Episode 42: Oreo Jones

Oreo Jones (aka Sean Michael Smith) is not only one of Indianapolis’ biggest musical success stories of the last decade, he is one of Indianapolis’ most influential cultural leaders. He is a prolific musical artist, recording as Oreo Jones, Michael Raintree, as a band member of White Moms, and as part of the hip-hop supergroup 81355 (“Bless”). He is Staff Artist and Musical Curator at Big Car and at WQRT Radio. He is co-founder of Chreece Festival, which celebrates another year on August 26, 2023 in Fountain Square in Indianapolis. I was honored to spend time with Sean, to hear more about his life, his approach to creativity and community, and the origins of Chreece. Hope you enjoy what I found to be an inspiring conversation with Oreo Jones.