Interview With Artist Smith Lee

1. Where are we talking from today?

A. Los Angeles.

2. Where did you get your artist name from?

A. The two counties I grew up in.  Smith County, Texas (Tyler, TX.), and Lee County, Fl. (Fort Myers, Fl.)  Essentially, the two places that helped formed the artist (and human) I am today.

3. Music wise what are you working on right now? Are you currently promoting a single or album?

A. I am currently working on writing, recording, and producing a full-length solo album from my own private studio.  It is very much still in the works, but it is my labor of love and the first time I have ever attempted to record all the pieces and produce my own songs.

4. Who or what were the most significant influences on your musical life and career?

A. I know it sounds cheesy, but I grew up in a house that was always alive with sound and music.  My mom always sang in the car and the first full-length album I remember knowing the words to was “Hell Freezes Over” by The Eagles.  The joy of loving any and all music and how it makes you feel and how it allows you to express is what influences me more than anything.  Both of my parents believe in challenging yourself to grow and fighting for what you believe in.  Neither of them is musicians and yet they love telling stories and performing (in their own ways).  For me, the music my parents listened to (and introduced me to) as a kid resonates to this day.  Songs like Etta James, The Eagles, Willy, Waylon, Texas Honky Tonk at its Finest, ZZ Top are all major draws and places of inspiration.  To the same token, I am inspired by sounds and possibilities that are outside my comfort zone.  Although I am working on a very solo project at the moment, the idea of working with and around other artists is one of the most thrilling things to me.  To see what they see and hear what they hear.  It changes your perspective.  It allows you to explore and create and learn and express all at the same time.

5. Who are your favorite musicians?

A. The Eagles, The Foo Fighters, Stevie Knicks, Fleetwood Mac, The Blues Travelers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, ANYTHING blues related, southern rock (especially the Honky Tonk stuff), anything with a story to its lyrics, Mo-Town…alright…it’s fair to say that there’s not a lot that I hate:)

6. What have been the greatest challenges/frustrations of your career so far?

A. I don’t know that I consider it a negative, but learning myself and growing have been big challenges and great opportunities to explore as an artist.  Finding the confidence to trust my instincts and fight for what I want using the business knowledge and experience that I have has taken time (and a lot of disappointing relationships and choices) to get to this point.  And there’s so much more I want to see and do!

7. As a musician, what is your definition of success?

A. Finding the right place and the right way (for you) to make a living creating art.   The rest is just icing on the cake.  Really delicious icing.  That sounds delightful.

8. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A. Writing, Creating, and performing music with other amazing artists and learning from them.  Constantly.

9. What is your present state of mind?

A. Hopeful…..and a little sassy.

10. What is your most treasured possession?

A. It’s not a what, it’s a who (and yes, he’d kill me if he heard me call him a possession).  My best friend and partner in crime.

11. What do you enjoy doing most?

A. Creating.  It doesn’t matter how.  Just creating.

12. Where would you like to be in 10 years’ time?

A. Still on a stage.  

13. Where you @ online?

www.instagram.com/smithleesound