KY SMITH

INSTRUMENT: Lead Guitar & Keys

HOMETOWN: Seattle

IN THE PNW: 21 Years

MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Classical, Blues, Jazz, Classic Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Funk & Metal

FAVORITE VELKRO SONG LIVE: Scatter Brain

OFFSTAGE: A lifelong music student who started playing piano at five years old and still finds inspiration everywhere from Vivaldi to Hendrix.

BIOGRAPHY

Music has always been part of Ky's life. Raised around it from an early age, he began playing piano at just five years old before eventually finding his voice on the guitar. With influences spanning classical composers, blues, jazz, classic rock, progressive music, funk, and metal, his playing reflects a lifetime of curiosity rather than a single genre. Whether he's crafting melodic leads or adding texture on the keys, Ky brings a broad musical perspective to Velkro's sound.

Before joining Velkro, Ky performed in several projects with drummer Matt. When the band began looking for a lead guitarist who could also cover keyboard duties, the opportunity felt like a natural fit. Since then, he's become an integral part of the band's evolving sound, combining technical ability with a willingness to serve whatever the song needs.

Unlike musicians who believe success happens overnight, Ky has a practical outlook on the music industry. He believes talent only goes so far without hard work and dedication, and he's content to let the work speak for itself. Even when asked about his proudest musical moment, his answer wasn't about the past—it was that maybe one day it will be playing with Velkro. That mindset says a lot about where his focus is: always looking forward to what's next.

Away from the stage, Ky's personality is as eclectic as his musical taste. One conversation might drift from Jimi Hendrix to Antonio Vivaldi, while the next turns into a philosophical debate or a perfectly timed joke. Equal parts musician, storyteller, and resident wildcard, he has a way of keeping rehearsals entertaining while never losing sight of the music itself.

For Ky, every rehearsal, every performance, and every song is another opportunity to improve. His goal isn't simply to play guitar—it's to help build something that lasts.

Quickfire Q's 🔥


If you could play one song with the original artist, what would it be?
Machine Gun – Band of Gypsys.

What's a musical hill you'll die on? I won't. It's a hill I'll lay your metaphysical armies to waste on, raze your temples, salt your earth, and erect a monument of cyclopean proportion to your wretched souls. 

What song do you wish you had written? Just one that would let me retire.

What animal do you think best represents you? A Chimera, because I'm multifaceted and a mythological mofo. 

What would your warning label be? Do not consume raw. Known to cause hallucinations.

What fictional world would you actually want to live in? Bas-Lag.

What's your weakness in the band? The NFG NRG.

What's one thing fans don't see behind the scenes? The love and mutual respect reflecting in our eyes as we insult and curse one another.

Band Banter 🎸


Describe Velkro in three words.
Drums. Guitar. Vox.

Who in Velkro is most likely to survive if you're stranded in the middle of nowhere at 2 a.m.? Matty.

Who in Velkro is most likely to accidentally start a bar fight? Probably me.

Who in Velkro is most likely to become a cult leader? Also probably me.

Who in Velkro is most likely to say, "Trust me, I have a plan," when there is clearly no plan? Again, most likely me.

Who in Velkro is most likely to become internet famous by accident? Jessie already became internet famous as a paragon of virtue.

Who in Velkro is most likely to disappear for an hour and come back with a crazy story? Yet again, it's me.

Who in Velkro is most likely to get abducted by aliens? It's not abduction if they take you home.