“Songs inspire me, and I guess that’s why I write them – to inspire other people,” says the singer, guitarist and founder of raw rockers NYCSmoke. “I’ve been inspired to write music, but it could make other people want to paint a painting, talk to a friend, or just get someone through another three minutes of their life.” It’s that kind of unshakeable belief – that great songs can lead to great things, and even save lives – that drives NYCSmoke’s passionate new album, Hearts and Stones.