By Abhishek Seth on
Scott “Smitty” Smith, from the Emmy-winning, child-oriented indie rock band the Imagination Movers, talks exclusively with Look To The Stars, about his support of children with Down syndrome.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Smitty, why do you feel it is a worthy cause?
Anytime you can get a bunch of people united for a good cause, it is a great idea. I was most inspired by other supporters’ passion for this issue.
Out of the dozens of Down Syndrome organizations out there, what about the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) attracted your support?
I have a friend who has a granddaughter who has Down’s. It was his story of how much our TV show and music meant to his family that got me interested. Interestingly enough, it was a story that the Movers had heard from other fans with Down’s during our tours, as well.
It wasn’t until my fellow firefighter friend called me that I thought about trying to lend some support. Being apart of National Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk was the least I could do—it was a lot of fun.
Were you raised to think about others, or was there a certain event in your life that inspired you?
I would have to say that I was lucky enough to have a family to raise me to think of others.
What do you get out of volunteering your time?
Quite simply the satisfaction that you are helping to make a difference in another person’s life. Positivity is a great thing.
Why should all your fans get involved?
Because nothing feels better than giving and making a difference.
If you could ask all your fans one thing, what would it be?
Be nice to other people. You can take a simple statement like that as far as you want—it is a good way to live.
Do you believe in issue placement, incorporating worldly issues in music lyrics?
Yes, music is a great way to raise awareness about any issue.
Does any of your recent work reflect your and your band’s feelings on certain issues?
We write music for kids, and our music sometimes addresses their issues. (Kids have enough pressure on them. It’s important that they are given the opportunity to just be kids.)
The Imagination Movers is currently on its World Tour. The Movers will allow families at various concerts to take the stage to promote the Buddy Walk in their town. For more information, visit www.ndss.org.
This interview would have been impossible without the help of Joshua Page, Marilyn Laverty and Scott “Smitty” Smith.
Copyright © 2012 Look to the Stars
