Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnathan Smith.
Hi Johnathan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in East Chicago, Indiana. I was a drummer first. Began playing at the age of 4 in church with my mother. My journey with playing piano/keyboards, started at the age 9, in my mother’s church. She was the pastor. Was active in school (elementary, Jr. High) with different musicals and talent shows. Even had my own band in Jr. High. We had various gigs around the town at that time.
In 2003, I moved to Charleston, West Virginia. That’s where I really began my journey in playing “keys”. I was a student of Capital High School (Performing Arts). I was the piano player for the show choir there for 3 years. We won awards as a group, and separately. While being a student, I was also playing in various churches throughout my High School journey. I graduated in 2007. Went to West Virginia State University right after high school, to study Music Education (I really wanted a Performance Degree. lol) I was in the Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz band. Went with the jazz band to Austria for 2 weeks, to study music, be inspired, and perform. Was also still playing in various churches and bands around town while in college. halfway through 2009, I decided to start my career as a musician, ALL THE WAY. I found me a solid weekly gig in town with some friends (residency), while having a steady church gig, and I got to work! In the summer of 2011, I went on my first tour for a month, to Japan, with American Idol Semi Finalists. (Jimmie Allen, Janell Wheeler, Colin Benward, Ta-Tynisa Wilson), and others.
After my first tour, I went back to work in Charleston. Doing the local gigs, every week. Weekend Warrior, Did it. I played gospel, jazz, rock, bluegrass and jam band music, all at the same time, just to stay busy. Was still doing the church thing lol. Then, I started my own band in 2014/2015 with my best friends. The name was ‘GrooveHeavy”. We did shows, had residencies, and even recorded music. That was my Baby lol.
In the year of 2017, I felt the ceiling. I knew that where I was, was not the ceiling. Not the max capacity. So life had happened. I lost both of my grandparents in 2016. They were/are my world! In the midst of me trying to process the loss of them, I made a call to my other best friend (brother) who lived in Nashville, and was the reason why I had the opportunity to go on my first tour. (Isaac Wriston). I simply asked him, “If I take a leap of faith and move to Nashville, will you help me find WORK?” He said, “Come Home J”. I cried so hard in the hospital (2016). People assumed I was grieving over my grandfather transitioning, but I was crying because I felt the release. God was allowing me to go. I had no intentions on leaving until he said so. (Imma spiritual cool guy. lol)
So All the things happened. I was quiet about my moves. I didn’t tell my best friends, I told my mom like 3 days before I was leaving. I had a touring gig lined up with my bro, Isaac. I was good.
So I left, in summer of 2017, June to be exact.
I had no car, I left most of my gear with my friends, because they had to figure out how to rebrand/carry on the residencies that we had. I left with my 3 keyboards and MacBook Air. While driving in the moving truck to Nashville, the gig falls thru!
I had to pivot while driving. I was still coming to Nashville. So I got a job at Guitar Center. This job was a power move, because where I lived, (WV) we didn’t have all the new gear that people were using in the industry. That was how I was upgraded.
I said I wasn’t gonna play in church this time. I was moving to Nashville to tour the world! In 2018, I met a guy at Guitar Center, and ended up playing at his church lol. When I started playing there, little did I know, I was right where I needed to be. A lot of the musicians who were “working” in Nashville, frequented this particular church. Super Cool. Then, my buddy Isaac said, “hey, wanna do this Amazon gig? It’s paying $16 an hour, paid every week, with benefits!” I said, I’M ON DEEE WAYYY!! LOL
So I left Guitar Center. Was at Amazon. Then I got an opportunity, thru Craigslist, to audition with a touring band. (The Wilson Brothers) We did shows and festivals. Now we got some motion!!! In that time, I met more great ppl and got locked in with a great church towards the end of 2018. They are my family. I still attend and serve at that church now. (Judah Temple Of Praise).
In 2019, I got a bigger opportunity. Being the keyboard player for Hunter Hayes. This one was big. I made family members and insane memories that I still hold with me today!
Meanwhile, I’m also recording and trying to be a session guy as well. In 2018/2019, I began to play on records that were in the R&B/Hip Hop World. Once again, hanging with my buddy Isaac, I was connected to a producer who was producing for big R&B/Hip Hop Artists. From 2018-2023, I’ve recorded keyboard parts, piano, synth, etc for Chris Brown, H.E.R., 2Chainz & Ariana Grande, Jazmine Sullivan, Chloe Bailey, and others.
Things were going wild!!!! lol. In 2022, I found my current home with a touring act. Brothers Osborne. I was also playing in Nashville while doing all of this. I even started my own band!! I Have music BTW! lol.
My name was brought up in some conversations, and I was suggested as a fill in for Brothers Osborne. I dropped everything I was doing and said YES! lol. I didn’t know their material, the songs that they were famous for. I just knew that this was the one!
So I came in as the fill in, and I left as the new Keyboard player for the band. And here we are now.
I knew what was for me. Im so glad I took “A Leap Of Faith”,
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a musician, producer, Musical Director, touring musician, session player and artist! I play keys! Ive played on some big R&B tracks over the past few years. Damage by H.E.R., Come Together by Chris Brown, On It by Jazmine Sullivan & Ari Lennox, and others. Im the Keyboard Player for Brothers Osborne!!!
I am most proud of being able to STILL have work and to STILL be WORKING!
I’m a Swiss knife! lol. You can put me in different rooms, and I will still stay true to the vibes while being Who I am.
How do you define success?
Success is the solution to my equation in life.
Drive + Intentionality = Success
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.phaededmusik.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnieteckno
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhaededMusik
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnnieteckno
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/honest-anxiety-ep/1807662790
