Chas Smith

The Profile

American composer, pedal steel guitarist, and instrument builder known for long-form ambient/drone works and custom-built metal instruments. Frequently released by Cold Blue Music.

Known for crafting custom instruments (e.g., Cooper Box, PezEater, Mantis, DADO) and using pedal steel guitar to create expansive ambient/drone soundscapes; releases associated with Cold Blue Music.

A poetic, enthusiastic review celebrates Chas Smith’s cosmic ambient soundscapes and custom-built metal instruments. It highlights the desert-forged aura of Nikkowolverine and the pedal steel’s role in vast, droning atmospheres. The piece frames Smith as an old pioneer of unusual sounds within a trance-California vein.