The duo Smith/Kotzen , formed by Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen , released "Black Light" in February, the second single that will be part of their highly anticipated second album, scheduled for release on April 4th.
The track is accompanied by a dynamic and multi-layered music video, once again produced and directed by Kevin and Richard Ragsdale , known as the Ragsdale Brothers ( Daughtry , Dorothy feat. Slash , Theory of a Dead Man ). The video features the duo alongside bassist Julia Lage and drummer Bruno Valverde , as well as renowned Russian acrobat and former Cirque du Soleil performer, Gyulnara Karaeva .
"Black Light" almost didn't make it onto the album, but an unexpected late-night session resulted in a gold-selling track. The song is about deception and disappointment, with the black light being a metaphor that reveals the hidden truth beneath the surface. The track stood out so much that it ended up giving the album its name. The album cover was inspired by photos taken by British photographer John McMurtrie , who used UV lights to enhance special paints on custom Fender and Charvel guitars.
“Smith/Kotzen is about finding common ground,” Richie commented in a press release. “Maybe Adrian tends to go for the heavier side, and I lean more towards fusion, funk or soul, but our sound is somewhere in the middle: that heavy blues rock vibe that we really connect with.”
Listen to “Black Light” by Smith/Kotzen on all digital platforms.
