Josh Smith on Songwriting, Influences and Finding His Sound

Josh Smith joined Kennet Radio for his first ever radio interview to talk about his musical journey, songwriting process and the stories behind his recent releases.

Josh explained that his introduction to music began as a teenager, initially borrowing his brother’s guitar before receiving one of his own for Christmas. Early on, he found himself drawn to the artists he admired most.

“I started diving into my favourite artists and trying to play their songs,” he said. “Jack Johnson was a big influence. I loved those really chilled songs, and I think that influence came through in my voice and the way I wrote.”

He said his first experiences performing live came around the age of 18 or 19 at Ace Space in Newbury, a venue he described as both intimidating and formative. Recalling his first paid performance, he admitted nerves played a big part.

“I only had three songs,” he said. “I forgot all the lyrics to the second one and had to stop and start again. But it was great, and getting paid to do something you enjoy feels bizarre at first.”

Josh spoke candidly about the challenges of writing original music, particularly early on, when personal experience felt limited.

“When you’re 18 you don’t really have much life experience to write folk songs,” he said. “You end up thinking what you’ve written is really cheesy. It takes a long time to get to a point where you’re happy with it.”

He explained that many of his songs are rooted in real experiences, and that emotional connection plays a key role in his writing.

“The songs that get recorded are usually the ones I had a genuine connection to,” he said. “If I’m not emotionally attached to it, it doesn’t really feel like me.”

Asked about his influences, Josh cited a wide range, from Jack Johnson to Arctic Monkeys and Kings of Leon, noting that while his early work was largely acoustic, his sound has evolved.

“That style didn’t really come through until I started doing things like Lilah,” he said.

Josh discussed several of his songs during the interview, including Hold You Tight, written during the Covid pandemic. He explained that the song was inspired by his uncle’s hospitalisation and his mother being unable to see her brother at the time.

“Everyone was stuck,” he said. “All you wanted to do was see your loved ones, and I think a lot of people could relate to that.”

Another track, Alternate Reality, was written as a tribute to a close friend who died a few years ago. Josh said the song was produced by Sion Whiley and featured backing vocals from local artist Izzy Adams.

Josh also spoke about his band, The Polite Applause, describing how it formed through open mic nights in Newbury and evolved into a regular live act.

“We loved playing those nostalgic songs that people don’t hear as often,” he said. “The third track on the album that makes people say ‘oh, I remember this’.”

Turning to Lilah, one of his most played tracks on Kennet Radio, Josh explained that it marked a shift in how he approached songwriting.

“I wanted a catchy chorus,” he said. “You don’t want to take someone all the way to Thorpe Park and then not let them on the ride. That’s what a bad chorus feels like.”

He said the song was inspired by a real experience of feeling let down, which he developed into something more exaggerated and energetic.

“The name Lilah is made up,” he explained. “It was drawn from a real experience, but I wanted this to be the first proper band recording, with a big chorus and a driving drum beat.”

Josh described taking the track to Studio 91 when it was almost finished, where drummer Giles Stelfox helped shape the final sound.

“He just played the whole thing through,” Josh said. “It was exactly what the song needed. That driving drum beat changed everything.”

Looking ahead, Josh said he wants to continue pushing this more energetic sound, drawing on what he has learned from playing in a band.

“I want more grit in my voice, big choruses and songs you can really belt,” he said. “I still think my biggest chorus is yet to come.”

Josh’s music is available on Spotify, including Lilah and Alternate Reality, with additional tracks on YouTube under Songs With Josh. He encouraged listeners to watch the Lilah music video, created with Common Matter Films, and to follow him on Instagram at JoshSmith.live.

You can listen to the full interview with Josh here:
https://www.mixcloud.com/kennetradio/kates-saturday-showcase-7th-february-2026/
(Josh Smith interview approximately 1:06 to 1:42)