Plain Mister Smith returns with a shimmering new single, ‘Miss Sunshine’, out now via Amelia Records/Symphonic, marking the first in a series of releases leading up to a full-length album in 2026. With roots as a guitarist for Canadian darkwave pioneers Moev and current work as a cellist with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vancouver-and-London-based artist has cultivated a distinct voice under the Plain Mister Smith moniker, melding indie-folk sensibilities with offbeat lyricism and genre-fluid production. Praised by CLASH Magazine, NOTION, Under the Radar, Earmilk, METAL, Noctis Mag, and Atwood Magazine, Smith’s latest offering delivers jangly guitars, heartfelt vocals, and a bittersweet melodic core, echoing influences from Pixies and Tame Impala to Death Cab for Cutie and The Beatles.
Miss Sunshine’ explores empathy and admiration. Was it inspired by a specific person or event, or a blend of people and feelings over time?
I came up with the first line in my head, trying to match words to the melody. “I never knew you were such a softy – can’t you learn to say no”, and then began to think some of the people I know at work like that, as well as some of the people that take advantage of a ’softy’s desire to please’ and from there I just elaborated. A song was born! Lyrics happen like that for me sometimes.
From Moev guitarist to Vancouver Philharmonic cellist, how have these contrasting musical worlds shaped Plain Mister Smith’s sound?
Good question. I think it’s more the many artists that have so inspired me over the years that have played a part in shaping Plain Mister Smith’s sound. While in Moev it was artists like OMD, Blur or the Smiths that sent shivers up my spine. Later, as I dove into classical music it was artists like Bryce Dressner, Ryuichi Sakamoto, or Toru Takemitsu. Their influences aren’t always obvious. Perhaps whether it’s the string arrangements in some of Plain Mister Smith’s music, or the weird timings through many of the songs, maybe I’m at least inspired to learn from these masters and apply elements of their compositional craft in Plain Mister Smith music…..
Your ‘Miss Sunshine’ lyrics feel playful but sincere at the same time. How do you achieve that emotional balance in your songwriting?
Some of the greatest lyricists, like McCartney & Lennon, Jarvis Cocker or Daman Albon can use a little subtle tongue in cheek humour or irony to draw people into the lyrics. If you are too ‘on the nose’ with lyrics there’s no mystery to them. Fans tune out. Being a little playful makes the lyrics open to interpretation and can shape them to mean almost whatever the listener wants them to mean. But that doesn’t meant they can’t be any less poignant or powerful.
Being based between Vancouver and London, how do these very different cities influence your creative process and storytelling?
Vancouver is usually where I can retreat and compose and produce; London is more where I get inspired. There is so much amazing music coming out of England and I find the sense of collaboration between artists in England is really strong and open and as much as ever there are artists pushing boundaries in London, and I love that…it’s really important.
What’s next for you?
I’m having fun cooking up some visuals to go with the songs from the new album (coming out in Spring 2026), finishing some new collaborations and just about to dive back into Orchestral season again.
Thanks for your questions and supporting Plain Mister Smith!