Smashby is saddling up and blazing a trail into uncharted musical territory with his latest single, “First Rodeo,” a country-pop anthem that’s bound to have fans kicking up their heels. Releasing via So Fierce Music, The Orchard, and Sony Music Entertainment, the track showcases Smashby’s knack for blending genres, delivering an energetic, feel-good bop that’s all about letting loose, embracing life’s unpredictable moments, and finding joy no matter what.
In true Smashby fashion, “First Rodeo” is a vibrant celebration of spontaneity and fun—perfect for pulling on cowboy boots and hitting the dance floor with friends or even having a solo dance party at home. “I hope this song lifts people’s spirits,” Smashby says. “The LGBTQ+ community is going through a really tough period right now, and we need some joy. ‘First Rodeo’ is just a fun bop to throw on our cowboy boots and have a dance party with our besties. Or alone—those are good dance parties too.”
But beneath the playful vibe lies a personal reflection on trust and the challenge of letting people in. Smashby admits it’s not always easy to open up, especially in a world where discrimination still lingers. “In all honesty, there’s so much violence and anger towards people like me that I don’t really feel safe dating right now,” he reveals. Despite these feelings, “First Rodeo” is inspired by a real-life friendship, which reminds him that not everyone has bad intentions. Right now, he’s all about enjoying the ride—whether it’s a casual fling or just a wild night out. When it comes to dream cowboy companions, Smashby keeps it lighthearted. “Leo Woodall from the Bridget Jones movie would be a fun time. Or Robert Irwin—he’s got golden retriever energy, which I love! And for actual cowboy vibes, Orville Peck—stunnerella! Oh, and my friend met Michael B. Jordan the other day, and I’m pretty jealous of that, so we’ll add him in there too.”
Musically, “First Rodeo” merges Smashby’s signature pop sensibilities with a country flair, drawing on influences from icons like Miley Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves, Shania Twain, and Dasha. The result is a track that feels just as at home in a honkytonk as it does on the pop charts, complete with boot-stomping beats and catchy hooks. It’s a sound that captures the excitement and unpredictability of a wild ride, much like Smashby’s own journey as an artist.
“First Rodeo” represents a bold evolution in his music, following the success of his country-pop crossover “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You).” The new single showcases a more confident, risk-taking side of Smashby, leaning into his instincts and pushing creative boundaries. “I think it shows me leaning into trusting my gut more—taking risks with production and creativity,” he explains. “The song captures the energy my audience sees from me on stage.” Co-written with Emmie Jay and Velvet Code and produced by Jon Cass and Velvet Code, the track came together seamlessly. “It was effortless—exactly how I intended from the start,” Smashby recalls. “It was just so natural to sing—this song really fits me like a glove.”
Smashby’s journey has been anything but easy. Growing up, he faced relentless teasing from classmates who mocked his looks, voice, and mannerisms. Being the “gay kid who wanted to be a star” wasn’t exactly a ticket to popularity in the 2000s and 2010s. But coming out at 15 was a pivotal moment for Smashby—one that freed him from insecurities and societal expectations. “Once I came out, a lot of my insecurities started to disappear. I started to unlearn what had been projected onto me by society and finally got to start living within my own boundaries,” he reflects.
Now, Smashby stands unapologetically as himself—bold, joyful, and unrestrained. With “First Rodeo,” he invites listeners to join in on the fun, kick up some dust, and embrace life’s unpredictability. Whether it’s on the dance floor, at a honkytonk, or through a set of headphones, Smashby is making sure everyone has the chance to enjoy the ride. The new single is available on all major streaming platforms, bringing Smashby’s infectious energy and authentic spirit to fans everywhere.
It may be his “First Rodeo,” but Smashby is proving he’s more than ready for the wild ride.
Smashby’s “First Rodeo” is available on all major platforms.
