Curtis Smith is an American publicist and public relations consultant with decades of experience working in the entertainment, music and nonprofit industries.
A graduate of California State University, San Bernardino in 1988, Curtis began his professional career through studio engineering, recording and live sound reinforcement for concerts and theatrical productions. He later served as President of A&R for a small production company before moving into professional publicity.
His career included publicity positions with American Recordings, Scotti Bros. Records, Interscope Records and other public relations firms, giving him experience in both independent and major-label environments.
In 1994, while also working as a sound reinforcement engineer at Theatre West in Hollywood, Curtis founded Maelstrom as an independent public relations firm.
At American Recordings he was involved in the promotion of artists including Johnny Cash, Slayer, Sir Mix-A-Lot and Weird Al Yankovic. At Scotti Bros. Records he worked with James Brown, Skee-Lo and Freddie Jackson.
Later in 1995, Curtis joined the publicity department at Interscope Records, where he was involved with artists and projects including The Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Reverend Horton Heat, Ron Sexsmith, Primus, Marilyn Manson, No Doubt, Smashmouth, Limp Bizkit and many others.
In late 1997, Curtis became Head of Publicity at Risk Records, working with acts including Jack Off Jill, Rita Coolidge and James Intveld.
In October 1998, after leaving Risk Records, Curtis began operating Maelstrom Music PR on a full-time basis. His focus was helping independent artists, record labels, developing bands and entertainment projects gain meaningful exposure and build awareness among media outlets.
Over the years he has worked with artists including The Aquabats, Andy Fraser (Free, Sharks, McTrax), Union Underground, Sloppy Meateaters, KIRRA, The Black Marbles, Tsunami Bomb, Idle Hands, and the Nu Metal band Folder from Italy among many others. For a full roster click here.
Curtis's public relations experience has also extended into nonprofit and philanthropic projects including Music for Mankind, TPRF (The Prem Rawat Foundation), Friends of the World Food Program and the Hollywood Graffiti Gown created for haute couture fashion designer Randy McLaughlin of Jeran Design.
Curtis is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), The American Music Society, the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP), and the National Association of Record Industry Professionals.
He has been featured in interviews including Artists House Music, Fat Robot Radio and The Die Laughing Radio Podcast. He has also been nominated for Publicist of the Year and recognized in Who's Who of music industry professionals.
After decades in the music and entertainment business, Curtis continues to operate Maelstrom Music PR and work with artists, labels, organizations and independent projects.