FITUMI is the solo moniker of Chris Smith, an established veteran songwriter who spends his time working between Nashville, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and his home state of North Carolina. FITUMI, an acronym for “Fake It Til U Make It,” is inspired by his father before he passed. Early in FITUMI’s career, as he was transitioning from his former life as an Army Intelligence Officer to pursue music full-time, his father would joke, “You can’t be afraid to get out there. You either have to fail until you make it, or fake it until you make it. Usually a bit of both.” That advice not only inspired the FITUMI moniker, but it’s also at the heart and soul of his music. Music that echoes that in life you can’t be afraid to take chances, try new things, fail, and get back up. You can’t be afraid to be a former soldier, turned songwriter, turned alternative artist. And when those doubts start to creep in, you press on and FITUMI.
His debut EP “Know Who I Am,” featuring the breakout single “The Storm,” released in 2020 and introduced FITUMI as a formidable voice on the alternative and indie rock and pop scene. His follow-up single “Power,” was a politically conscious anthem about the power of a single vote. It has its own short film “Power: Necessary Trouble, Necessary Noise,” and was featured in various political campaigns. FITUMI said of his music, “I want to make relatable music inspired from my experiences. I want to offer motivation to all those daring to be different and fighting for a better tomorrow. And I want to offer support and encouragement for those out here taking big risks, making big moves and getting back up, and dusting themselves off when they fail. I hope to be a part of the soundtrack for everyday people fighting the everyday battles.” His sound draws on 80’s and 90’s influences but channels them in a modern way that blends the lines between alternative, rock, and pop.
FITUMI is signed to a worldwide distribution deal with Symphonic Distribution and has been featured by industry tastemakers like Spotify, Apple Music, Hype Machine, Indie Obsessive, and SPIN. His music has been licensed to companies like REI Sports, NBA, NFL, and has been featured on multiple networks such as ABC, NBC, USA, MTV, Showtime, Food Network, and HGTV. He is the owner of Sing Along Music Group, a collective of industry professionals and a library of talent focused on music licensing. Additionally, he serves as a business advisor and A&R for music licensing company That Pitch and their new startup That Song, as a member of the administration team for the Make Pop Music community, and as a coordinator for Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
