About

Simon Smith is the Hertfordshire based singer, musician and song writer and founder of the indie folk rock and roots band Carry the Can.

He is known for his playing, inspirational songs, strong lyrics and melodies. The music is rooted in experiences, events and places. It reflects the lives, feelings and emotions of the people he meets. He also finds inspiration in nature and the outdoors. Mountains are a big part of his life. Performances have strong links to the venues, community, grassroots music, local businesses, charities and arts projects.

Fans say:

“Great music with poetic lyrics”

“Thanks to Simon for the excellent music”

“Hugely successful, thank you Simon for putting on the show”

“Your lyrics are so good. Could we use them …and even publish as poetry”

“Together music and strong lyrics”

“We were spellbound with War Coffee, especially as the violin came in”

Simon has recorded five albums. His latest is Repair Café released in April 2025. His sixth album, Island of Dreams is planned for release in 2027. There is an EP planned for that year too. Collaborations with other musicians involve writing, recording and live performance.

The narrative content is an important part of Simon’s music. The physical albums have provided Simon with an opportunity to use artists’ creative talents to develop artwork and graphics that reflect that.

Simon’s music has been heard on the radio and TV. He appeared on Carlton TV singing ‘The Spinney’. Tony Francis, the presenter described it as “haunting and beautiful”, the programme played out to it.

An early live performance came with the Rock of the Day Community Arts Project. This was followed swiftly by the Puddingstone Arts Project with Bob Jones. They toured the villages of Hertfordshire listening to the oral history of villagers. They created poetry and songs and went back to perform them. Bob and Simon performed for a while as the duo Also Smith and Jones.

One songwriting commission came from The Buntingford Local History and Railway Society. They wanted to memorise their railway line closure in song. The ‘Bunt’ as it was known was showcased on the ‘End of the Line’ CD. ‘The Old Days’ is an audience favourite.