Smashby’s Torch Song is About More Than Moving On from Love

Smashby's latest single, “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)”, marks an emotional and stylistic shift for the rising pop artist. Drawing inspiration from a past heartbreak, the song serves as an anthem of self-love and empowerment and delivers a message that will resonate with listeners who've experienced the pain of unrequited love and come out stronger on the other side.

In a recent interview, Smashby shared how the song was born from the moment he read about an ex-partner announcing their engagement on social media. "I didn’t feel any jealousy or ill will," Smashby explains. "Instead, I felt grateful that it wasn’t me they were engaged to. I wouldn’t be the person I am now if I hadn’t learned to love myself when they couldn’t."

He says the announcement encouraged him to be begin the process of learning to "unlove" his past romantic relationship and redirect that energy inward to himself.

After coming out, Smashby had thought he had fully embraced who he was, but he realized there were still parts of himself he hadn't accepted.

He has been candid about his reliance on cosmetic procedures to achieve a certain look, only to recognize that he was still struggling with insecurities, but it was more than that. It was something inside him. "I came to realize that I still had a little more accepting of myself to do."

Musically, “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)” represents a bold departure from Smashby's previous dance-pop hits. Embracing country pop, Smashby returns to his musical roots, noting how his vocal coach always encouraged him to sing country and folk songs as a child.

"I grew up with a love for pop music, but vocally, I feel most at home with country," he shares. The shift in genre also coincides with a change in his songwriting. After years of focusing on high-energy dance tracks, the pandemic left Smashby uninspired. It wasn’t until New Year’s Eve 2023 that he rediscovered his passion for storytelling.

"Once I figured out that my magic was in storytelling, I couldn’t stop," he continues. Though initially nervous about releasing a country song, Smashby has found that the genre allows him to express his emotions in a more authentic way. "It feels good to write again," he says, adding that the song gives him an "open-road vibe"—a feeling of driving with the windows down in the heat of summer.

While he feared that his longtime fans might not embrace the change, Smashby ultimately realizes that his core supporters value his authenticity above all. "My hardcore supporters see through all the extra stuff I’m doing and just like me for me."

Smashby’s evolution as an artist has been shaped by his experiences growing up queer and dealing with bullying, which has significantly influenced his message of self-love. He aims to be the kind of role model he didn’t have growing up. While female pop icons offered him anthems of empowerment, Smashby understands the importance of seeing queer artists embrace their identity openly. "That’s why I’m so focused on country," he said. "It allows me to tell stories, and that’s what I think my audience will appreciate most from me."

As an openly queer artist, Smashby is not afraid to be vulnerable. He acknowledges that while some songwriters prefer to keep their personal lives private, he’s comfortable being an open book. "I don’t care too much about keeping things private," he laughs, but also admits that: "If the guys who inspired the songs ask, you best believe I’m gonna make something up on the spot."

With this single, Smashby hopes listeners will take away a powerful message about self-worth. "The most important relationship you can have is with yourself," he sums up. "Be kind to yourself the way you would others, because at the end of the day, people come and go, but we have ourselves our whole lives. Let’s make it as fun and easy as possible."

"Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)" is out now on all major streaming platforms via So Fierce Music, distributed by The Orchard, a Sony Music company.