Smashby, the fearless genre-blending artist known for his bold storytelling and infectious energy, is stepping into new musical terrain with his latest single, “First Rodeo.” Released April 4 via So Fierce Music/The Orchard/Sony Music Entertainment, the high-energy country-pop track is all about letting loose, embracing the moment, and finding joy in uncertain times.
“I hope this song lifts people’s spirits,” Smashby shares.“ 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.”
Despite the song’s playful nature, Smashby admits that letting new people into his life isn’t always easy. “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 says.
The real-life inspiration behind ‘First Rodeo’ remains a friend, giving him faith that not every guy has bad intentions. But at this stage in his life, Smashby isn’t looking for anything long term—he’s perfectly happy with lassoing a fun fling every now and then. When it comes to dreaming about his next cowboy, he 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.”
Sonically, “First Rodeo” fuses Smashby’s signature pop sound with country influences, making it the perfect track for honkytonks and line-dancing nights. He credits country icons like Miley Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves, Shania Twain, and Dasha as key inspirations for the song’s sound and storytelling.
The single follows the success of “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)” and represents an exciting evolution in his artistry. “I think it shows me leaning into trusting my gut more—taking risks with production and creativity,” Smashby 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, “First Rodeo” came together effortlessly. “It was seamless—exactly how I intended from the start,” Smashby recalls. “It was just so natural to sing—this song really fits me like a glove.”
A rising star in the LGBTQ+ music scene, Smashby has always been unapologetically himself. Growing up, he endured relentless teasing from classmates who mocked his looks, voice, and mannerisms. “To them, I was just the gay kid who wanted to be a star, and that wasn’t exactly the coolest thing in the 2000s/2010s,” he reflects. But coming out at 15 was a turning point. “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.”
With “First Rodeo,” Smashby continues to embrace his evolution while staying true to his core message—self-acceptance, resilience, and unapologetic joy. Whether on the dance floor, at a honkytonk, or in the hearts of his fans, Smashby is proving that his journey is just getting started.
“First Rodeo” is available on all major streaming platforms via So Fierce Music, distributed by The Orchard, a Sony Music company.