Brent Smith found himself at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival in September, stuck in a line of ATVs and golf carts when he saw thousands of fans recognizing the lead singer of Shinedown as well as members of Papa Roach and country singer Oliver Anthony. The festival had been called off early due to bad weather, but Smith wanted to find a way to play for those still on the grounds. They found a platform in a field and with no microfone, autotune, or massive speakers, they performed and hundreds of fans congregated to watch. The impromptu performance quickly circulated online, leading fans to praise the artists for their show-must-go-on approach.
Smith insists his band not be pigeonholed and has embraced the gathering of diverse fans, from young white males to an older gray-haired woman seen rocking out at their concert. This inclusivity has shaped their latest single, “A Symptom of Being Human,” about self-doubt and anxiety. The song, already a hit on rock charts, has crossed over to attract an older and more diverse listener. Smith pushed their label to promote the song in the adult contemporary format, which worked when it hit Number 15 on Adult Pop Airplay.
Shinedown is also making inroads into other music genres, headlining a country-rock festival and advocating for artists like Olivia Rodrigo to be played on active rock stations. Smith believes that “A Symptom of Being Human” can unite listeners from different backgrounds in a time of polarization.
Ultimately, Smith’s message and music, like “A Symptom of Being Human,” emphasize the importance of embracing all audiences and being true to oneself.