David Smith is an Ealing native with four generations of his family having lived in Hanwell. 

He is also the frontman of the heavy rock band The Fires Below, where David (aka Smithy) leads the group with his powerful vocals and guitar riffs that embody the raw energy of the group. 

David has "always loved music" with his journey beginning at Sheffield Hallam University. 

Reflecting on his time in Sheffield, David recalls the vibrant music scene that influenced his early musical experiences and how after graduating university he was part of a band called Monster Fight which was semi-successful.

"I've always loved music, but I wasn't singing at all back then, just the guitar and not very well," he reminisces.  

The Birth of The Fires Below  

The Fires Below was born out of the 2022 lockdown, a period that spurred creativity and collaboration among David and his bandmates: Del on drums, Si on bass guitar, and Sam on electric guitar. 

Hailing from various parts of London, the band quickly found their synergy, melding their individual talents into a cohesive, hard-hitting sound. 

"We are like a heavy rock metal band," David explains. "We've got no illusions about making it, wanting to be famous and that kind of thing. 

"We're doing it because we love it." 

The frontman continues: "How long are we going to do it for? I don't know, but while we're still able to stand we'll do music." 

Drawing inspiration from the world around him, David's lyrics are often a reflection of his surroundings and current events that go in the world. 

He admits: "There is no shortage of material when it comes to writing angry lyrics. 

"What's happening in the world definitely fuels our music." 

The Fires Below perfoming at the Hanwell Hootie to a packed crowd (credit: The Fires Below).

Hanwell Hootie: A Dream Realised 

A highlight of David's musical journey to date has been performing at the Hanwell Hootie, a festival he holds close to his heart.  

"I'm not exaggerating when I say it was a dream come true. I really, really wanted to play that, more than any other festival," he says.  

David's connection to the event is deeply personal, having attended it for years witnessing its growth as an Ealing resident and now as a performer. 

"There's not enough live music in West London, so when something like the Hanwell Hootie comes along, it's a big deal." 

The Fires Below's New EP: Thorns 

The band's latest EP, Thorns, showcases The Fires Below's signature punchy, aggressive sound across five tracks.  

"It's loud, it's aggressive, it's got energy, and it reflects what we're about," Smithy says with pride.  

Each track is designed to be a "banger," meant to be played loud and enjoyed live.  

The EP captures the raw, unfiltered essence of their music, with David explaining that the band didn't want to overproduce the album so it matched the way the band sounds performing live.

The Fires Below's new EP, Thorns, is out now (credit: The Fires Below).

Musical Inspirations and Influences 

Musically, The Fires Below draws comparisons to bands like Orange Goblin and Swedish act Meshuggah. 

David tells me: "People have said we're a bit like them [Orange Goblin]," highlighting the heavy, complex sounds that inspire his own music.  

Despite not being compared to them and having a different sound, David says he still enjoys listening to System of a Down, Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss and a bunch of other rock bands. 

This blend of influences helps David shape the unique style of The Fires Below and allows listeners to know what to expect from the London group. 

"I think comparisons are useful, because you can say, OK, well, if you like them, then maybe you'll like us." 

David Smith's guitar skills are much better than when he first picked it up years ago (credit: The Fires Below).

"Part of becoming a musician is discovering new sounds" 

When asked why people should care about The Fires Below, for David, it's all about the music and the discovery process that comes with it.  

"People should care only if they really dig it, if they really like the music," he states simply.  

He encourages fans to explore new music and expand their horizons, something he himself has embraced since forming the band.  

"Part of becoming a musician and playing in a band, again, is discovering loads of new bands and music.  

"That's a part of the journey I really enjoy." 

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