Brand new album from John Smyths

Born in Nijmegen in the Netherlands, Johan Smits, known to country music audiences as John Smyths, has spent much of his life surrounded by music. Growing up in a household where his parents and older brother filled the air with melodies, he developed an early passion for sound that gradually bloomed into a lasting creative pursuit. It was only as his younger years began to settle that he discovered the genre that would ultimately define his musical identity. Country music, with its emotional honesty and stories of love, struggle and determination, gave him a voice that felt entirely his own.

Inspired by the likes of Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers and Tammy Wynette, John found himself drawn towards a tradition in which songwriting and storytelling sit at the heart of everything. Their influence helped shape his approach to music, encouraging a style built around heartfelt tales and the experiences that connect people across generations. His musical upbringing was never confined to country music alone however and before discovering its enduring appeal, he was captivated by the energy of rock, with Kiss, Van Halen, Iron Maiden and AC/DC providing an early education in powerful riffs and electrifying performances.

That combination of influences would eventually bring an extra edge to his country sound and long before streaming platforms became an essential part of an artist’s career, John was already taking his music across Europe. Performing in Germany, Belgium and his native Netherlands, he developed his presence on the live circuit, bringing his own interpretations of country classics to audiences while beginning to confirm his name as a songwriter. His early recording sessions in German studios saw him combine familiar country favourites with original material, setting up a career that’s continued to develop through persistence and a genuine love of the genre.

That dedication still shines brightly today and across Germany and the Netherlands, John has continued to perform in towns including Viechtach, Gerolstein, Wolfhagen and Nijmegen, maintaining a strong connection with the European country scene. His appearances at the Red Carpet Show International in Wageningen, where he received nominations for Country Voice of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, have provided further recognition of his work. A subsequent appearance at the Country Messe in Erfurt has added another exciting moment to a journey defined by years of performances and an enduring enthusiasm for country music.

Now, John Smyths brings these experiences together on his latest full-length album titled Memories and Empty Bottles. The record offers a collection of personal songs that reflect different aspects of his life, including the family-focused “My Little Girl” and material that turns the spotlight on the artist himself. Not just looking back, the album brings together the experiences, collaborations and musical influences that have shaped his development, offering a wider picture of a songwriter whose relationship with country music continues to develop.

Recording took place across several locations, including Bomb Shelter Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, Mirage Studio in the UK and Atelier Studio in the Netherlands. The sessions also brought together a range of experienced contributors, among them American songwriter Rita Weyls, Dutch songwriter Hilde Vos and British musician John P Taylor, who owns Mirage Studio. American fiddle player Niles Krieger, who lives in the UK, adds his instrument to the album’s fiddle-led tracks.

Opening the record with “I’m Dutch,” the twang of guitar, shuffle of drums and bright flicker of fiddle combine to form a bouncy country rock jam capped by John’s warm vocal leads as he spins catchy melodic hooks and storytelling lyrics above the grooving backdrop. Several songs arrive with recognition already behind them; “Last Night” spent four months in the Cashbox Country Top 100 in the United States, offering a gentle country outing that flows with downtempo rhythms, intricate instrumentation and emotive vocal performance.

Other hits include the jaunty, uptempo track “Now I’m Wiser” which charges forward with driving drums, slick guitars and jaunty piano flickers as John’s expressive vocals ring out above. “My Brother, My Friend” leans into John’s emotive songwriting with a charming musical moment that glides with breezy rhythmic sway, impassioned vocals and heartfelt lyricism. “One Night in a Honky Tonk” brings bags of country cheer with a jumpy jam brimming with storytelling lines and instantly catchy hooks.

Closing the record with “Those Bones of Mine,” John serves up a smokey and highly affecting country rock outing packed full of belted vocals and stunning instrumental flourishes to offer a truly epic finale to the album. With Memories and Empty Bottles, John Smyths brings together decades of musical experience, international collaboration and personal storytelling to deliver a superb country album that’s sure to stand the test of time.

Listen to Memories and Empty Bottles below