Philadelphia Native Malik Smith Prepares To Release His Debut Album
By Melony Roy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia native Malik Smith is gearing up for the release of his debut album, "Night Before Dawn." Four years in the making, the 16 track collection is part one of his upcoming two-part album.
Malik has been performing since the age of five. He was raised on classic soul from the '70s like Chaka Khan and Earth, Wind, & Fire and was later influenced by Fleetwood Mac, Prince, and Michael Jackson.
The 24-year-old singer/songwriter describes his sound as organic pop powered by lyrics that tell a story. On his upcoming album, there is a song for every moment, from fun to losing a loved one. The track "Thankful" was written for a childhood best friend who died in a car accident a few years ago. And his favorite song on the album is "Closer." He says the concept came to him randomly during a bad winter, a simple melody that grows in the song. Also, it was the first time he pushed himself with the details of the words.
Listen to Melony Roy's full interview with Malik Smith here...
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What makes Malik different from many other artists is that music is his true passion. He is involved in every aspect--from writing and vocal arrangement to production. His goal is to communicate the song from a musical standpoint. He is inspired by potential and not getting stuck in the present, and the room he feels there is to grow is what keeps him motivated.
Malik is grateful to be a part of the Philadelphia music scene, which he calls, "remarkable and deep, but underrated."
For more information on Malik, check out his website www.malikismusic.com, or watch the video for his latest single, "Take You Away," which is available for purchase on iTunes.
Watch the video:
