Talented songwriter Waiting For Smith takes over this week’s 1883 On Rotation playlist.

Harry Lloyd AKA Waiting For Smith has a penchant for crafting the most gorgeous songs. They border on almost feeling like a spiritual experience given how they’re so lovingly put together, there’s emotive vocals, serene melodies, tender instrumentals, and a real sense of optimism instilled in them. The artist was previously a ski instructor in the French Alps and during avalanche training, there was an accident where he ended up breaking his bris back in two places. Whilst in a helicopter en route to the hospital, he thought if recovery was possible, he would dedicate his life to music, and since 2017 onwards that’s exactly what he has set out to do.

Over the years, the artist has achieved over 4.5 million Spotify streams, been supported by a list of credible tastemakers, and he’s about to embark on a EU headline tour in April. After putting out his latest Small Things EP, the rising artist is finally releasing his debut record, Raised Up, next month as well.

Now, Waiting For Smith has curated a list of some of his favourite tracks for this week’s 1883 Magazine playlist.

A note from Waiting For Smith

I put this “Healing & Calm” playlist together for 1883 to bring you peace, some joy, hopefully inspire and motivate you if you’re stuck. All these songs helped bring me just that at the moments I needed them most.

“Stir It Up” – Bob Marley 

Like “Three Little Birds” this record has the ability to just reset my nervous system and body whatever I’m experiencing. It’s a love song of longing with such a healing quality of positivity.

“Pressure Drop” – Toots & The Maytals

I used to blare this song at full volume in my Vauxhall frontier 4 x 4 while driving round the Alps when working there as a ski instructor. Just me and the mountains bopping along the bumps of the road to this tune!

“Freedom For a Change” – Gizmo Varillas 

The words on this song and the vibe are so empowering. It makes you realise in 3 a couple of minutes how we are all going through the same stuff. From different angles – it’s got such a unifying feeling. Since discovering Gizmo Varillas music we’ve been talking about potentially collaborating on a track for my next album. 

“Listen To The Music” – Doobie Brothers 

“what the people need is a way to make them smile” I live by that lyric as my mission with music. This song always make me smile.

“Mountain To Move” – Nick Mulvey 

It is a song that makes me just want to take a road trip and adventure into canyons, swim in fresh water and be with friends. It’s always a great reminder of what’s important and has accompanied me on many adventures. 

“Like A River” – Ocie Elliot

I love Ocie Elliot and am always trying to pencil in a collaboration with them. Their records are so pure. Blissful harmony created by two people in love. You feel that. I ran to this song every morning for weeks on end, it gave me a feeling that whatever you go through – it is all temporary, everything passes yet nothing really ends. “Just like the river you’ll go on”.

“Mul Mantra”– Snatam Kaur

This is eight minutes of peace. It’s the perfect song to put on after a long week, light a candle, have a bath too or gently sway. It’s a mantra, so its cynical nature will lull you into a state of calm & tranquillity. 

“No Sleep” – Caamp

The first moment I discovered Caamp, I was like I want to be in this band! It’s the kinda of music I love, beautiful stories, you feel the imagery they create and it makes me want to drive and drive just to keep listening to it, while soaking in the afternoon sun on my face.

“Take It Easy” – The Eagles

“Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy” I love that lyric. This song sums it all up, like Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”. It’s about simply “Taking It Easy”, taking life lightly because we will be gone one day and can have a tendency to overcomplicate things and be so busy in our minds we miss the moment. 

“The Woods (Acoustic)” – Hollow Coves 

This song just feels like a campfire with friends and reminds me of the simple power of being in nature. 

“Getting Started” – Sam Fender 

This song makes me want to join a boxing club and run through the streets getting fit. It’s got that beautiful driving feeling. I wake up to this song sometimes when I am feeling stuck and will dance to it to reset my mind. It works, it feels like someone breaking free. 

The Small Things EP by Waiting For Smith is out now. Click here to follow him.