Plain Mister Smith / Image Credit: Sandra Lockwood

‘Miss Sunshine’ Cements Plain Mister Smith’s Psych-Rock Indie Cred

A few days in, and Plain Mister Smith’s new single ‘Miss Sunshine’, out since 8 August 2025 on Amelia Records/Symphonic, is already making waves. It’s the first of several singles teasing a 2026 album, spotlighting an artist who’s juggled stints as Moev’s guitarist and a Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra cellist. Splitting time between Vancouver and London, Smith’s carved out a niche with his indie-folk soundscapes, backed by buzz from NOTION, Atwood Mag, and Noctis Mag. He’s riding the crest of a psych-rock indie surge, where raw, independent roots meet psychedelic twists.

The track itself, ‘Miss Sunshine’, is a slick blend of playful energy and genuine feeling. John Raham’s drumming keeps it grounded while Chris Perry’s mixing gives it a clean, vibrant edge. You’ve got catchy guitar hooks and a smooth, steady rhythm backing Smith’s vocals, which unpack admiration for someone being unfairly treated, possibly with a romantic undertone. It’s got echoes of The Beatles’ charm and Death Cab for Cutie’s depth, making it a perfect fit for the psych-rock indie crowd.

That genre’s on the rise, with indie acts leaning harder into psychedelic textures, and Smith’s all over it. Plain Mister Smith revealed: “If you’ve ever worked with the loveliest person in the world and found them mercilessly taken advantage of by fellow workers, then you’ll know a ‘Miss Sunshine’, or you may even have a crush on her.” With this release, he’s not just keeping pace—he’s setting the tone, merging sharp songwriting with a sound that’s equal parts chill and electric.

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