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Brent Smith
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Brent Smith
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Lynne Hoffman
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Brent Smith
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Brent Smith
Me we played in front of five people before, but we've also played in front of 500,000 people before, so it's that growth, it's that evolution. And I think that there's an unspoken respect between this band and our audience that we want them to be proud of. Being a fan of this band, welcome.
Lynne Hoffman
To the Music Saved Me podcast, a podcast about the healing power of music. We are proud supporters of Musicians on Call and we urge you to support them by going to musiciansoncall.org they are a fantastic organization. I'm your host Lynne Hoffman, and today we are fortunate, very fortunate to have an artist who leads a band that makes amazing music and is also someone who has really put his life's challenges out out there for the world to see and hear, which I always think is just so amazing. Brent Smith is the founder and lead singer of the rock band Shinedown, who have a new album out called Planet Zero, which is fabulous. It's a really cool way to put out an album with all the. It's almost like a throwback to the way albums used to be made, really, because you want to listen from the very beginning all the way to the end. Brent, welcome to the show.
Brent Smith
What is happening? It is so nice to meet you and I am unbelievably honored to be here today.
Lynne Hoffman
Well, the feeling is mutual. How has Music Saved you?
Brent Smith
You know what? It's interesting. Every day it evolved for me In a lot of different ways. I think that it saved me because, I mean, I never started writing songs because I wanted to be famous. I started writing songs because I had something to say. But I, you know, will lighten the mood sometimes with people and say, you know, writing songs and being a musician, it was cheaper than therapy because, you know, it was, it's just, it's something for me that it was always there for me from the moment I entered the earth. You know, what I do as being a singer, a songwriter, a performer in this industry that we call the music business is something that I take really seriously. So I always knew what I wanted to do because growing up, music was such a huge part of my life and it was whatever I was feeling at that moment in time, you know, and as I was getting older and I became a teenager and into my 20s and so on and so forth, music has always been there for me. And it's more built around the songs because I think a music, if you're talking about a specific instrument or what have you, but songs, it's. There's a message inside of them because there's a lyric. And I think for me, whenever I was dealing with something from a cerebral, you know, point of view, or I was confused or I didn't understand something, a song would always come on and it would, it would open the door, it would, it would shine a light on what was going on in my life at that point in time. Because it's constantly evolving and I feel the same way, you know, even in modern day music is constantly showing me beautiful awareness on any given day.
Lynne Hoffman
Do you, do you believe that it has healing powers?
Brent Smith
Yeah, a thousand percent. A thousand. I've watched it cure cancer.
Lynne Hoffman
Really? Can you, can you give me the short story on that?
Brent Smith
I mean, so the thing is, it's so extraordinary. So our guitar player, Zach Myers, he works with St. Jude's and he has for going on the better part of 20 years. And, and you know, St. Jude's uses music as a, as a huge tool, you know, in their research and, you know, taking care of these kids and doing everything in their power to get them into remission. And, you know, he gets so emotional talking about this because he's an ambassador for St. Jude's and you know, that's one aspect of it where, like. And also too, we have a lot of people in our lives, you know, charities that we work with. You know, one of the biggest charities that we work with is the afsp, which is the American foundation for Suicide Prevention and but going back to your, your, you know, your question on a daily, like, music is such a powerful instrument because when you're talking about disease or you're talking about ailments of that kind, you know, there's a biological element to that, a scientific aspect where, you know, one plus one is two. There can't be another answer. And so music has this very unique way of getting into the psyche and into the mind and building your focus back and building your confidence back. Because a lot of times people will forget that you have your physical health, but your mental health is just as important. So if you're down or you're, you know, not feeling confident or there's all these negative things that could be happening, you have to have a positive mentality. And sometimes it's difficult to do that. But again, music always seems to show up when you're at your lowest point sometimes and you hear the right song at the right time and all of a sudden you're right back in the game.
Lynne Hoffman
It really helps you through some of the darkest moments sometimes. I don't think people even realize how much music affects them and gets them through things, you know, even if it's just on in the background.
Brent Smith
Yeah. And it's astonishing too, how your ear will grab the song in the background when it's relating to the situation that you may be in. You know, we always talk about how the, we talk about how the universe is real. It is. And it will you, you know, the universe helps you kind of like gravitate towards the people that you need to gravitate towards. And, you know, as your journey and your life is evolving, you know, present day, you know, universe put us together today.
Lynne Hoffman
It sure did. You know, and the universe puts your fans right where they need to be too. I know that they have played a key role in helping lead you on the path to recovery. Can you just describe a little bit about how that happens with your fans and what that means to you?
Brent Smith
I think the biggest thing with the fan base is that the fan base is constantly growing and evolving. We're very proud that the audience, from a global standpoint, it's very much eight to 80. So, you know, there are generations that, you know, three and four generations that come and see us play. And they've always just really been open minded about allowing us to have a platform. But the platform, they gave it to us, but that platform, they allow us to be ourselves and they allow us to evolve. One of the biggest things that they've done for us and they continue to do is they're just massively supportive of what we do in the studio when we're making a new record. They're not the type of audience. There's so much respect between the band and the audience with us. I've said this for years because it's true. In Shinedown, we only have one boss. It just happens to be everybody in the audience. And inside of that, as we make these records, we're very upfront with them about it, but we also talk to them about what do they want to hear from us. And, you know, what records do they like the most? And obviously they're sweet and they say we love them all, but it's also to having that connection with them where they understand that when we're asking them their opinions, we actually mean it and we're actually listening to them. You know, sometimes bands will get into that, or not even just bands, because it's not necessarily about rock music, rap music, pop music, country music. It's about all music. So, you know, some artists and some bands have a fan base that they want them to do one thing like, and they really love the one thing that they do. And I can't really speak on that because our audience allows us to have and go down as many lanes as we want, and they're just. They're down for the ride. And that means a great deal when you have a fan base that not only supports you, but also allows you to be yourself. And as a musician and a songwriter, lets you evolve, because you don't. We've never. We're. We're not trying to make the same record over and over again, and we do our best not to write the same song twice.
Lynne Hoffman
Now, it's interesting that you say that they're very forgiving and let you kind of just go wherever you want to go. You know, you. You've been making incredible music and. And also writing for a long time, and you've been through a lot. How does it make you feel today after all these years, when. When your music still really connect with people, when you. When you can actually see it connecting with them or you hear from them and they tell you what your music and songs have meant to them?
Brent Smith
Well, I mean, it makes me feel that I must be doing something right. And. But again, too, I understand the question, but there's also something else I should say that kind of like brings this home inside of all of it. Our success is their success. And. And why I say that is we've got, you know, we have fans that have been with us from. When I say day one, I mean day one, and have been on this journey with us for two decades now. And then we have, you know, a fan base that they just found out about us yesterday, and they're kind of getting downloaded on, you know, all the records and, you know, they. They heard one song or what have you, and, you know, now they're really into the band. But I think about it from that aspect of it, too, which is we played in front of five people before. That's the only people that were in there sometimes, like back in the day, early days, and you got to do that. Like, sometimes you're just playing for the bartender and the doorman. And now as I talk to you today, though, I say it like this. We played in front of five people before, but we've also played in front of 500,000 people before. So it's that growth, it's that evolution. And I think that there's an unspoken just respect between this band and our audience that we want them to be proud of. Being a fan of this band, you're.
Lynne Hoffman
So transparent with this band, with your music, with your life. How are you able to do that? I mean, it's like when you put out an album, it's like birthing a child, and you just put it out there and everyone listens to it, hears it, watches your music videos, and you really don't have a choice but to be judged. It's a difficult thing for most people to share things like that. How are you able to do that?
Brent Smith
I asked for it. I asked for it. Yeah, I. I am so unbelievably lucky that from the moment I entered the earth, I knew what I wanted to do and what I wanted to be like. My. My granny, who is still alive, she is such a profound influence on me. But I, you know, I remember she was always like, find something that you love and you're never going to work a day in your life. Now, don't get me wrong, I work really, really hard. We all do. And we try to work smarter, you know, as the years go by, too. But when it all comes down to it, I asked for this. And I. I feel like I remember growing up and seeing people, especially from a mental health standpoint. I'm in a band that's been talking about mental health for the better part of two decades. You know, before it was in the media and it was put to the forefront, which it is more so now. And that's part of why it's necessary. What shinedown does, because that's always been the overwhelming way that we look at things is that we want people to understand that these feelings that you're having and where you're at in your life and you're allowed to evolve and have as many human moments as you need. Again, we're all a work in progress. That's the whole point. Like, take a deep breath and understand that the world that we're in can be an interesting place to navigate and can be difficult at times, but you're right where you need to be. It's about seeing tomorrow and about focusing on that. And, you know, I don't talk about it very often, and I know it's a connection that the fan base has with us because of the lyrical side of the band. But, you know, I have a background with substance abuse, and it's kind of out there. People know about it. I don't talk about it all the time because I can. I can compartmentalize things and I can plan for the future. And I'm the one also in the band that does a lot of the business outside of the creative, too. I can. Both sides of my brain can work together. But I think about it from that aspect also, you know, that part of my personality is something that I have to understand, that I have to deal with that on a daily basis, one day at a time. Like, I can think into the future and plan for the future and put tours together and be multifaceted with a lot of different people and have that structure and have that schedule. But the addictive part of my personality and the substance abuse part of my personality, that's something I have to. I have to remind myself that that is one day at a time. Because, you know, I tell people sometimes I didn't drink today. I didn't do drugs today. I have no idea what I'll do tomorrow. I just have to focus on that. But I will tell you this. A very, very close friend of mine, and this was something that kind of. And it fueled my. It fueled my passion for really being present when we're writing these songs and writing these albums and really focus on how big of a platform that we have that continues to grow because I'm. I'm reaching a lot of people, and I'm blessed for that and honored by that on a lot of levels. But the most profound thing that anyone ever told me when it came to that, and I was in a difficult place in my life because I was struggling with substances and what have you is. And it was my friend Teresa. And this was in the throes of addiction. It was not pretty at all. It was, it was bad. When I think back to it, I'm. I'm lucky to be alive talking to you today in a lot of ways. But she said, do you realize that you are the most dangerous when you're sober? Like, you are the most effective and everybody around you truly loves you and they want to be with you and they want you to lead them, help lead this, but they don't want to hang out with the other guy that's inside you that's trying to kill you. That dude's not trying to help you, that dude's trying to end you. To her credit, she put it in a perspective that I had never thought about before. But she said to me, she was like, you are the most dangerous when you are clear headed and focused and sober. And I remember at that day too, she looked at me, she was like, it's time to get your head out of your ass and get back in the game.
Lynne Hoffman
What did you say?
Brent Smith
I was speechless. I didn't really. I didn't know what to say. I. It was like getting. It was such a profound thing to say to me. And it was said at the. Once again, the universe, it puts you with the people you need to be with and it gravitates you towards those. You got to be open to the universe to let it help guide you. I didn't need to say anything. I didn't need. I. Like she said it all. I just had to put it into action.
Lynne Hoffman
That's right. That's right. And you, and you, you have. And you, you continue to. And wow. I also, I feel like we have the same grandmother too. That's a killer because you're, you're always in the future and then rewinding to now to try to figure out how to get there. It's not an easy place to be, but it's very rewarding if you can take people with you and help them through your things that help you. It's just amazing. And speaking of which, how important has it been for you? And thank you for sharing that story because that's very personal and amazing. And just hearing you say that, what she said to you, your friend, I think not only affected me, but I'm sure people listening that hit home. So. So thank you for sharing that.
Brent Smith
Yeah. It's all about paying it forward.
Lynne Hoffman
Yeah. You know, because you have this power and you've got to use it for good. And clearly you're doing that. How important has it been for you to forge a relationship with somebody like Jelly Roll, who has obviously faced his own challenges and. And is triumphantly showing how he has faced those challenges and helping others similarly, as you.
Brent Smith
Well, the beautiful thing about it is that relationship between me and him is it was very, very authentic. And again, the universe, man, it'll guide you to people. The thing about that relationship and Jelly Roll is, and I want everybody to know this, there is not a more deserving human being on the planet with the amount of success this man is seeing right now, because he is just an extraordinary human being on so many different levels. And when you talk about real. That dude, I'm going to tell you this right now. You know what's necessary. Jelly Roll is necessary, that guy. And none of this has happened overnight for him. And that's the other thing, too. I mean, me and him talked about this last year when we were touring together. You've been. You've been getting ready your whole life for what's about to happen to you. And, you know, like, when I met him, I met him in. In 2021 at Blue Ridge. And like a lot of people, the very first time that I found out about him was the song save me on YouTube. And I was early on that. I think I was. I remember that song. And it was the live version when he was in the studio. It has, like, close to 350 million views now. But the thing was is that I think I saw it when it was only about 100,000 views or something like that. But I was so astonished with what I was listening to and watching with him. And then you go kind of down the Jelly Roll discography. And, man, he's been. He's been working at this for years, you know, and. But when I met him in 2021, we were playing Blue Ridge the same day, and so I went to meet him face to face and we were just talking and getting to know each other and what have you. And I said, hey, will you come up and do simple man with us tonight on stage? And he said, really? And I was like, yeah, let's go. And so he. And he's just an absolute natural. He is a natural performer. And he is. His energy is infectious. He's charismatic. He's just. He's just so good at what he does. And. And he genuinely. It's all real, that, that love that he has for people, that wanting to help people, that understanding that it's. It's bigger than him and that this life of music that we've all been given in this industry, you know, specifically for him. He respects it on, on every level. But he came up there and he did simple man with us and we recorded it. Our videographer Sanjay, and he. It's got like 5 or 6 million views and that's just on the stage like a handheld. And so last year in 2022 and, and I had been talking to him after, you know, the Blue Ridge concert and what have you. So at the top of last year, I called him and said, I'm going to do a tour this fall. It's going to be about 40 shows. It's going to be all amphitheaters. So between 15,000 to 20,000 people a night. Will you be main support for us? And we brought another young man out named John Harvey, who's an incredible musician as well and great songwriter. But this was like February of last year when I called him and asked him to do it and he was like, yeah. And when I told management and everybody too in the label, like, we're going to bring this guy named Jelly Roll out in the fall and everyone was like, who is? And I just remember telling him, you need to trust me. Just trust me. Yeah. And that whole time that we were out on tour together, I learned so much from him on, on, on any given day. And we would have these moments and times during the day, but he would, I told him, I said, you can ask me anything you want while we're out there. Because at the time we were, I believe we were the first, first artist that brought him out on a real tour. Meaning like it wasn't just like weekend warrior stuff. Like it was a 10 week tour, it was 40 something dates and you're on the road and just. He would ask me questions and I would tell him my experiences and he had a lot of foresight with everything and I welcomed that too because I love the fact that he cared so much about learning every aspect of the end of the industry and, and what he was doing. But at his core, he is the realest of the real. And I am so I could not be happier for another human being.
Lynne Hoffman
Well, it takes one to know one. A and B, I smell a collaborative something in the future with you two.
Brent Smith
Possibly throw it out there. He's a busy, he's a busy man. Yes.
Lynne Hoffman
And so are you.
Brent Smith
Absolutely. But yeah, I could see something definitely in the future, 1,000%.
Lynne Hoffman
And you heard it here first. I always wanted to say that.
Brent Smith
I don't know why.
Lynne Hoffman
Who are some of the artists besides Jelly Roll. That helped to lift you up when you were struggling. Can you remember?
Brent Smith
Yeah, I mean, there's a lot. I mean, I've been. We've been so lucky to have so many, like, pinch me moments, like, on tour with different bands in the two decades that we've been doing this. But I mean, the tour that we just finished with Spirit Box and Papa Roach, I mean, the greatest thing about going on tour, when you can go on tour with your friends, that's when it's the best. Because, like, you go out, especially like in the summer when festivals are, you know, festival season and things like that, you see all your friends and then you start to collaborate with each other and you say, well, next year let's do a tour together. And then it. You. You know, then it happens and then it's like summer camp. It's the best, you know. But Papa Roach is a huge. You know, I talk about a band that just. You. You watch how incredibly talented they are and how much. I know another band, another artist that, you know, extremely necessary is Paparoach and just nothing but love and light and intensity. And me and Jacoby have always looked at it. We welcome that healthy competition when. When you're on tour together, like, bring your A game. We love that because, like, it's so much better for the audience because they're getting, you know, it's a. It's a mutual love and respect for each other, but it's a healthy competition with each other and it makes you better with Spirit Box, too. I've just been a fan for the last five years. I found out about them about five years ago and today, actually, I saw. I'm so proud of them as well. They just got nominated for a Grammy, which is amazing. And we just being able to bring them out on the road. And that's the other thing too. Like with Shinedown, we. We don't want to be put in a box from any aspect of who we are as a band. You know, you should look at all the lanes and welcome the diversity in that with different types of, you know, musicianship, different types of music, different types of musicians, and just different artists. You know, you don't have to just stick to one particular genre when you're out there and just letting people know that the community is very open and we just want to celebrate the human spirit and bringing people together. That's probably the best. I hope that answers your question. There's a lot of people that lift us up out there, but the most recent, definitely the Spirit Box and The Paparoach tour that we just finished, we had a blast.
Lynne Hoffman
Now, as someone who's faced struggles, what do you want those listening as we wrap things up to know about those who are struggling from someone who has gone through what you've gone through. What do you want? Let me try to rephrase that properly.
Brent Smith
No, I know what you mean.
Lynne Hoffman
Okay, good.
Brent Smith
To make sure that your eyes and your ears are open at all times or just the make sure that you, you're being open minded not only for yourself as you're on your journey, but the people that are around you as well. The people that you love, your friends, your family and even total strangers. I know that's going to sound a little odd, but again, you have to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. And what I would say to people is, if you yourself are dealing with thoughts that you've never had before and it's coming from a dark place, number one, understand something. There's nothing wrong with you. Like you're, you're evolving, you're, you're growing and it can be scary and it can be a difficult thing to kind of navigate, especially if you're having feelings that you've never had before. But inside of that, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. There are places that you can go to, there are organizations that can help you again, you know, a little bit more on the heavier subject matter. But you know, one of the most incredible organizations on the planet is the afsp. They're, they're a real organization that knows how to help people and give people the tools that they need when it comes to mental health. The other thing that I would say is just in general, if you notice somebody that's close to you or in your family or a friend of yours, then you can tell that something is a bit off or maybe something has changed behind the eyes. The worst thing you can do is be quiet and not say something to them. And it's okay to go up to him and be like, listen, I'm not 100% sure what's going on, but you can talk to me and if I can't help you, I will find someone that can and we'll do it together. But just remember that because. And even if you see a total stranger sometimes and you can tell something's off, and I know this is a little bit more ambitious, but going up to that person and saying, hey, I don't know you, but are you okay? Because I know people that have done that before and the response from total strangers. Sometimes it's just they look at them and they're in awe that somebody just took the time to ask if they were okay today. And because you could potentially save someone's life and I think that's what you got to remember is don't, don't be quiet. And on both sides, if you notice something with someone, say something to them. And if you yourself are just you're having a rough go at it, don't stay quiet. Tell somebody that you need to talk to somebody.
Lynne Hoffman
Just incredible, incredible advice. Beautiful advice. And one thing I could add to that is don't worry, it's all a symptom of being human.
Brent Smith
There you go.
Lynne Hoffman
Amazing song. Put that on right now if you're feeling like that. It will, it will change you. A beautiful song.
Brent Smith
Thank you friend.
Lynne Hoffman
I don't I could talk to you for hours. We don't have that time. So I just want to thank you so much for your insight, for your time and inspiration and your music and, and thank you for coming on. Music saved me.
Brent Smith
It's my absolute pleasure. I I am happy to talk to you anytime. I look forward to seeing you like face to face in the future. Thank you so much.
Lynne Hoffman
Me too. Me too. Thank you.
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Lynne Hoffman
This is an iHeart podcast.
Podcast: takin' a walk – Music History on Foot
Host: Lynne Hoffman (Music Saved Me segment, presented by iHeartPodcasts, hosted by Buzz Knight)
Guest: Brent Smith, lead singer of Shinedown
Episode: Classic Music Saved Me with Brent Smith from the band Shinedown
Date: September 7, 2025
This heartfelt episode welcomes Brent Smith, the powerful vocalist and founder of Shinedown, to discuss the healing power of music—not only in his own life but for his fans and the broader community. Smith candidly shares his personal battles with substance abuse, the grounding influence of his friends, family, and Shinedown’s multi-generational audience, and the deep connection he forges with fellow artists such as Jelly Roll. Listeners are treated to an unfiltered conversation about mental health, authenticity, and the responsibility musicians carry to uplift others.
The conversation is honest, warm, and deeply empathetic. Brent Smith is candid and never self-aggrandizing, openly sharing vulnerability and triumph. Lynne Hoffman’s supportive, affirming tone makes the discussion feel like a conversation among friends, emphasizing hope and the unifying, healing force of music.
This episode delivers a message of resilience, hope, and the powerful role music plays in healing and personal evolution. Brent Smith offers listeners a blend of hard-won wisdom, practical advice, and inspiration—reminding us that everyone struggles, but nobody has to walk that road alone.
For additional support, resources mentioned include musiciansoncall.org and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org).