After more than a decade in the shadows, Robert Luther Smith is reclaiming the spotlight with feeling. Following the September release of his comeback single 'Hole In My Heart', a lush, disco-kissed return that lit up modern R&B playlists, the veteran singer-songwriter is back again with 'Didn’t I Say', a more meditative follow-up that showcases his depth, vulnerability, and spiritual edge.
Where his previous track shimmered with groove and brass, 'Didn’t I Say' takes a quieter path by leaning into the fragility of love, the ache of uncertainty, and the introspective tug between human affection and divine faith. Combining analogue warmth with a subtle digital sheen, Robert Luther Smith’s return is a bold step forward. His music feels lived-in, emotionally raw, and spiritually inquisitive; the kind of soul music that doesn’t chase trends, but truth.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Like all good boys I learnt the piano, mostly Bach, but by 1966 I discovered Jimi Hendrix which led me to learn to play rock music and my ability to play like Hendrix led me to to getting lots of gigs. Not many people played guitar never mind like Hendrix, but piano has remained my preferred instrument.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My grandparents collected classical music sets and played them on their large gramophone but in 1965 I heard “Let’s Twist Again” which was where I discovered the bass drum. That led me to take interest in the early Beatles but more specifically Tamla Motown, especially The Supremes such as “Baby Love” and similar. Then came the psychedelic Beatles and Jimi Hendrix and in the early 1970s Stevie Wonder, then Steely Dan but Joni Mitchell and early Neil Young but most music of the time interested me.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Jimi Hendrix’ “Smash Hits”.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Steely Dan’s “Aja”.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Music goes through my mind continuously trying to find melodies that are new. If I stop and think there is music running through my mind subconsciously. When I hit what I think is a new melody I go and check it out on the piano. |If it appears original I work on it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
These days I tend to listen to music out of interest as to the production. Very little, if anything is new these days so my Spotify list includes Bowie, Steely Dan, The Rolling Stones (I never really listened to them before), King Crimson (mostly because I know Robert Fripp), Pink Floyd and others I haven’t listened to for a long time.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder or Bowie.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Music is good for the mind.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The cost of promotion. I was told in 1974 by Robert Fripp that an uncle of a band member had donated £10,000 to the band in the late 1960s when you could buy a large house in London for that money. Its equivalent today would be £2 million.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
That King Crimson spent £10,000 on promotion in the late 1960s.
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Robert Luther Smith's new single 'Didn't I Say' is out now. Check it out in the player below.