Hollywood, California (September 2024) — Breathing new life into the vibrant 70s Miami party scene, producer, arranger, singer, and songwriter Ron Louis Smith 2nd releases his latest album, Elusive Sun Waves. Partnering with Rick Finch, co-founder of K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Smith presents a fresh take on funk, disco, and modern EDM, creating a project that transcends generations.
As the son of Ron Louis Smith and nephew of Jerome Smith—both pivotal figures in K.C. and the Sunshine Band—Smith carries on the family’s storied musical legacy. The Smith brothers were integral to hits like “Get Down Tonight” and “That’s the Way (I Like It),” and their influence extended to collaborations with Bob Marley and disco classics like Jimmy Bo Horne’s “Dance Across the Floor.” With Elusive Sun Waves, Smith 2nd embraces this heritage, infusing it with a contemporary edge.
Rick Finch, who shaped much of K.C. and the Sunshine Band’s signature sound, returns to the studio for the album’s lead single, “Need It Tonight.” Finch’s storied career includes producing six No. 1 hits and selling over 150 million records worldwide. On Elusive Sun Waves, he brings back the groovy, bass-heavy rhythms that defined K.C. and the Sunshine Band, while adapting them for today’s electronic dance scene.
Smith 2nd has also made a name for himself in EDM, collaborating with industry heavyweights such as Daddy’s Groove and Umek, and receiving support from top DJs like David Guetta and Nicky Romero. Elusive Sun Waves blends the best of disco, funk, and EDM, offering listeners a dynamic and infectious sonic experience.
This album showcases Smith’s dedication to both preserving and reinventing his family’s musical legacy. Elusive Sun Waves promises to light up dance floors with its timeless yet modern appeal.
