Local band to SMAASH 106 & Park

On Feb. 1, local band SMAASH will perform on BET's music countdown show 106 & Park as a spotlight artist.  

The band, composed of six Southern Miss students and alumni, will be performing their original single titled "The Cool." SMAASH received the opportunity to appear on the popular television show after auditioning for a talent search program called Blaze the Stage in November.

Senior business administration major Aubrey Stanton plays keyboard and serves as manager for SMAASH.  Stanton and the other members of SMAASH call their genre of music "rock hop."

"Our signature style is a mixture of rock, hip-hop, R&B and jazz," Stanton said.  "We are introducing the world to a new genre.  Hopefully we can start a revolution."

SMAASH first debuted in August 2008 when they started performing with the African American Student Organization (AASO) gospel choir.  SMAASH formally introduced themselves as  band in December  2008.

"After 106 & Park, hopefully we can catch the eyes and ears of someone who can take us to the next level," Stanton said.

SMAASH has played at Eaglepalooza twice and has performed multiple times at Friday Night at the Fountain.  They have also opened for Gucci Mane, Jason Mraz, Miguel Jontel and the Ying Yang Twins.

"We have played at every school in the SEC this past semester except for Florida, LSU and Arkansas," Stanton said. "Our musical inspirations range from Kanye West and N.E.R.D to Dave Matthews Band and Coheed and Cambria to Lil Wayne and Michael Jackson."

Several Southern Miss students, along with students from other universities, think SMAASH deserves the opportunity to perform live on television before millions of viewers.

Starr Montgomery, junior human resources management major, said she first discovered SMAASH with her older sister. Since then, she's been hooked.

"I first saw them perform at a show at the Alumni House and then at Friday Night at the Fountain," Montgomery said.  "I love live music, and they brought a feel different than any other live music I've heard."

Rachael Edwards, a senior music major, said that she heard SMAASH for the first time at the old Mugshots. "I loved the blend they played. They're a very versatile group," she said.

Alana Reese attends Auburn University and majors in psychology. She attended SMAASH's first concert at Auburn last January.   

"I loved SMAASH's first show.  They came back a month later, and I made sure I was on time and had a good seat. It was like nothing I've ever heard before. It wasn't repetitive. The music was unique and alternative," Reese said. "Their music is like nothing you hear on the radio."

Reese also said SMAASH deserves this opportunity.

"They've been doing this for almost four years. They will get a lot of feedback."

Montgomery said. "This opportunity will put SMAASH out there on a national level," she said.

SMAASH will perform on Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. on 106th and Park on BET.  Anyone who is interested in sponsoring SMAASH can contact the group at smaashtheband@gmail.com or @smaashtheband on Twitter.