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About Rhonette
From the vibrant pulse of the New Jersey music scene emerges Rhonette Smith, a compelling emo/pop-punk artist who fearlessly delves into the raw and often unspoken territories of depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, and fear within her deeply resonant music. This courageous exploration began in the introspective pages of her teenage poetry and songwriting, laying the foundation for a musical journey defined by unflinching honesty.
As a college student, Rhonette's commitment to her craft saw her take to the stage as a solo performer, honing her voice and vision. A pivotal moment arrived in 2013 through a serendipitous Craigslist post, connecting her with guitarist Stephen Hoydis, drummer Pete Stern, and bassist Dennis Reitmar. This connection sparked the formation of the indie rock band Centennials, which she led for seven years. Their energetic presence illuminated stages across the bar and basement scenes of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, resulting in the release of two EPs and a full-length record – a tangible archive of Rhonette's early tenacity and unwavering dedication to her musical path.
Driven by a yearning for a more personalized sound, Rhonette embarked once more on her solo artistry, culminating in the 2019 release of her full-length album, "Phantasmic." Following a period of creative recalibration, Rhonette plunged back into her artistic process with renewed vigor, channeling her heart and soul into forging a darker, heavier sound infused with metal undertones (think Bring Me The Horizon). 2024 marked her powerful return with the single “Exhale,” a visceral and relatable track that delves into the physical sensations of anxiety and the subsequent release. 2025 saw the release of two singles, "Bent,"a deeply vulnerable anthem on resilience, and “Loss,” an electronic track that incorporates the familiar pop-rock styles of Rhonette’s earlier music as well as the new foray into heavier sounds.
Last year also saw Rhonette surpass 10,000 streams on Spotify as she continues to grow her fanbase and connect with listeners. With new music on the horizon slated for 2026, Rhonette is cementing her reputation as one of the most honest voices in the modern rock scene.