John Smith of Nu Shooz on "I Can't Wait," Fame, and Life After the Hit
This week on Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with John Smith, guitarist, songwriter, comic book artist, and founding member of Nu Shooz, for a candid conversation about the band's incredible journey from Portland's Latin jazz scene to international pop success.John shares how "I Can't Wait" went from an independent release to a club sensation in New York, the story behind the "American version," and the overseas remix element the band called the "Barking Seal." He also explains how that momentum led to a record deal with Atlantic Records.Along the way, John reflects on:Building Nu Shooz from the ground upThe blessing and pressure of having a massive hitTouring the world and learning the music businessRecording Poolside and Told You So with Jeff Lorber and producer David Z. RivkinBeing dropped by Atlantic and reinventing his careerComposing music for advertising for decadesRetiring from music, selling the Nu Shooz catalog, and creating Optical Pictures graphic novels with his sonWhether you're a longtime Nu Shooz fan or discovering their story for the first time, this episode offers a fascinating look at the highs, challenges, and creativity behind one of pop music's most memorable acts.Connect with John Smith & Nu Shooz:Website: https://www.nushoozmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nushoozmusic/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nushoozmusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nushoozmusicEnjoyed the conversation? Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth interviews with musicians, creators, and cultural icons.Listen to the entire Stop, Look & Listen family of shows at https://www.pushplaypods.com/