Craig Smith playing Acoustic Guitar

Media

Review - Hawkes Bay Today

Craig Smith. 45 South. Here is a man happy in what he is doing. Craig Smith hails from the South, hence the title of the album. His songs, reflect a life more simple than the hectic, cut-throat world of marketing from where he started. This is his third album of original songs that give you that ‘‘I remember that’’ feeling. He has been fortunate enough to gather around him some amazing musicians who include several of Stevie Wonder’s backing band on tracks like Shallow Women and Happy To LiveALie. These songs, which benefit from the larger sound a big band provides, cover a range of styles from soft rock to blues but the main influence is folk. Smith’s songs are reflections on our life, he is able to hit that raw nerve of reality that we have forgotten. Songs like The Heater. A place you could go to when you were small, you sit on it to get warm, to reflect and wonder where all the time had gone. His song Lest We Forget was featured on Good Morning for their Anzac feature as well as the documentary Our Bloodiest Day. This is an album that is honest in its songs and brilliant in its musicianship. —Dave Pope, Ode

Review - Otago Daily Times

Craig Smith. 45 South. Independent. 3 stars (out of 5)

Central Otago native Craig Smith may be familiar to parents and children who have enjoyed the humorous tale of The Wonky Donkey, but his fourth album reveals a songwriter with some serious messages.

Smith takes aim at a range of subjects, including environmental damage, greed and bigotry, his vocal approach as deft (and resonant) as his guitar playing.

It's the personal moments that cut the deepest, though, his childhood reminiscence on The Heater touching on Paul Kelly's expert lyricism.

Elsewhere, there are washes of orchestral strings (45 South), bright pop (Sad Little Girl) and Latin lilt (I Dream of You), all of it heartfelt yet slickly rendered.

Single download: The Heater
For those who like: John Hanlon, Lyle Lovett

- Shane Gilchrist
Click here for the odt entertainment review

Front Page of the Press
Dec. 9 2009


Click to read full article

Interviews

MoreFM Dunedin's Glen Stuart interviews Craig Smith
Click here to listen to the MoreFM Interview

Plains FM Detox Mansion Interview, care of Plains FM
Click here to listen to the Detox Mansion Interview

Newspaper Article

Article on Craig Smith by the Timaru Herald
Click here to read it Online

Posters

Downloads:
Craig Smith Original Poster
Craig Smith Kids Poster
(Just right click the links and select "Save As...")

These are PDF files and can be downloaded in colour or black and white, and printed A3 or A4 size on your own printer or at your local print or camera shop.

Profile

Craig Smith
www.craigsmith.co.nz
Christchurch, New Zealand
Mob; 0273433537


PROFILE ;   Singer songwriter performing original and covered music.

Born in 1972 in Central Otago New Zealand

Craig first picked up the guitar when he was 12. Initially wanting to play the tunes he grew up with it wasn’t long before he was playing the songs of Neil Young, Bob Dylan and various blues artists. This folk, basic rock and blues background still influences his original music today as well other contemporary music. He loves to sing/play the classics and has committed himself to continue to learn and cover more of them. His passion however, to write and perform his original music, continues to grow. His songs are a real eclectic mixture. Lyrical, thought provoking, from the heart and are sometimes humorous. He plays them in a mixture of styles too. Generally they are played in an easy listening, contemporary, folk, blues or even country style. In 2005 he released a self produced album with 13 originals. Recently, he has started to write and perform music for kids. He saw that a lot of kids were going from nursery rhymes to teenage music as they hit the ages of 6-12 and decided to do something about it. He is excited to see how far he can go with my music and indeed see if he can make a living from doing something that he loves to do.

Instrument/Musical equipment;
Plays acoustic steel string, slide and electric guitar accompanied with harmonica.
AER acoustic compact 60 watt amplifier .Both guitar and vocals are run through it .This amp is able to play 4-6 hours on its battery pack, which means live music ANYWHERE.

Time line;
• July 2010 . Wonky goes platinum 40,000 copies sold in New Zealand alone in just 9 months.
 • June 2010 Wonky continues to break all records. The #1 selling NZ childrens book for 9 months in a row, the childrens choice award gives the book a boost to become the #1 selling book of ALL genres for that week. Beating Stieg Larson, Dan Brown and even the Twilight series ! . Craig heads to Australia for a short tour to promote the book there. Wonky is launched in the USA and India. All this slightly over shadows Craigs "45 south" album launch { released through ODE Records }. However , the album recieves great reviews.
 
 • May 2010 , competing against books written by Margret Mahy, Gavin Bishop, Joy Cowley, Kyle Mewburn just to name a few, Wonky wins the New Zealand Post Childrens Book award "Childrens Choice" 
 • April 2010 Craig performs "Lest we forget" { an ANZAC tribute song } a track from his about to be released album "45 south" on the "Good Morning" TVNZ  ANZAC special and on ANZAC day at the Lyttelton Cenotaph. 
 • March 2010 . Wonky gets nominated for the New Zealand Post Childrens book awards. Craigs ANZAC song "Lest we forget" gets added to a documentary "our bloodiest day" a documentary on Passchendaele.
 • Feb 2010 No one really sure when Wonky passed Bronze and Silver, the 3 legged donkey races past Gold. 20,000 copies sold in New Zealand alone.
  • Jan 2010 Wonky continues to stay the #1 selling NZ childrens book. Kevin Allison, through his contacts in LA organises some of Stevie Wonders back up band to back Craig on 5 of his songs for his new album "45 south" if he can make it to LA. Craig thinks about this for 0.5 secs and then get on a plane. He spends 2 weeks in LA working on his album with Kevin as well as the "dream team" .Lead guitar; Errol Cooney. Bass guitar; Nathan Watts. Keyboards; Roman Johnson. Drums; Chris Johnson. Percussion/Congas; Fasto Cuavus. Female Vocals; Kimberly Brewer. Cello; Brian Asher. Sound engineers; Gary Adante/ Rob Arbittier {Recorded at Noisy Neighbours studio} Produced by Kevin Charles Allison. Mixed by Eddie “El Brujo” Caipo at Cielobrujo Studio. The Album takes some more time to mix and master as well as getting onto cd with finished artwork before being released.
• Nov-Dec 2009 Re-Print after re print continue to sell out. Wonky sells out so quickly that the next re print from Singapore will not get to NZ quick enough. Craig's publisher decides to get a NZ printer to do a "special" run so that the book will still be available for christmas in many stores in NZ. Craig starts working on his new album "45 south" . Working with Kevin Allison { producer } They record the title track song { 45 south } with 11 members of the christchurch symphony orchestra as well as several other acoustic tracks.
• Oct 2009 Wonky Donky "the book" is released . Promoting it with a big tour and playing it on the "good morning" show on TV1 the book quickly becomes the #1 selling childrens book in NZ . Initial print of 3,500 in NZ sells out in just a couple of weeks. More re prints needed.
 
• March 2009 Wonky Donkey song is voted into the semi finals of the ISC {international song competition} the largest international song competition in the world.Effectively meaning that it was judged one of the top 25 childrens songs of 2008 IN THE WORLD !!. Unfortunately it doesn't make it into the final 10 or better.
•March 2009. Release my new re produced single "Lest we forget" . A tribute to all those who fought for our freedom
.
• Jan 2009 Not just for kids {my kids album} goes eco. Recycled paper case,corn starch trays and even the printing ink is done using sustainable technology. The first of it's kind in NZ.
• Nov 2008 The wonky donkey song is given the go ahead to be turned into a childrens book by scholastics. Another song "willbee the bumblebee" gets the same honour. Wonky to be released by christmas 2009 
•July 2008 "The wonky donkey song" becomes the APRA nz childrens song of the year.
• July 2008     "The wonky donkey song" from my kids album "not just for kids" is nominated for APRA NZ CHILDRENS SONG OF THE YEAR.
• June 2008      A wonderful couple from Denver, Colorado, USA see me playing at a gig in ChCh and offer to fly me to Denver for their wedding... wow. On my way there I organise gigs in South east asia and Canada. The trip is a wonderful success and a great time/experience 
•April 2008    Chch city council and the RSA ask me to play my ANZAC song "Lest we forget" {a song I wrote for ANZAC service people including my great uncles} at the official Chch Cathedral ceremony at 10am on ANZAC day to play just after Mayor Bob Parkers speach. I am Honoured as many people who are returned soldiers and family of those approach me after the ceremony and thank me.
• March 2008    Step into a new area of music ..."Event organising"  and organise all the artists,sound engineering,stage,lighting and MCing as well as playing for the Montieths Wild foods in the city. This event had 12 bands/solo artists playing for 24 hours over 2 days.... Phew!.
• Jan/Feb 2008 Go on tour throughout canterbury,Otago and Southlad starting the new "combination" of gigging. Promoting my kids album at primary schools during the day and playing in pubs and restaurants in the evening. The tour is hugely successful and tonnes of fun. reinforced why I do what I do.
• Nov 2007 Craig finally takes the hint from the kids and parents to record and release an album full of his own kids songs. Working with Voodoo records again Craig's kids album entitled "not just for kids" is officialy released on CTV for their morning show "Good living" in late Nov. His nana is very proud.
•    2007 New album "Don't shake my tree" is finished and released into Real Groovy and Radar record stores. Tracks from the album get air play on Plains FM , RDU FM, More FM and Kiwi FM. Craig performs two tracks live on CTV to promote the release.
 
 
•    2006 moves to Christchurch, starts to pick up lots more music work.Starts working with indi label, Voodoo Records. Starts working on a new album. Contracts Web Chalk to create a website. Craig Smith in cyber space!.
•   2006 Makes the decision to follow music Full time. 100% commitment to my craft and heart. Never looks back.

•    2005-06 moves down south, plays gigs from as far as Stewart Island through to Queenstown

•    2005 performs in front of 19,000 people at the Hokitika WFF. Sells 300 singles of the song. Continues gigging at pubs, folk clubs, restaurants and venues. Receives first APRA royalty cheque. Works with Graham Wardrop on “The Gollywog Song” at his studio in Christchurch. This song is then added to the 12 originals album. 12 originals now becomes…. 13 originals.

•    2004 hires a studio and produces his first album entitled 12 originals. Hokitika wild food festival organiser hears him perform. Commissions him to write a theme song for the festival. They buy it! Registers with APRA.

•    2003 makes it back to New Zealand. Moves to Dunedin performs at pubs, folk clubs, restaurants and venues

•    2000-02 still working in South East Asia continues gigging and seriously starts composing original songs. Gets asked to perform at the New Zealand wine and food festival in Saigon by the Ambassador of New Zealand to Vietnam.

•    1999 while working in the field of Marketing in South East Asia, he gets asked to perform {and gets paid for} at a variety of bars clubs and private functions. Comments he receives only encourage him to pursue his passion even more. Gets a guitar custom made just for him.

•    1995-98 continues to learn and writes a few more originals he’s happy with.

•    1994 writes first original that he is actually proud of! Discovers a talent for writing lyrics.

•    1985-93 continues to learn and plays at the odd party/family gatherings. Writes the odd original.

•    1984 Picks up a guitar and begins to strum. Gets lessons from Gary Kernahan, thanks Gary !. Discovers his passion for music.


References

1. Fleur Sullivan (owner}

C/O Fleurs place {moeraki}      ph;03 439 4480


2. Joanne Foster {manager}

Watershed restaurant/bar {chch}.  ph;0212444489   jo@thewatershed.co.nz                            



3. Fleur Caulton

C/O Amisfield winery. E mail; fleur@amisfield.co.nz

                                       Phone; 03 442 0556 ext; 5



4. Ryan Neville.

  C/O Sunset Records. E mail; voodoomstudio@hotmail.com
                                            

                                                  Phone; 03 389 8923

5.Mike {manager}

C/O Winnie bagoes.     Phone; 021524335


6. Bonnie Leask.

C/O Half moon Bay school. E mail; bonnie_leask@hotmail.com
                                            

                                                 Phone; 027 3329 960

 

LIST OF SONGS;

COVERS;

52ND BRIDGE ST SONG {FEELING GROOVY} {SIMON AND GARFUNKLE}

ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER {BOB DYLAN}

ALWAYS ON MY MIND {WILLY NELSON}

AMERICAN PIE {DON MCLEAN}

ANOTHER LONELY DAY {BEN HARPER}

BABYLON {DAVE GRAY}

BEAUTIFUL DAWN / HIGH {JAMES BLUNT}

BETTER BE HOME SOON {CROWDED HOUSE}

BLACK MAGIC WOMAN {SANTANA}

BLUE MOON {LORENZ HART&RICHARD RODGERS}

BUENOS TARDAS AMIGO {WEEN}

BURN ONE DOWN {BEN HARPER}

CATCH THE WIND {DONOVAN}

DIRTY OLD TOWN {EWAN MCCOLL}

DON'T LET ME DOWN {BEATLES}

DRIVE {THE CARS}

FATHER AND SON {CAT STEVENS}

FIELDS OF GOLD {STING}

FOUR SEASONS IN ONE DAY {CROWDED HOUSE}

FOUR STRONG WINDS {IAN TYSON}

FREE FALLIN {TOM PETTY}

GIRL, YOU'LL BE A WOMAN SOON {NEIL DIAMOND}

HARVEST MOON {NEIL YOUNG}

HEY HEY MY MY {NEIL YOUNG}

HEART OF GOLD {NEIL YOUNG}

HORSE WITH NO NAME {AMERICA}

HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN {ANIMALS VERSION}

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW {JOHNNY NASH}

I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR {U2}

KNOCKING ON HEAVENS DOOR {BOB DYLAN}

LEAN ON ME {BILL WITHERS}

LITTLE RED ROOSTER {ROLLONG STONES}

LOVE IN VAIN {ROBERT JOHNSON}

MOONDANCE {VAN MORRISON}

NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE {NEIL YOUNG}

NO WOMAN NO CRY {BOB MARLEY}

ONE DAY {OP SHOP}

OLD MAN {NEIL YOUNG}

OUT ON THE WEEKEND {NEIL YOUNG}

SILENT NIGHT {ANNON}

SITTING,WAITING,WISHING {JACK JOHNSON}

SO TOUGH WITH ME {ANNON}

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW {Israel Kamakawiwo Ole's version}

STAND BY ME {BEN E KING}

STEAL MY KISSES {BEN HARPER}

STIR IT UP {BOB MARLEY}

SUGAR MOUNTAIN {NEIL YOUNG}

TALKS TO ANGELS {BLACK CROWS}

TEN GUITARS {?}

TEQUILA SUNRISE {THE EAGLES}

THE AGRICULTURAL SONG { ANNON}

THE FIRST CUT IS THE DEEPEST {CAT STEVENS}

THE GAMBLER {KENNY ROGERS}

THE SKY IS CRYIN {STEVIE RAY VAUGHN}

THE SHIP SONG {NICK CAVE}

THE WEDDING SONG {PETER,PAUL AND MARY}

TWIST AND SHOUT {THE BEATLES}

UNDER THE MILKY WAY {THE CHURCH}

WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY {CAT STEVENS}

WISH YOU WERE HERE {PINK FLOYD}

WITH OR WITHOUT YOU {U2}

YER SO BAD {TOM PETTY}

ORIGINALS {ALL THE FOLLOWING SONGS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY CRAIG}

45 SOUTH

A FUNNY SOUND {KIDS SONG}

AEROPLANE BLUES

ALL THAT IT TAKES

ANGEL

AOTEAROA

ARRIVALS

BITTER JOKE

CENTRAL

CHILD

COME WITH ME

CORPORATION X,Y,Z

D 45 {NEIL YOUNG SONG}

DELIGHT

DO YOU THINK OF ME

DON'T SHAKE MY TREE

EVERGREEN

EVERY LITTLE BIT

GIVE THE MAN ENOUGH ROPE

GREEDSTOWN

I DREAM OF YOU

I GOT THE GREENS {KIDS SONG}

I MISS YOU DEARLY

I'D LIKE TO SAY GOODBYE {HAYDEN AND JANEY'S SONG}

IN BLUE

IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK

IT'S NOT A REAL PARTY

JEZEBEL

KAHA THE KEA {KIDS SONG}

LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS

LEST WE FORGET {THE ANZAC SONG}

LULLABY

MOTHER

MR & MRS CARTY {THE WEDDING SONG}

MR USELESS

MY BLUES ARE GONE

MY DEAR OLD NAN

PAY YOU NO MIND

PORTUGAL

REPTILE

SAD LITTLE GIRL

SAVE MY SOUL

SHALLOW WOMAN

SOAK IT UP

STEAM

STORYMAN

THE BIG DRIP {KIDS SONG}

THE GOLLYWOG SONG

THE HEDONIST

THE JUNKIE

THE MILINER

THE MIXER

THE RAIN KEPT COMING

THE SANDFLY SONG {KIDS SONG}

TRUTH

WAKE UP

WASTED DAYS

WILD FOOD WILD TIMES {THE HOKITIKA WILD FOOD FESTIVAL THEME SONG}

WILLBEE THE BUMBLEBEE {KIDS SONG}

WONKEY DONKEY SONG {KIDS SONG}