In 1985, singer/songwriter Peter J. Newland moved to Nashville, Tennessee and began working as a staff music writer for Paul Overstreet, and Fitzgerald/Hartley. Having his songs recorded by Hank Williams Jr., Colin Raye, Tracey Lawrence, and numerous others.
While in Nashville, Peter met long–time POCO drummer Tim Smith at a jam session with Jake Willemain; bass player for Clint Black. This fateful meeting subsequently led to Peter and Tim joining together many years later in the renowned Western, Massachusetts band, RadioXile.
When Peter J. Newland formed RadioXile, he brought Tim Smith together with some of the most talented musicians in the Pioneer Valley…Including -
Mark Pappas on guitar who can move effortlessly through a wide variety of styles from jazz and blues, to rock and country. Mark studied with Bob Ferrier, and played with the legendary Jack Veronesi. His noted teaching practice includes a large number of private students.
Bassist, John O’Boyle has performed and/or recorded with Michael Sweet, Kenny Aronoff, Livio Gravini, Peter Tork, John Cantalini, and Barry Kingston. Additionally, John is an extremely busy session musician having appeared on dozens of national releases.
Keyboardist, Ralph Whittle is known for his subtle, and diverse expertise in all styles of Jazz, yet he can play virtually anything. Besides RadioXile, Ralph has also performed with, Billy Arnold, Rufus Reed, Peter Erskine, Marvin Stamm, and The Ethel Lee Ensemble. He is a faculty member in the music department at Holyoke (Mass.) Community College.
Peter J. Newland’s essential mission is promoting original music. It isn’t that Peter doesn’t have an appreciation for cover bands… He just has his own personal and subjective musical preferences. When RadioXile occasionally do play covers, they will change up the arrangements substantially to make their own authentic statement.
Peter’s mindset goes back to 1969 when he founded he now legendary rock group, FAT. He wrote all of their songs in collaboration with guitar players - Michael Benson, Jim (K) Kaminski, and Christopher Newland. FAT has released albums on RCA and Dream Merchant Records. In 1980, they were personally signed to Atlantic Records by then president, Ahmet Ertegun.
As luck would have it, when drummer Tim Smith moved back to his hometown of East Longmeadow, Mass. from Nashville…He soon re-connected with Peter Newland. With Tim’s extensive resume, it didn’t take very long before he was gigging with RadioXile, Satinwood, The John Cantalini Band, and various other groups.
Tim Smith began drumming at the age of five…First playing professionally in nightclubs while only in ninth grade. In High School, he performed at the New England Conservatory of Music, and with The Young People’s Symphony. After graduation, Tim moved to Boston, Massachusetts studying advanced jazz techniques with Alan Dawson, and Bob Gullotti.
After a few years, he then relocated to Los Angeles, California partnering with Rhythm Arts Project founder Eddie Tuduri and the RimShot Drumstick Company. Tim also began writing for the music magazines Modern Drummer, Rhythm, Stick-it!, Downbeat, Drum! and others. He's been published numerous times, including two cover stories…One article featured Jeff Porcaro in ‘Rhythm’, with the other on Chick Corea in ‘Jazz-Bill’.
Upon moving to Nashville, Tennessee, Tim spent nine years playing with pioneering country rock band POCO. - Recording ‘POCO LIVE’ from the Bottom Line in New York City.
He also toured with Brenda Lee, and legendary bass player and Funk Brother (the late) Bob Babbitt. Tim’s tour de force was drumming on the Multi-Platinum, Grammy nominated, Dove Award winning, self-titled debut album from “Jars of Clay” produced by Adrian Belew.
Although extremely busy, Tim found time to create: "FROM THE TOP" - An educational video and workbook specifically designed for the instruction of beginning drummers. In addition, Tim was the Director of Curriculum while teaching at the Nashville Percussion Institute for two years. He was also an Instructor at the School of Rock, and the BGA Summer Jam Camp in Franklin, Tennessee.
In regards to RadioXile, Tim Smith says: “You can’t make great music together if you’re not listening… When everyone listens to each other, the music will ebb and flow naturally, expressing those deep emotions that can only occur when we’re all on the same page”.
Tim’s amazing versatility gives him a genuine affinity for playing all the right grooves. His drumming consistently sounds incredible. Why? - Because, Tim Smith can easily synchronize with RadioXile by always listening.
TIM SMITH - TOURS / CONCERT PERFORMANCES
POCO (9 YEARS)
MATRACA BERG
BRENDA LEE
JOEY + RORY
SKY KINGS
CLAY WALKER
HANK WILLIAMS III
KEVIN MONTGOMERY
HERB REED and the PLATTERS
CHRIS AUSTIN
MAXINE NIGHTINGALE
ERIK BLUE & THE BOMB SQUAD
TIM SMITH - RECORDING
JOE TAYLOR GROUP
HARLEY ALLEN
ALLYSON TAYLOR
JOY LYNN WHITE
SWEETHEARTS of the RODEO
LOUISE MANDRELL
SKIP EWING
NEWZ
TIM SMITH QUINTET
HEATHER LAWSON
FULL ACCESS
LAURA VIDA
CLARENCE DOBBINS
JARS OF CLAY
"Jars of Clay" (Essential / Provident / Adrian Belew, Producer) Grammy Award Nominee / Multiple Dove Award Winner - Certified Quadruple Platinum - RIAA
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