"Talking Stuff With Mike D" #1

Mike D interviews Arin Smith. 

Im very excited to say that I had the opportunity to get a quick interview with my friend and fellow musician Arin Smith! Arin is a regular in the Ohio Riot scene. He's been hanging out every Thursday at open mic. He blesses us with his raw punk rock sound. He's looking to play more shows so check out his demo here:

https://shittysmitty.bandcamp.com/album/demo and book my dude at a venue near you! 

 

MD: First of all, I want to give ya a big thanks for joining me! 

AS :And thanks for having me! I'm excited to see how this project grows and I also want to thank you for hosting me at your Ohio Riot Open Mic during this last year!

Q:Tell em who you are? where are you from? 

A: I'm Arin, I'm from Dayton though I moved away when I was 11 and I've been out and about since. However a hurricane has brought me back.

Q: What instruments do you play?

A: I play guitar and lyre! I fiddle with flutes and such here there but I wouldn't call myself competant.

Q: How long have you been involved with the Ohio D.I.Y. scene? 

A: Ever since I moved back in 2021.

Q: What are some of your favorite spots for shows? 

A: My Apartment lol. But Around Dayton I go to alot of shows at Blind Rage Records. And when I'm not going to a show, I'm usually found at DK Effect! And I have to bring up Blind Bob's and Cosmo Joe's as well.

Q: What are some of your favorite local spots to eat? 

A: Hoshi Ramen, El Toro, and The Trolley Stop are my favorite spots. I do still need to explore the food trucks around here though.

Q: Do you have any gigs coming up? 

A: Nothing set in stone atm, But I'm hoping that'll change soon.

MD: You all heard it here first book my dude!

MD: Let's talk about that new demo of yours!

Q: How did you go about recording it? 

A: Haphazardly. I have a cheap 2 input audio interface. I run everything through Caewalk, set the levels so nothing clips and run it like I would performing it. It's just to get something out there to tell everyone I exist in Some capacity.

Q.Whats your favorite track?

A: Honestly I feel like Knockin Down Heaven's door is my favorite track. It's really fun to play too. 

Q: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences? 

A: I'd say The Restarts, Adolescents, and Rancid. (I don't approve of what Timothy Timebomb did to Brody Dalle, But I was heavily influenced by Rancid in my youth)

Q: Been to any good shows lately?

A: Honestly I've been checking out the local drag shows lately! Dayton has a really strong Drag community. So yes, I have been to good shows lately, but not the type of show you were expecting! Otherwise I've been a total shut in as of late.

Q: Where can people find you online? 

A: I'll be leaving all Meta platforms soon so it's best to find me on Bluesky atm. Otherwise I'm not super active online. (arinsmitty.bsky.social)

Q: What are some bands in your area that are worth a mention?

A: For Dayton I'd reccomend Houseghost, Raging Nathans, D.O.S., and Bomb Bunny.

AS: I do also want to shout out Troy's own Bundy and the Spins and Springfield's Brothers Pennington, if I may.

 

 

THANKS FOR READING! 

-Mike Defendant