Arthur Smith & The Skycruisers are an Austrian-British dynamic five-piece band that blends the iconic sounds of 80s rock with the shimmering synth-driven vibes of 80s synthpop. Their musical journey began in an unlikely place—an Irish pub called "Old Shannon" in St. Joanna, capital of gorgeous island of Cambia, which, though located off the coast of Austria, has become the band's official home.
The band’s formation is as eclectic as their music. Arthur Smith, a charismatic lead singer and guitarist from England, had been studying in London before settling in Cambia. That was where he met Olivia O'Quinn, an Irish-English guitarist whose passion for both hard rock and atmospheric synth tones was the perfect match for Arthur's vision. Their musical chemistry was undeniable from the start.
On keyboards and piano, Laura Maria Schwarz, a native of Vienna, brought a distinctive touch with her classical training and feel for the layered, haunting melody composing styles of the 80s. Completing the lineup were the island’s own Tom Landberger on drums and Roberto Bandini on bass. Tom’s rhythmic precision and Roberto’s deep, resonant basslines gave the band a solid foundation, propelling their sound into something both experimental and accessible.
The group's early days were spent jamming in the back room of the "Old Shannon", blending influences from bands like REO Speedwagon, Journey, Europe, and Bryan Adams, but with a sound uniquely their own. Currently their first album “Golden Blue” is in the creating process with Vienna based producer Joseph C. Phaze, going online by summer 2025.
The Band in Profile
Arthur Smith
Born: June 10th, 1997 - Bath, England, UK
Position in Band: Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Lyric Writing
Favourite Acts: Aerosmtih, REO Speedwagon, Whitesnake, Bryan Adams
Life Motto: "Do your thing, always. It's the reason why you're here"
Olivia O'Quinn
Born: September 1st, 2001 - Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Position in Band: Backing Vocals, Rhythm & Lead Guitar
Favourite Acts: Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Britney Spears, Green Day
Life Motto: "Stand Up For The UlsterMen!"
Roberto "Il Capitano" Bandini
Born: August, 14th 1977 - St.Joanna, Cambia, Austria
Position in Band: Bass
Favourite Acts: Adriano Celentano, Zucchero, Gianna Nannini
Life Motto: "A good plate of Pasta is better than a badly made Steak"
Laura Maria Schwarz
Born: February 2nd, 1992 - Vienna, Austria
Position in Band: Grand Piano, Organs, Synths, Music Writing
Favourite Acts: J.S.Bach, L.v. Beethoven, P.I. Tchaikovsky
Life Motto: "Life's way too short for bad Music"
Thomas "Landy" Landberger
Born: November, 21st 1988 - St.Joanna, Cambia, Austria
Position in Band: Drums, Percussion, Music Writing
Favourite Acts: Eminem, Moby, Gorillaz, Duran Duran
Life Motto: "Don't Worry too much about it"