The series is inspired by Vernoff’s real-life experience growing up, the show is set in present-day Studio City, CA and tells the story of a young singer’s (Pugh) path to stardom, as she comes of age living with her songwriter father Rob (McCormack) — who turns out to be a drug dealer to the stars.
Smith plays Jax, a hip, sexy, charismatic rocker-dude musician and Rob’s songwriting partner. In addition to his acting career, Smith also is a professional musican and frontman of the band The Life of Riley.
Additionally, Riley plays Rachel McAdams’ love interest in the upcoming second season of HBO’s True Detective.
source: deadline.com