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 up
The blessing and pressure of having a massive hit
Touring the world and learning the music business
Recording Poolside and Told You So with Jeff Lorber and producer David Z. Rivkin
Being dropped by Atlantic and reinventing his career
Composing music for advertising for decades
Retiring from music, selling the Nu Shooz catalog, and creating Optical Pictures graphic novels with his son
Whether 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/@nushoozmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nushoozmusic
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