JMU alumnus makes a name for himself with ‘Untitled Rock Show’
Steven Smith went from Harrisonburg to NYC to become Fuse’s hottest VJ
By Lauren Loeb, contributing writer
Posted on February 12, 2007

When Steven Smith graduated from JMU in 1994, he had a lot to brag about in regard to his time at the university. He lived in the biggest room on campus, had a roommate named Steven King, battled as a bare and brave Quad-streaker and was the hit drummer of the Harrisonburg-bred band, The Ice Cream Socialists. With a degree in theater, Smith was looking to combine his unique antics and his love for show business. After a few less-than-swanky stints in Hollywood, Smith found himself working for music-television network, Fuse.

Smith is the handsome face of Fuse. He charms viewers with his rock-star looks and impressive knowledge of pop culture. Smith’s love for music has allowed him to interview rock legends such as Marilyn Manson and explosive young new bands like Paramore. He talks to bands, connects with viewers and acts as Fuse’s music guru with his show, “Steven’s Untitled Rock Show.” The title says it all: when something’s too good to be true, sometimes you can’t put a label on it.

Smith remembers when he first knew he had made it big.

“Green Day walked past me and a band member said ’Hi, Steven.’” Smith said. “I thought, Green Day knows who I am.”

Dance professor Cynthia Thompson has nothing but fond memories of Smith as a JMU student.

“He was and is a charming, witty, intelligent and talented man,” Thompson said. “His job as a music VJ is perfect — it combines his love of music and his abilities as a performer in an elemental way.”

As a student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, one of Smith’s memorable classes was the Open Studio, a course involving exposure to contemporary examples of interdisciplinary art from dance, theatre, music, creative writing, visual art, film and video. Always seeking opportunities to carry his talent to the next level, Smith was also heavily involved in theatre activities and projects.

While scores of students may sneer, snicker or snore at a year-end project, Smith’s project experience was nothing short of incredible — and that’s coming from a guy who’s chatted with Metallica.     

The annual project of the JMU School of Theatre and Dance is The Children’s Playshop.  Students bring fairy tales, children’s musicals and literature to life through live theatre. Students spend their mornings building and decorating the sets, while their afternoons are spent rehearsing Playshop performances. The Children’s Playshop has been entertaining families from across the Shenandoah Valley since 1993, seeking to serve as many children and families as possible, regardless of socioeconomic background.

“Steve was a remarkable, unique, peculiar, talented, gifted and genuinely caring young artist,” Playshop director William Buck said.  “Whether amusing children as a bizarre witch in ‘Hansel and Gretel’ or jumping into a pool of water in Theatre II dressed as a six-foot-tall frog, Steve was always fun to work with.  He eagerly accepted any challenge, no matter how bizarre or unusual.  It is hard to think of Steve without smiling.  He represents what I find so appealing about most JMU students. He was smart, dedicated and totally fearless. It is no surprise that he has done well.”

Smith has undoubtedly made an impact at JMU, whether it was shamelessly on the Quad, dramatically on the stage, or compassionately in children’s lives.

After a few years of working as an actor with no big jobs, Smith got lucky.  He then landed his first VJ gig at VH1, hosting several shows and interviewing rock idols. Smith then heard about the all-music channel Fuse. He quickly made his way to the Fuse studios that light up 7th Avenue in New York City, where Fuse gave him his own show.

“Steven’s Untitled Rock Show” is a staple on the Fuse network, and for good reason. Smith has talked to music icons such as Gwen Stefani, The Cure, Taking Back Sunday and Green Day. Moreover, February brings the trendy musical sensations of Fall Out Boy, Bad Religion and Pennywise and the Bouncing Souls.  Additionally, achieving the epitome of musical success, “Steven’s Untitled Rock Show.” is being inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, earning a place in the new Warped Tour six-month exhibit.

When asked what the biggest perk to being a VJ at a music-television network, Smith said, “The free CDs, free shows and free concert tickets.”

Faced with the question to choose the favorite band he’s met, Smith couldn’t pick just one. In fact, he chose them all.

“I talk to so many cool people,” Smith said. “We have a lot of fun.”

Smith is also quick to credit up-and-coming bands.

“Definitely look out for Paramore,” Smith said. “They have a quality similar to No Doubt. Chick singer. Very young.”

A genuine music enthusiast, Smith keeps his iPod in tow. Currently on his playlist is “The good, the bad and the queen. “

For students seeking a career as a video DJ, Smith has some good advice. “Go to shows and take a camera,” Smith said.  “Tape yourself and watch yourself. Watch Larry King, Letterman, Jon Stewart and Conan.  Watch people who know their stuff.  Know your stuff.  You can’t take yourself too seriously, or you’ll get bummed. Oh, and stay in college.”

Smith doesn’t hesitate when asked to name a song to describe his mentality about life.

“Let the Good Times Roll,” he said.