Gaige Bennett
When talking about the most influential figures in Indy’s music scene, it’s nearly impossible to leave Sean Michael Smith, better known as Oreo Jones, out of the conversation. From his work with Big Car Collaborative, to the founding of the renowned Chreece fest, he’s continuously shown his ability to make waves. His mission reaches past merely making music though, as he seeks to bring Indianapolis together through his work.
Hailing from Warsaw, Oreo was heavily impacted by the local punk and hardcore scene. He spent countless weekends there before joining his first band, Screaming Hemorrhoids. His love for underground hip-hop really blossomed when he made the move to Indianapolis to attend IUPUI, and he’s been on a winning streak ever since.
It’s difficult to restrict someone so enigmatic to nearly one genre. Through a blend of hip-hop, soul, electronic elements, and whatever else he’s currently feeling, there’s nobody with a sound quite like Oreo. He has released three full-length albums, two EPs, and two collaborative albums, one with Sirius Blvck, and the other, 81355 (pronounced “Bless”), as a trio, with Sirius Blvck and David Moose Adamson. As previously mentioned, Oreo is one of the cofounders of Naptown’s exclusive Chreece Fest.
The festival takes place across multiple venues throughout downtown Indianapolis, transforming the city into a sprawling playground of music, art, and community. Each year, attendees are treated to a dynamic lineup of live performances, DJ sets, graffiti exhibitions, and interactive workshops, creating an immersive experience that celebrates every facet of hip-hop culture.
But Chreece is more than just a music festival. It’s a celebration of community and camaraderie, a testament to the power of music to bring people together and bridge divides. It is a perfect culmination of Oreo’s mission to bring people together through music and create that sense of community.
Yet, it’s not only Oreo Jones’s musical prowess that sets him apart but also his boundless creativity and multi-disciplinary approach to artistry. In addition to his work as a musician, he is also an accomplished visual artist, filmmaker, and community organizer, using his platform to champion diversity, inclusion, and social justice through the power of art.
Whether he’s collaborating with local artists to curate immersive multimedia experiences or using his music to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, Oreo Jones remains steadfast in his commitment to using art as a catalyst for positive change. His tireless advocacy for social causes, coupled with his constant exploration of new sonic territories, has earned him a dedicated following and cemented his status as a visionary in the world of independent music.
As he continues to push the boundaries of creativity and defy expectations with each new project, Oreo Jones stands as a shining example of the transformative power of art and the limitless possibilities of human expression. Whether he’s captivating audiences with his infectious energy on stage or challenging the status quo through his thought-provoking lyrics, one thing is certain – Oreo Jones is not just an artist; he is a force of nature, a kaleidoscope of creativity whose influence extends farbeyond the confines of the music industry.