Ambrose Thomas Kenny-Smith (born 20 July 1992) is an Australian singer, songwriter and multiâÂÂinstrumentalist. He is a member of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, to which he contributes vocals, harmonica, keyboards, saxophone, and occasionally guitar, and the lead vocalist and harmonica player of the Murlocs. With the Murlocs, KennyâÂÂSmith earned multiple entries on the ARIA Charts, including a top ten for Bittersweet Demons (2021). In 2024 he released the collaborative album Ill Times with Jay Watson (as GUM), the inaugural release on King Gizzard's label p(doom) Records.
Kenny-Smith was born in Geelong, Victoria, and grew up in Castlemaine and Ocean Grove. His father was musician and actor Broderick Smith, and his mother is model and yoga instructor Lou (Louise) Kenny. KennyâÂÂSmith was a talented skateboarder in his youth, gaining sponsorships and living a nomadic lifestyle, before turning his main focus to music. He has recalled being teased by older skateboarding peers for his interest in music.
KennyâÂÂSmith has cited influences including John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, John and Emma Rhodes, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Terry, Etta James, and The Blues Brothers. His first musical experiences involved listening to blues records as he fell asleep and busking. He started a band called Sambrose Automobile with Sam Cooper, Lucas Skinner, and Lonnie Carland in 2007, influenced by Delta blues and soul music.
KennyâÂÂSmith joined Melbourne band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard early in its history, becoming the last member of the group's core lineup. After seeing the band perform, he joined at age 17 while the other members of the band were in college together, taking up harmonica for them. Within the band he contributes vocals, harmonica, keyboards and saxophone on recordings and in concert. King Gizzard's 2013 album Eyes Like the Sky, a spokenâÂÂword âÂÂWestern audioâÂÂbookâ concept record, was narrated by KennyâÂÂSmith's father, Australian musician Broderick Smith.
KennyâÂÂSmith fronts the Murlocs as lead singer and harmonica player. The group's garageâÂÂrock and R&BâÂÂtinged sound has been noted for his âÂÂpowerful, wailingâ vocals and gritty harmonica. The band achieved its first ARIA Top 20 appearances with Old Locomotive (No. 15, 2017) and Manic Candid Episode (No. 16, 2019), and entered the top ten with Bittersweet Demons (No. 6; also No. 1 on the ARIA Vinyl Albums Chart) in 2021. The protagonist on the Murlocsâ 2022 concept album Rapscallion was inspired by KennyâÂÂSmith's time skateboarding and living more nomadically during his youth.
In July 2024, KennyâÂÂSmith and Jay Watson released the joint album Ill Times, credited to GUM / Ambrose KennyâÂÂSmith. The record was the first release on King Gizzard's own p(doom) imprint. Australian public broadcaster Double J reviewed the album as âÂÂmarking a healthy beginningâ for the label. Critics highlighted its grooveâÂÂheavy blend of soul, synthâÂÂpop and psychâÂÂrock, and noted the album's lyrical tributes to KennyâÂÂSmith's late father, including opener âÂÂDudâÂÂ. The artists also framed the record around themes of loss, grief and resilience.
KennyâÂÂSmith is the son of musician Broderick Smith (1948âÂÂ2023), frontman of The Dingoes. Smith died on 30 April 2023, and Ambrose paid tribute publicly in the days following. KennyâÂÂSmith has spoken about experiencing anxiety, and has a cat named Cosmo.
Kenny-Smith married his wife, Tessa, on February 18, 2023, after more than ten years together.