We had the good fortune of connecting with Smooth & Storm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Smooth & Storm, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
We were born and raised in the vibrant and culturally rich environment of Trinidad & Tobago. Growing up on a tropical Caribbean island deeply influenced who we are today. The diverse musical landscape of Trinidad & Tobago exposed us to a variety of genres, including reggae, dancehall, soca, pop, hip-hop, R&B, neo-soul, jazz, and techno. This eclectic mix of music not only shaped our tastes but also instilled in us a deep appreciation for creativity and cultural expression. Our island’s lively festivals, rich traditions, and the warmth of our people fostered a sense of community and resilience, which continues to inspire and drive us in everything we do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets us apart from others is that we don’t sound like anyone else. We have our own style and our own sound, which we like to call “IslandB.” It’s a unique blend of Caribbean music and R&B that reflects our roots and our diverse musical influences.

We are most proud of getting back into music and recording in the studio after a 7-year hiatus. It’s been incredibly exciting to work on new music and reconnect with our first love.

We got to where we are today by never giving up. Despite taking a break for seven years to pursue other endeavors, like our clothing brand “Francis Elliot,” music has always been our passion. We’ve been performing, singing, and writing since we were probably around seven years old. Our journey has not been easy, but pursuing your passion never is. We faced significant challenges, such as the tragic loss of our first manager, who was fatally shot. This event led us to step back from music for a while. Later, Smooth’s girlfriend passed away from cervical cancer, which was another heartbreaking blow that caused us to take evenmore time off. Now, as fathers, Smooth with a three year-old son and Storm with three daughters and a son due any day—we’ve faced the realities of life but have always found a way to keep moving forward. We overcame these challenges by having faith and the mental fortitude to keep going.

The lessons we’ve learned along the way include understanding that everything we went through didn’t happen to us; it happened for us. These experiences have helped us mature and grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, vocally, and business-wise.

We want the world to know that we are currently working on our EP called “Made In SanJuan,” and as for our story, it’s still being written.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club in Scottsdale.

Morning: Visit the Desert Botanical Garden to experience the unique desert flora.

Lunch: Head to Maggiano’s Little Italy for a delicious Italian meal.

Afternoon: Take a stroll around Old Town Scottsdale, checking out the local art galleries and boutiques.

Evening: Have dinner at Steak 44 and to end the night we would sip on Belair at 50 Shades of Rose in Scottsdale.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, we owe all the credit to God for giving us the chance to wake up and do what we love every day. Without His blessings and guidance, none of this would be possible. Secondly, our family and close friends have been our pillars of support, providing us with unwavering love, encouragement, and mentorship throughout our journey. Their belief in us has been a constant source of motivation. Third, but certainly not least, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our fans and supporters. Their enthusiasm and loyalty drive us to keep pushing forward.

Website: https://www.franciselliot.com

Instagram: @smoothandstorm @franciselliotofficial

Facebook: @smoothandstorm @franciselliotofficial

Youtube: @smoothandstorm @franciselliotofficial

Other: TikTok
@smoothandstorm
@franciselliotofficial

Image Credits
Sergio Pereira
Maryna Ramirez

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