Paul Smith (musician)

Paul Smith (born 13 March 1979, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, England) is the singer for the British indie rock group, Maxïmo Park.

Biography

Smith is the eldest of three children, and was educated at Northfield School. He briefly worked as an art teacher at Stockton Riverside College before he was asked to join the band. He attended Newcastle University completing a BA and MA.

Before Smith was recruited to Maxïmo Park they were a four-piece band on the verge of splitting up. Bassist Archis Tiku was originally the lead singer along with Duncan Lloyd, but revealed to the band that he and Lloyd had no intention of being frontmen. Smith was discovered by the then-girlfriend of drummer Tom English in a pub while he was singing along to Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". After a few practices, Smith began to write songs with the group, despite never imagining himself as the frontman. Smith can also play the guitar and regularly performs with his original band MeandthetwinS with visual artists Rachel Lancaster, Laura Lancaster and Narbi Price.

Smith's on-stage behaviour is noted as being a little odd - particularly his dancing, pointing and handchops whilst singing. He has been compared to Morrissey and Jarvis Cocker. He also had a part on MTV Cribs in 2006, in which he did not show his home, but a villa in Ibiza, in which Maxïmo Park were staying.

In 2007 he made a cover of "Apply Some Pressure" with Mark Ronson....
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