J Smith - On Our Radar Q&A: "Working with so many Irish artists exposed me to styles I might never have listened to"

How did you approach the sound of I Stood There Naked?

J Smith: My earlier work was made quietly, in the shadows of my old band, Gypsies On The Autobahn. For I Stood There Naked, I drew on years of experience producing other bands and connecting with amazing musicians. I also spent time with my daughter, who inspired much of the album. I wrote on guitar and piano, then collaborated in the studio, letting the tape run and experimenting freely – a more open, exploratory process than my earlier, closed-door approach.

Was there a moment in the studio when you felt everything click into place?

The recording clicked from the start. When my engineer had to step out at the last minute, I ended up recording it myself. We played several takes, only to realise the hard drive had filled after the first take - but that was the only hiccup. Otherwise, it flowed smoothly. The strong relationship with the players, and a clear vision, made it easy to communicate ideas, creating a natural and enjoyable studio experience.

You’ve worked with a lot of Irish artists as an engineer and producer. How does that experience inform your own records?

Working with so many Irish artists exposed me to styles I might never have listened to, along with different recording approaches. It allowed me to experiment and learn, so by the time I recorded my own album, I knew what I wanted and how to achieve it. I always try to capture the energy and excitement of a studio in my own work.

Which acts are inspiring you at the moment?

I’m inspired by artists like Billie Marten and Adrianne Lenker, and Irish acts like Amble, who are reviving acoustic music. I love that you can hear real people playing together – the small mistakes, the resonances. It feels authentic, unlike music made entirely on laptops or with samples. I think people are craving live, human-made music, music that reminds them someone is truly playing in the room, not something AI-generated.

After I Stood There Naked is out, what’s next?

I hope to get back into the studio, but my main focus is my family. Recording and preparing a release takes mental energy, so I’m looking forward to a clear mind and finding inspiration for a third album.

I Stood There Naked is out now.