About Todd
TS-Todd Smith/True Story is an up and coming song writer, recording artist, and MC/Entertainer and event organizer. Born in Montreal on February 29th 1980, privileged to be born into a musical family, he is now showcasing his musical talent. As a child, Todd was influenced and inspired by Motown, Jazz, Funk and R&B. He fell in love with the sounds of many different artists including Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Rick James, Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle, and Al Green just to name a few. He then also found love for Hip-Hop, Reggae, and pretty much any music that moves him.
Always having a love for the arts and entertainment, Todd started writing and recording his own music in 2008 while working with Montreal’s late great musical genius Dave “SHAME” Lockhart. Todd explains that Dave Lockhart inspired, motivated, and mentored him, and is the reason why he started writing and recording.
For his first corporate event, Todd wrote and performed his song at Royal Bank of Canada’s annual Gala in 2009. In June of 2010, Todd performed alongside legendary Skipper Dean at the Telus Theater in Montreal, where Skipper launched his album “Family Man”. Shortly after that, Todd decided to chase a musical opportunity and travelled to Vancouver, BC. By being away from family and friends, and spending a lot of time alone, he was able to tune into his gift of writing. Returning home to Montreal in 2011, he was given the opportunity to write and perform his song called “Kids You’re Not Alone” at the annual “Walk For Kids” event for Montreal’s “Kids Help Phone” organization. He has also performed in various churches within the city in 2011.
Todd is also involved in the community working with the youths in the city. His goal is to mentor and help build their confidence, self-esteem and self expression through arts and music. Todd works days at Orchard Elementary School in Lasalle as an integration aide with special needs children. He also works as the teen coordinator at the Lasalle Boys and Girls Club, where he directs their music group and leads educational, sports and prevention programs. In the past two years Todd and his music group have performed at the annual Black History Month Talent Show for the YMCA, the Orchard Elementary School in Lasalle, and at the Montreal Community Cares Awards Gala.
In 2012 Todd joined the “VOICES of IMANI” Choir at the Imani Family And Full Gospel Church. He released “Life Music Volume 1” his first CD in September 2012 which featured Skipper Dean. The CD release was linked to Todd’s first annual event called “Diamonds in the Ruff” featuring talented artists.
In February 2013 Todd formed C.M.G. (Create Music Group) and went on to organize three events for Black History Month. The first event was the First Annual “Black Facts Youth Showcase”, the second was the Orchard Elementary School talent show, and lastly the L.C.C.H.S. (Lasalle Community Comprehensive High School) talent show. The purpose of these events was to highlight, empower, and encourage the youths artistic expression through song, dance, spoken word, and rap. In June, Todd partnered with “Too Marvelous” and organized the “I Am Hip-Hop Kids Dance Battle”. In July, Todd performed with C.M.G. at the annual “Canada Day BBQ” at Kent Park in Montreal.
Upcoming events include the “Stars On The Rise” mix tape release show featuring several local hip-hop artists (August 23rd) and “The Experience” featuring Juno Award Winner Carlos Morgan (August 31st). Fully ambitious and passionate about his music, TS-Todd Smith is here to bring a feel good vibe from the HEART and SOUL and to tell his story while uplifting others through his endeavors.