Paul Smith (musician)

Infobox musical artist |
Name = Paul Smith

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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Paul Smith
Born = birth date and age|1979|3|13
flagicon|EnglandBillingham, England
Instrument = Vocals, Guitar
Genre = Indie rock
Art rock
Occupation = Vocalist, Songwriter
Years_active = 2000-Present
Associated_acts = Maxïmo Park

Paul Smith (born March 13, 1979), from Billingham, in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees, is the singer for British indie group Maxïmo Park.

Biography

Smith is the oldest of three children, and was educated at Northfield School. He briefly worked as an art teacher [cite web|last = Benzine|first = Adam|title = The 5-Minute Interview: Paul Smith, Singer|url = http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article2496627.ece|accessdate = 2007-11-16] at Stockton Sixth Form College before he was asked to join the band. He attended Newcastle University.

He wears a varied amount of hats and notably it is his trademark. Before Smith was recruited to Maxïmo Park they were a four-piece band on the verge of splitting up. Bassist Archis Tiku was originally going to be lead singer, but revealed to the band that he had no intention of being its frontman. Smith was discovered by the then-girlfriend of drummer Tom English in a pub while he was singing along to Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". Providing the band with a stage presence, Smith began to write songs with the group, despite never imagining himself as the frontman of a band. Smith had never sung on stage beforehand. He was thrown out of the school choir, supposedly because he was afraid to sing solo. He can also play the guitar.

Smith's on-stage behaviour is noted as being a little odd - particularly his dancing, pointing and handchops whilst singing. Some have compared him to Morrissey and Jarvis Cocker. On stage he is also noted for his humour in between songs. After shows Paul often comes out to greet his fans.

Paul Smith did a part on "MTV Cribs" in 2006, in which he did not show his home, but a villa in Ibiza, in which Maxïmo Park were staying.

In 2007 he made a cover of "Apply Some Pressure" with Mark Ronson.

In 2007 his A-level Art self portrait project was auctioned off for charity by Stockton Sixth Form College.

In 2008 it was announced that he would be creating a solo album similar to the one that has been released by band mate Duncan Lloyd

References