“NOW I’M WISER” by John Smyths

With his latest single “Now I’m Wiser,” Dutch-born, Germany-based singer-songwriter John Smyths proves that experience and heart are the true hallmarks of great country music. Known offstage as Johan Smits, the artist was born in Nijmegen in March 1961 and grew up surrounded by music thanks to his parents and older brother. While his early listening leaned more toward hard rock and heavy hitters like Kiss, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, and AC/DC, Smyths eventually found his home in country, drawn to the storytelling traditions of Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty, and Kenny Rogers. That blend of influences is alive and well in “Now I’m Wiser,” a track that draws from classic country while still feeling uniquely his own.

The song itself is an ode to growth, reflection, and lessons learned. It feels like the culmination of years on stage, in the studio, and in life itself. Smyths has been performing across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands for decades, covering classics and penning originals along the way, but “Now I’m Wiser” captures something particularly timeless: the sense that wisdom often comes through hardship. His delivery is warm and resonant, marked by the authenticity of someone who has truly lived the stories he’s singing. Musically, the track leans into traditional country textures—steady acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, and a melody that carries the weight of sincerity. Yet, you can still hear traces of his rock upbringing in the strength of his vocal delivery, which gives the ballad an extra punch of grit. The balance between tenderness and conviction is what makes the song so compelling.

The release of “Now I’m Wiser” comes at an exciting time in Smyths’ career. In 2025 alone, he has already graced stages in Viechtach, Gerolstein, Stolberg, Wolfhagen, and his hometown Nijmegen, with more appearances lined up. He is also set to perform at the Red Carpet Show International in Wageningen, where he’s nominated for multiple awards including Country Voice of the Year, Country Song of the Year (Original), and Songwriter of the Year. Later this year, fans can also catch him at the Country Messe in Erfurt. Ultimately, “Now I’m Wiser” is more than just a song—it’s a reflection of John Smyths’ journey through music and life. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and steeped in authenticity, it shows that country music is not about age or trends, but about truth, lived experience, and stories that resonate.