10 Questions with ... Anthony Smith

1) This past year you started your own label (Krankit Records) and recorded a new album called "Sunshine." When you started writing and recording for this album, what made you decide to go your own route instead of looking to sign with another label?

I just wanted artistic and creative control. I felt like most the major labels wanted to put me in a box and slap a big ole label on me that says genuine Nashville sound, and that's just not me.

2) You were signed to Mercury in the early 2000s and now of course you have Krankit. What are the advantages of both?

Getting radio play is the biggest advantage being on a major label. I wish it were only about the song and the artist's record to get a song played on radio, but unfortunately, its as much to do with radio promotion and their relationship with radio station PDs as anything, so the major labels have an advantage there. Indie labels cater more to fans, rather than to industry, they also take more chances musically while the majors play it far more safe.

3) Have you signed any additional artists to the Krankit roster yet? If not, do you plan to do so?

We are working with a few new artists through our production company.

4) From what I understand, "Sunshine" is not in stores yet, but it's out there if the fans want to hear it. What approach are you taking to getting the music out there?

True music lovers don't just find their music from hearing it on the radio. They search the Internet and go to shows to find what they want to listen to, kind of an underground group of folks who really know their music. With that knowledge we provide them with what we feel is the best, freshest original music available.

5) You're really into social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, etc. How important is it to you to stay connected with your fans utilizing these tools?

It is extremely important because you can get info out there at lighting speed to potentially millions of people including fans. For example you can follow me at www.twitter.com/AnthonySmithHQ. Hahaha!

6) You've written many great songs that were recorded by George Strait, Montgomery Gentry, Trace Adkins, Tim McGraw, etc. What was the first song of yours that you heard on the radio from another artist and how did you feel?

Trace Adkins' "I'm Tryin'" was the first song of mine that I heard on the radio. Rebecca Lynn Howard's "Let Me Know Where You Stand" was the first song I heard on TV in 1998. It made me feel like something I've been doing my whole life finally paid off, and that's the sweetest feeling that you can imagine.

7) Having heard you perform some of those hits for other artists in person, I really enjoyed hearing your take on them before those other folks recorded them. Would you ever consider re-releasing those popular songs you wrote for an album of your own one day?

I get asked that question a lot and I'm sure one day that will happen.

8) On "Sunshine" there's a track called "Hillbilly Romeos" that features the late great Porter Wagoner. What was it like working with him? Is it true that this was one of his last recordings before his passing?

Yes, it was one of the last country recording that Porter made and one of the most requested songs of the record. We became very close friends and stayed in contact over the phone. He and my dad passed away around the same time. Two weeks before my dad died I put them on the phone together and they talked about the old Porter Wagoner show and my dad loved that - he was a huge Porter Wagoner fan.

9) Your bio says that you started learning how to play guitar in elementary school. How old were you when you wrote your first song? Do you still remember how it goes?

I wrote my first melody at the age of 8 and I wrote my first melody with lyrics when I was 15. It was a gospel song. I remember most of it but would hate to attempt to play it now!

10) What is your favorite song that you wish you had written?

Aerosmith's "Dream On," just off the top of my head.

1) What was the first concert you ever attended?

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, followed up by Whitesnake a few years later.

2) Name some of your favorite albums that people would be surprised to see.

• Paul McCartney "Wing Span"
• The first Boston album
• Michael Jackson - "Thriller"
• Jerry Reed - "Amos Moses"
• Journey - "Escape"
• Eagles - Greatest Hits
• Fleetwood Mac - "Rumors"

3) What do you like to do for fun when you're not playing music, songwriting, producing, etc.?

I'm an avid ATV rider and camping aficionado!