Smidley is the solo project of Conor Murphy, best known as the frontman for the St. Louis-based indie/emo outfit Foxing.
Launched in 2017, the project serves as a creative outlet for Murphy's more pop-oriented and experimental inclinations, moving away from the post-rock grandiosity of his main band toward a sound rooted in chamber pop, art rock, and 1970s-influenced singer-songwriter traditions. The project is named after Murphy's late dog, a detail that underscores the personal and often bittersweet nature of the songwriting. Musically, Smidley is defined by its sophisticated arrangements, featuring prominent piano, bright horns, and Murphy's versatile vocal range, particularly his frequent use of falsetto. The 2017 self-titled debut established a template of 'technicolor' indie pop, while 2022's 'Here Comes The Devil' leaned further into eclectic, sometimes darker, sonic territories. Critically, Smidley is praised for its ability to balance catchy, accessible melodies with complex emotional honesty. The project sits within a modern indie lineage that includes artists like Slaughter Beach, Dog and Spirit of the Beehive, sharing a penchant for idiosyncratic production and narrative-driven lyrics.
Shares indie pop, indie rock, art pop (subgenres); falsetto, gentle, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares indie rock, art pop, alternative rock (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares indie rock, indie pop, chamber pop (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares playful, bittersweet, wistful (moods); golden_hour, sunday_morning (atmosphere)
Shares indie pop, indie rock, chamber pop (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares indie pop, indie rock, art pop (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares indie rock, indie pop, alternative rock (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares alternative rock, indie rock, chamber pop (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares indie rock, indie pop, alternative rock (subgenres); studio_polished, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)
Shares playful, art pop, falsetto, indie rock (signature)
Shares theatrical falsetto leaps, playful, art pop, falsetto (detail)
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