 28, (…) And You Chose Not to Laugh is a delicate and emotive ten-track collection. Largely centred around the miscarriage of James and his wife’s first child, it is a record that deals heavily with grief.

Though obviously highly affecting in subject matter, the album also highlights James’ progression as a songwriter and producer since the breakup of the band.

“I had most of the stuff that featured on the album already written,” he recalls.

“I had started the process of recording it already too but over the last few months I’ve been able to slow down and learn a lot and hone my skills in relation to recording and production and songwriting.

“I’ve been reaching out to other artists to collaborate and just do some really fun things. When we were with the Gypsies, we were fairly full on and I wouldn’t have had chances to sit down and learn stuff or try new things so that’s been one of the benefits since we disbanded.”

(…) And You Chose Not to Laugh is being released as a solo album but it is very much a collaborative project. Over twenty musicians feature across the LP including James’ brother, and former bandmate, Daniel Smith.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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