photo credit River Clark

At 18 years young, drummer Kevin Smart is already making a name for himself and then some. Having already performed with the likes of Fall Out Boy, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Jason Derulo and Austin Mahone to name a few, Kevin got his start with the School of Rock, which he describes as “pretty cool—everyone comes together and plays music. I learned a whole lot from a bunch of musicians that are around [my] age, all studying privately.”

Now professional, one highlight for the musician was playing the legendary NYC venue Highline Ballroom. “That was pretty awesome/surreal,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what I was doing – I was only 14! But I just rocked out and had a blast.” This seems to be Kevin’s natural state. When asked if he ever deals with stage fright, his answer is simply that it’s “natural to me to just chill out and play.” Good answer for a performer who’s shared the stage with Miley!

In terms of touring, of which Kevin has already done a fair share, favorite experiences included playing with The Stolen (as a bassist as well!) and particularly Jake Miller – “totally surreal playing so many shows to so many people!”

At the end of the day, Kevin still considers himself a down to earth kid before rock star (that can come later). “I feel like a kid, and musician. I am still in school. Education is really important no matter how much I dread going to high school every day!” he jokes.

Kevin’s favorite YA film is The Sandlot, because it mirrors the best advice he’s ever gotten, about staying positive and working hard. For him, the message of that film is, “with all the hard work, you can do something with your life!”