THE LYRICAL PERFORMING AT VIBEZ IN THE VINES, CASSEGRAIN WINERY ON SATURDAY, 2ND OCTOBER 2021 Karl Smith has been performing since 2000, starting out as a busker in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Back in his hip-hop crew days, a fellow rapper, Day Know, jokingly described Karl as “The Lyrical Shaman” and he has been trying to live up to that name ever since. The Lyrical cut his teeth on the streets busking three nights a week and quickly became a wellknown music champion to the thousands who stopped to dance and play along over the years.
“I love busking,” says Karl, “It’s the best way to talk to everyday people with your 70
music, and when you busk, you hear the real truth about it. If people don’t like it, they tell you! If they think you’re inspiring, they tell you that too. It’s great!” This authentic feedback has translated into a wonderful stage presence, a one of a kind gig and the audience’s appreciation is clear! Growing up in the Solomon Islands, a lot of his music is influenced by his early years. Not just traditional music of the islands, but arguably dated pop
music and Disney songs he was exposed to as a kid. While living in Honiara he began playing and creating music with his neighbour Tommy (a.k.a. Solomon from Flow Etiquette). They developed their passion for music together, sitting near the radio whilst copying the music with their mouths because they had no instruments. “If we weren’t doing that, we were drumming on cardboard boxes with chopsticks or blowing through a plastic pipe,” Karl says of his childhood with a reminiscent laugh.
