Playing Across the Country with Chuck Smith of Stray Deuce
If you’ve been creating music for more than 30 years, you’ve definitely seen some things and worked with plenty of talented people. Chuck Smith is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who performs under the name Stray Deuce. He’s performed and recorded all across the U.S., working with Diana Ross, The Funk Brothers, Lee Ritenour, Paul Williams, Johnny Rivers, and more.
Of course, Chuck’s a talented musician himself. He’s conducted multiple songwriting workshops, taught hundreds of people guitar, bass, vocals, and songwriting, and can play across just about every genre. He’s also received a Clio Award for writing music for radio commercials.
Chuck sat down with Good People, Cool Things to talk about Stray Deuce, his musical inspirations, and his worst shows.
Do you remember the first song or artist that made you want to make music?
I come from a very musically inclined family on both sides, and my dad was a jazz buff. In first grade, I was listening to swing bands, be-bop, some Top 40 pop at the time. Once Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis exploded, my focus changed to the guitar. I was in a band before Elvis went into the Army.
Both my parents were good singers, so that came naturally. It’s when I saw The Beach Boys’ first album cover in their flannel shirts and jeans, barefoot, vintage woodie with surfboards, that showed me a picture of freedom, which is what rock should be about. Early Ray Charles was another huge influence, and then James Brown.
You've done plenty of interesting things, from recording with Diana Ross to techno-funk soundtracks for Planet Fashion. Does your approach to creating differ based on the project?
Obviously, when there’s a specific theme to a project, then you’re duty bound to work with what you’re given. In my case, I’ve usually been hired because the client has heard my stuff, and wants that sound. For Diana Ross, the president of Motown loved a funk tune I’d written with a friend and pitched it to her producer.
You recently recorded an ode to Billie Eilish—why does her story appeal to you?
The story of Billie and her brother is a great one. They did all the recording in a bedroom on a laptop. Wrote the tunes together, have a very close relationship with their parents. The label was smart and left them alone. They’re both excellent singers, and she’s magnanimous with her fans. What’s not to like? I don’t buy her records, but think she’s the real deal.
Do you have a top tip for people learning how to play guitar/bass or sing?
For anyone learning an instrument, take it slow and deliberate, and use proper technique. It makes things so much easier. Use music that you like. You’re apt to practice more.
For singers, vocalize in the car if you drive. Great place to practice without worrying about someone listening. And, remember, modern vocalizing is basically controlled yelling all the way from your gut, not your throat.
What’s your worst gig?
Fraternity parties were always the worst gigs. Everybody’s drunk and wants to sing, or bash the drums, or tip your mic stand for laughs, or spill beer on your amp. It was so bad at one house that we refused to play there again until they begged us, and literally built a wire cage, with a roof even, all around the stage area.
Then, there was the gig playing on a moving flatbed truck for a hayride. At one point, the vehicle had to brake for a deer, and our bass player pitched over the side onto a dusty dirt road and broke his arm.
Worst gig stories are plentiful for any musician.
What’s next for you?
I’ve been in the process of writing and recording a considerable batch of new material. A fair amount is topical—the pandemic, Putin, climate change, Billie Eilish. I’ve also commissioned videos with lyrics for all the tunes. All are very entertaining.
These can be viewed and heard at straydeuce.com or my YouTube channel.