Simon Smith aka Youngman, one of the UK’s most exciting and vibrant young vocal talents, is tipped for major things in 2012. Son of d&b legend Simon Bassline Smith, heʼs been in and around the UK bass scene for close to 10 years, since first picking up the mic at 14 years of age in his hometown of Derby.

Now signed to Shy FX’s Digital Soundboy label, his recent single ʻWho Knows?ʼ produced by long time friend and collaborator Skream (Magnetic Man), blurred the lines between underground club smash and credible mainstream hit, and was named Zane Lowe’s ‘Next Hype’, MistaJam’s ‘Jam Hot’ and Annie Mac’s ‘Record Of The Week’. Who Knows went on to be playlisted by Radio 1, Kiss FM and 1Xtra and catapulted Simon into the mainstream media with everyone from The Independent to MTV and The Sun singing his praises and tipping him to major success.

He is indeed already a seasoned live performer having graced the stages of Glastonbury, Creamfields, Exit, Lovebox, Global Gathering and across Europe, Australia & North America. Having become the choice front-man for Skream & Benga, Youngman became a master of working an audience, with his presence as a performer and his inimitable singing voice coming to the fore; it wasn’t long before Skream & Benga turned their attentions to channelling Youngman’s talents into a unique and fresh vocal sound in the studio.

With an album in the making titled ‘Me & My Music’, set for release next year the producer credits read like a who’s who of British music, with the likes of Benga, Skream, Shy FX, Breakage, MJ Cole, Jakwob and Sam Frank all contributing.

Whilst working away in the studo, Simon has also found time to extended his creative and entrepreneurial skills by designing his own successful clothing range and spearheading a new education scheme ‘Music & Life Workshops’ back in his home town Derby.

With a full schedule of live dates throughout 2012 including a comprehensive festival run, headline slot on the recent MOBO UK tour, a UK, European and Australian tour with Benga, Youngman was also support for a number of shows on Exampleʼs debut UK Arena tour in April.

Youngman is primed to cement himself as the next breakthrough underground star.