All of us at ZO are delighted to update you on International Recording Artist LOREN SMITH as he presents LOVE AGAINST THE CLOCK – Chapter Two in a One-Night-Only Concert Experience at Illusion Magic Lounge, Santa Monica, Calif. — On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.
If, per chance, you’re unable to make it because you’re in Europe or Japan (and can’t fly in for the show 😊) check Loren and his music out at the many sources online . . . SHARE it with your people, SAVE it on your Spotify/Apple Music, and add it to your PLAYLISTS!!! ZO is a community of artists that totally believes Creativity Can Change the World and if we all support each other we can move mountains!
Kendra Beltran (at ZO) interviewed Loren earlier in our journey — so check out their one-on-one below. Loren’s Current Show will be a continuing evening of soul, R&B, storytelling, and world-class musicianship. We love that he builds this as more than a concert, Smith describes the performance as an invitation to reconnect with what makes us human, and the world needs all of that that it can get. “My concerts are more than music—they’re a lifeline. They’re a reminder of what connects us as people. We have far more similarities than differences, and the truth is, no matter who we are or where we’re from, every one of us is experiencing our own version of love against the clock. I want this concert to be a respite and a renewal in an often overwhelming world. My hope is that people leave inspired, encouraged, and with just a little more wind in their sails than when they arrived.”
Love Against the Clock – Chapter Two is the follow-up to the acclaimed first chapter of the project. While Chapter One introduced audiences to the journey, Chapter Two dives even deeper into the emotional landscape of modern life, exploring resilience, healing, and the courage to move forward. The new collection features compositions by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Blake Straus, a powerhouse arrangement by award-winning film composer and writer Nicholas Jacobson-Larson, and production from internationally recognized producer Kevin Andre.
Audiences can expect an evening that moves seamlessly between powerful original music, fresh interpretations of beloved songs, and a few unexpected surprises. The new material explores universal experiences, including:
- Finding hope and encouragement in uncertain times
- The emotional shock of heartbreak
- Letting go of life’s burdens on the dance floor
- Walking away from toxic relationships
- Learning how to receive love in ways that feel authentic and healthy
Backing Smith is an extraordinary lineup of musicians and vocalists drawn from some of Los Angeles’ finest talent. The evening features powerhouse vocalists Summer Greer, Tia Simone, and Nichole Shelton, with the band led by acclaimed musicians Jonte Moore, Zach Rudolph, and Bryan Taylor.
Loren Smith: Breaking Free with R&B
By Kendra Beltran
Growing up with a love for the late, greats like Whitney and Michael – it was no doubt that Loren Smith fell into music. With his family being another inspiration and showing him support, he’s been chasing that musical dream and seems to have caught it. Likened to Luther Vandross, his classic R&B style is nothing short of stunning and when it comes to being compared to the iconic singer, Smith notes, “I feel no pressure, actually. There’s only one Luther, and I couldn’t be him if I tried, but I appreciate the compliment very much.” With that though, R&B isn’t what it used to be.
Remember back in the ‘90s when every station was spinning either Brandy or Monica, and groups like Boyz II Men always seemed to be number one on the charts? Today that’s less of the case and it was made apparent by Tyrese last year when he went on about the lack of soul in mainstream nowadays. When presented with this notion, the always positive Smith was insightful when he said, “Music evolves and there’s been a huge demand for and in the newer genres. Unfortunately, I also believe the entertainment industry has shifted to focusing too much on physical attributes and not enough on talent, among other things. I grew up on 90s R&B and I’m positive like the X Files, and Star Wars, it’ll be back before you know it.”
While the radio isn’t spinning R&B like it used to, that doesn’t mean it’s faltered Smith’s career. Last year his single, “Break Free,” was a hit and a lesson of sorts to the singer as he still has things in his life he’s yet to break free from, like understanding that he’s enough, “I need this reminder most when I feel ignored as a singer, an artist, or as a person. I believe that’s why I tend to write songs with uplifting messages. I hope my songs encourage others the way they do me.” He’s only human and how he feels, that’s universal in theory, but we think he’s more than enough – especially after he dropped a cover of N’SYNC’s must-have holiday track, “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.” Smith admits he’s a proud fan of the boy band, and the main man of the group; Justin Timberlake.
Covers aside, Smith is working on something he can only say is “HUGE” and “AWESOME,” but that’s all he can share. We’ll have to just keep our eyes on his Twitter for more. Maybe it’s a duet with his favorite ‘90s R&B giant Janet Jackson, or connecting with The Voice judge he admires; Pharrell Williams, or returning to Fiji where he said he was, “…overwhelmed with how much people appreciated the music and how hospitable everyone was.”
Tyrese isn’t alone when it comes to making R&B a mainstay in the mainstream anymore. He’s got artists like Loren Smith working just as hard, if not harder. Make sure to keep all eyes and ears open for more from this musical man!
