AS FEATURED IN ISSUE 24 OF ASBO MAGAZINE. OUT NOW

W: Zoe Harrison. I: Rae Tait. H & M: Sophie Yeff

For seven years, Callum Smith has been the architect of the "look”, sculpting visual identities for global artists across music videos, red carpet gauntlets, and career-defining album covers. Having spent nearly a decade as a fashion stylist and consultant for high-profile clients, a significant shift has occurred. Smith is no longer just dressing the stage; he is reclaiming it. Transitioning from the wardrobe to the studio, this new creative chapter is defined by a sound that is unapologetic, industrial, and raw. Drawing from the shadows of the club scene and the grit of 80s counterculture, Smith is carving out a space that refuses to play by the industry’s traditional rules.

Described as "heavy electronic dark punk”, the music is a direct extension of Callum’s lifelong aesthetic. It isn’t a manufactured persona, but a natural progression of a style that has always leaned into the dark. While this musical journey has spanned just under two years, Smith’s focus remains firmly on the craft rather than the spotlight. There have been no live performances yet—only the meticulous work of perfecting a sonic identity. It is a process of refinement, ensuring that when the music finally hits the stage, it carries the full weight of its intended energy.

The inspiration behind Callum’s work is rooted in the legendary Blitz Club and the immersive atmosphere of the fetish scene. This intersection of fashion and sound is part of a larger global movement where creatives no longer stay in their lanes. Across London and beyond, Smith observes that the fashion scene is increasingly exploring music as a secondary outlet for expression. For Callum, style and sound are entwined aspects of a single identity, drawing from the past to create something contemporary and visceral.

In the studio, Smith aims to block out the noise. Working alongside producer Kieran Armitage, the process is driven by instinct and the specific feeling of being in a club where nothing matters but the beat. This philosophy is evident in the newest single, ‘Electric’, which arrives faster and darker than previous releases. Infused with techno elements and a sense of euphoric energy, it serves as a testament to an artist who values fulfilment over fitting in. Success for Smith isn't measured by mainstream acceptance, but by finding an audience that finds the work inspiring and wants to grow alongside it.