At just 17 years old, Ty Smith is already carving out a place for himself as a compelling new voice in the red dirt country scene. With a maturity beyond his years and a gift for crafting emotionally resonant songs, Ty blends traditional influences with a distinct personal perspective, offering listeners music that is both rooted and refreshingly original.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and raised in nearby Sand Springs, Ty grew up surrounded by music. His grandmother owned a pool hall that regularly hosted local and touring bands, exposing him early on to the energy of live performance and the power of storytelling through song. That environment planted the seeds of a passion that would grow into a full-time pursuit. A self-taught musician, Ty began playing drums at age four and taught himself guitar by 12, opening the door to songwriting, which quickly became his creative cornerstone.

Ty’s songs are known for their emotional depth, introspective lyrics, and thoughtful arrangements. Often described as “sad songs with a strong beat,” his music challenges assumptions about what young artists can express. Drawing influence from artists like Shane Smith and the Saints and American Aquarium, Ty explores universal themes of loss, longing, and resilience, demonstrating emotional insight and songwriting maturity that belies his age. As Saving Country Music put it: “This isn’t ‘tear in my beer’ country music full of timeless sentiments or trite clichés. This is ‘rip your heart out of your rib cage and stomp on it’ country.”