Hi, I'm Collin Smith

I'm a music fan and writer based in San Francisco. Past work of mine has appeared in places like The Guardian, The Wire, and Bandcamp Daily, where I've covered everything from Tuvan rock pioneers to Korean folk-fusion artists to post-punk bands in China and Oakland. I also publish a newsletter called No Chambers on global music scenes and other musings on media and culture.

Collin Smith standing on a rocky outcrop with a glacier and snow-capped mountains behind him

Some Pieces I've Published

A youth pop group of six performers posing in matching light-blue outfits
The Guardian The DIY Chinese bands redefining corporate 'idol' pop
Colorful collage with a forested mountain, drum notation, and a portrait of an artist among flowers
Bandcamp Daily Migration of a Groove: The Dembow Rhythm Around The World
Magazine spread titled 'The Beats of Kinshasa' showing a musician playing bass guitar
Selamta The Beats of Kinshasa
Article art for 'Global Ear: Oakland'
The Wire Global Ear: Oakland
Line-art illustration of a man in sunglasses with musical notes flowing beside him
Bandcamp Daily I've Done My Share: Courtney Barnett's "Kim's Caravan"
Illustration of a person at a desk of monitors displaying hearts, beside a city skyline with a construction crane
No Chambers The Trouble With Tastemakers