Radiohead's drummer, Philip Selway, said it was 'healthy' for the members to explore different projects and 'see what these other musical voices can do with your ideas'. He cited the pandemic and the unavailability of the Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien, who was busy with his debut solo album, Earth, as motivating factors. Godrich said the project emerged from Greenwood 'writing all these riffs, waiting for something to happen' during the COVID-19 lockdown. The Smile are produced by Nigel Godrich, Radiohead's longtime producer. The Smile members agreed not to give interviews about the project. Skinner, who had played with acts including the jazz band Sons of Kemet, first worked with Greenwood when he played on his soundtrack to the 2012 film The Master. The Smile are composed of the Radiohead members Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke with the drummer Tom Skinner. They began recording new material in 2023. They have released two live EPs: The Smile (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, July 2022) and Europe: Live Recordings 2022. The Smile began a tour of Europe and North America in May 2022, with another North American tour scheduled for 2023. It was produced by Nigel Godrich, Radiohead's longtime producer, In May, the Smile released their debut album, A Light for Attracting Attention, to acclaim. In early 2022, they released six singles and performed to an audience for the first time at three shows in London, which were livestreamed. The Smile worked during the COVID-19 lockdowns and made their surprise debut in a performance streamed by Glastonbury Festival in May 2021.

They incorporate elements of post-punk, progressive rock, Afrobeat and electronic music. The Smile are an English rock band comprising the Radiohead members Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar, bass, keys) and Jonny Greenwood (guitar, bass, keys) with Tom Skinner (drums).

Radiohead discografia mega