Aidan Smith
Aged somewhere between 23 and 26 and hailing from Eccles, Aidan Smith waltzed into the limelight in 2003 with two home recorded, 7-track mini-albums released on Manchester label Twisted Nerve. 'At Home With Aidan Smith' and its imaginatively titled follow up 'At Home With Aidan Smith 2' garnered praise from all corners of the press, and it was clear to most that these two releases heralded the arrival of a major new talent.
A bright and beguiling tunesmith who appeared with a much whispered about treasure trove of some 70 songs, Aidan Smith's native songwriting talent shone through the hiss, crackle and pop of these 4-track home recordings. Tripping merrily across piano and acoustic guitar, he wrote with acute vulnerability and delightful whimsy, and sang like a bird released. His most talked about number 'Song to Delia Smith' ("Delia/I'd like to feel your/hands upon my choppping board tonight") inspired the good woman's neighbour, the late John Peel, to ring up, offering to personally take a copy round to show her!
A nervous live performer, Aidan nevertheless took the requisite bull by its horns and made his live debut supporting Badly Drawn Boy at Manchester's Comedy Store. Rather than impale himself, he received a standing ovation from a crowd who knew they had seen the birth of something very special. A national tour (alongside King Creosote) followed, culminating in a sell-out headlining date at Matt & Phred's Jazz Club in Manchester which saw him leave the stage a local hero.
He picked up support slots with Yo La Tengo, The Thrills at the Eden Project and in Spring 2004, he opened for Calexico, this time with the addition of a full band comprising drums, bass, guitar and cornet.
This was the first clue as to where the boy had got to since mid-2003, namely making his first forays into a proper recording environment at Manchester's Analogue Catalogue studio. After a couple of 2004 festival appearances, including a headline slot on the second stage at the Green Man Festival, the first fruits of Aidan Smith's seclusion can be revealed on his third 7 track mini-album Early As The Trees. Containing the 3 minute piano-led pop lament of the title track, plus six more total charmers. Welcome back.
Aidan Smith released his full length debut 'Fancy Barrel' in 2005.
(Official Biography by Analogue Catalogue)
Website: http://www.aidansmith.net
