BIGSOUND Artist Profile: Ben Wright Smith

Hometown: Windsor

Short description of your band and your music: Australian folk-rock singer-songwriter.

Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? Well, I'm not sure if partying was the reason why I started playing music, but the answer is yes... and more so...

What is the best thing that's happened to you/your band so far? Me and the fellas got to live in Nashville last year recording, which was really where our new album came to life. We stayed up late jamming and really found our sound there.

Are your ambitions mainly artistic or commercial? To be honest I never really expect for my songs to find a place in the 'commercial' world. Since we started releasing music I've been blown away by so many people getting behind us.

Is your music best rendered in the studio or the live realm? I think the live realm is where we really sit. The boys are real shredders and I feel like the songs really come to life in a live setting.

If you could have any act past or present join you on your next tour who would you tap? Our next tour is a double headline with my great friend Ali Barter. She sings on a bunch of my songs and I love performing with her.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I'd like to find out how to stay creative and on top of everything. The last year has been an incredible whirlwind that I'm still trying to get my head around.

What acts are you looking forward to checking out at the BIGSOUND showcase? There are loads... The Pretty Littles, Crepes, Dorsal Fins, Sex On Toast, Sunbeam Sound Machine, Sui Zhen, Tiny Little Houses... the list goes on!

Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at BIGSOUND? I think it will be a great show and we've been practicing lots. It's our first chance playing a full band show in Brisbane and we're hoping to make a lasting impression.