“Detroit’s musical legacy was built primarily on a combination of Motown’s soul music and high energy rock & roll. My music was directly influenced by the songs of Dennis Edwards (of The Temptaions ‘psychedelic soul era’), Wilson Pickett, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Mitch Ryder, Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, The Rockets, and The Romantics. John Lee Hooker also spent time living and recording in Detroit.”

Pat Smillie: The Chemistry of Sounds

Originally from Detroit, Pat Smillie earned a reputation as a powerhouse vocalist on the Chicago blues scene, including a residency at the legendary Checkerboard Lounge. He passionately presents his songs in different musical settings: soul, rock and blues.  And you can quickly hear in which tradition Pat Smillie stands. His sound, his vibrato. and the phrasing of his singing are high art. With his latest album “LAST CHANCE” (2021, Fat Bank Music), Detroit-born songwriter Pat Smillie, has delivered an album built upon his open vision of soul, blues, and American roots music. The album showcases his ability to traverse a variety of genres including rock, blues, and soul, in a manner that is reminiscent of his earliest influences including Joe Cocker, Otis Redding, Delbert McClinton, and Detroit’s iconic soul rocker, Mitch Ryder. In addition, the album contains some of the strongest compositions of Smillie’s career - highlighting his gift for storytelling across an array of musical backdrops, including classic 50s-60s r&b, early Detroit rock & roll, West side Chicago blues, and soul-kissed Americana.

(Pat Smillie / Photo by Joe Mazza)

2026 is an exceptionally creative year for Pat Smillie, who makes a dynamic return from Detroit with three brand-new singles full of authentic energy, outstanding collaborations, and rich arrangements. With some of the city's finest musicians by his side, Smillie proves once again that music is the ultimate medicine. His three single releases for this year are "Next To Nothing", "The Day After Yesterday", and the recent "Oil & Water"—a special release produced by Pat Smillie and Josh Ford that crosses genres. Recorded at The Sound Shop Studio, it beautifully showcases the band's top-notch chemistry.

Interview by Michael Limnios                           Archive: Pat Smillie, 2024 Interview

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

I’ve grown more comfortable with the recording process. Especially, singing in a studio setting and hearing my voice during the playbacks. I always learn a couple of new things during each recording project. I try to carry those lessons forward with me into the next session. My enthusiasm for live performance has remained the same over the years. If anything, I think I take it more seriously now (than when I was 24-25 yrs old). Over the past 3-4 years, I’ve been doing vocal warm-ups before every gig and session.

What keeps you passionate over the years in Soul, Blues, and Rock music? How does your hometown affect your music?

Detroit’s musical legacy was built primarily on a combination of Motown’s soul music and high energy rock & roll. My music was directly influenced by the songs of Dennis Edwards (of The Temptaions ‘psychedelic soul era’), Wilson Pickett, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Mitch Ryder, Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, The Rockets, and The Romantics. John Lee Hooker also spent time living and recording in Detroit.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The most important lesson I learned was to respect the song, the audience, and your fellow musicians by always performing sober.

Don’t talk shit about other musicians. Keep it positive. Keep it professional.

Stay focused on your own musical path. Don’t be distracted by what others post on their social media - keep writing and recording your own music!

Play good shows. Always bet on yourself!

“I think “Oil & Water” blends elements of r&b/soul, country rock, and blues. The key to the track is the pocket established by Todd Glass (drums) and Rocco Popeilasrki (bass) - they groove like mid-70s era Mick Fleetwood & John McVie. I love the lyric and it’s one of my favorite lead vocals.” (Pat Smillie, his sound, his vibrato. and the phrasing of his singing are high art / Photo by Joe Mazza)

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

As I mentioned earlier, over the past 3-4 years, I’ve been doing a 10-minute vocal warm-up before every gig and session. It makes a huge difference. I also drink lots of water and get enough rest. Whenever possible, I like to spend 10-15 minutes on my own before a show (or while on break). It helps me collect my thoughts and prepare for the performance. In addition, I always bring a hot cup of Throat Coat tea with me onstage. It works wonders! My old friend and Chicago blues guitarist, Tom Holland first turned me on to this magic tea while we were on the 2022 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. I’ve used it ever since. I tell my friends, if your throat is too sore sing it will help get your through a rough night. If your voice already feels good, it will only make it stronger! It acts almost like a steroid. I don’t how or why it works, but I swear by it!

In your new single 'Oil & Water', it is mentioned that this is a track that 'crosses genres'. How did this sonic direction come about, and what was your vision when you decided to mix these different musical elements under the title 'Oil & Water'?

I think “Oil & Water” blends elements of r&b/soul, country rock, and blues. The key to the track is the pocket established by Todd Glass (drums) and Rocco Popeilasrki (bass) - they groove like mid-70s era Mick Fleetwood & John McVie. I love the lyric and it’s one of my favorite lead vocals. The vocal break (“oil & water”) that occurs before each guitar solo came out of a ‘happy accident’ we discovered during a playback in the studio. So, we kept it. It became one of the hooks in the song.

In your album Last Chance (2021), the track 'Drinkin' & Druggin'' speaks openly about your difficult road to recovery. How easy or therapeutic is it for a blues artist to turn their darkest, personal experiences into music?

Every artist is different. I’ve been sober from alcohol for more than 7 years. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. Approximately 3/4 of my songs are rooted in personal experience.However, they are not necessarily 100% autobiographical. Some lyrical details (or descriptions) may have been invented/embellished for poetic purposes. I try to serve the overall song as best I can.

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(Pat Smillie / Photo by Joe Mazza)