Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Smith

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I got my start when I met Garth Brooks. I was a student at Harvard studying the neurological effects music has on the brain and music education when Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood came to campus to give a talk about their careers. I had graduated from Berklee College of Music and been writing songs for years. During the talk, Garth mentioned that he still gets nervous before he performs and this really resonated with me – I loved to perform, but I struggled with crippling stage fright. During the Q&A portion at the end, I raised my hand and asked him how he overcomes his nerves when he’s on stage. After asking me my name, and what kind of music I play, he invited me on stage to play a song! After the performance, Garth gave me his guitar (the one I play with now) and told me to sing my heart out. And that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

I grew up in a small town in Illinois. I loved music from an early age – my earliest memory is gathering my stuffed animals and cuddling in my dad’s guitar case while he practiced gospel tunes for church. As a child, I was enraptured by my grandmother’s stories of Nashville and the Opry in the 50’s and 60’s. I also shared my father’s love of classic rock from the 70’s. And I fell asleep my mother’s lullabies (which, as an adult, I learned were the dust-worn ballads of Woody Guthrie). Rock n roll and vintage country run in my blood.

I moved from my small town to the big city to attend Berklee College of Music. While at Berklee, I studied music business and music production. It was during this time that I unearthed her passion for education. Fascinated by the science of music and fueled by my desire to increase access to music education, I enrolled at Harvard to receive my Masters degree in Arts Education. It was here that I met Garth and Trisha, and it was here that my life changed forever.

After I was “baptized by fire” by Garth Brooks, I returned to my roots. I began writing and performing with an unquenchable ferocity. My songs elicit feelings of nostalgia, pride, wanderlust, heartbreak, and good ol’ fashioned boot-stompin’ mischief and my sound has been likened to Loretta Lynn meets The Rolling Stones. In 2018, I released my debut EP, “Hitch A Ride.” Featuring Grammy-winning and platinum-status talent, the 6-song EP was produced by Johnny Duke (Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, and Chris Stapleton).

In 2022, I released my first full length album “Baptized By Fire.” Produced by Caleb Gilbreath (Brett Eldredge, Mandi Sagal) and Eddie Bayers (Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson), the album tells the story of redemption through love, family, and faith. I am currently releasing a new EP called “Spirit On the Run.”

Nominated for two BMAs for Country Artist of the Year, and two New England Music Award for Country Artist of the Year, I’ve been referred to as “Boston’s Honky Tonk Country Queen” and “one of the best original country acts in New England.” I’ve been featured on The Bull, Country 102.5, and indie radio stations across the country. I’ve headlined and performed at festivals throughout New England, performed television, and been featured in NPR’s the ARTery, HarvardEd Magazine, and music blogs from around the world.

It’s been a wild ride, but I’m is just warming up.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Absolutely not! I don’t think this line of work is a smooth road for anyone! I think there’s a funny saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Musicians are insane. Not that we don’t tweak and iterate between every “no” we get, but it can be tricky. How do you balance remaining “authentic” while still taking feedback with grace and intention? I, like every other musician (even Taylor Swift) have been told “no” probably thousands of times. You just have to get back up and keep going.

I’ve been told no by promoters, bookers, producers, other artists, publicists, labels, and everything in between. But, all those no’s make the yes’s feel incredible.

At least in Nashville, the way they say “no” is always so nice, though. ;)

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’ve been referred to as “Boston’s Honky Tonk Country Queen” and I’m really proud of that title. I think it fits me like an old worn out pair of boots.

I’m known for my vintage rock n roll country sound. You could call it Loretta Lynn meets The Rolling Stones with a hint of Bob Seger (Night Moves is one of my favorite covers we do). I think I’ve also learned to not take myself too seriously and how to have fun. If you’re having fun on stage, so will everyone else and that’s why people come to my shows – to have a good time and hear some killer tunes.

It was tricky when I was first starting out because I really wanted to play my original music when everyone was telling me that I needed to play the latest Carrie Underwood cover. But that’s not what I do – I’m a good singer, but not like her, so why do something mediocre when I can do something special? It was a struggle to get my original stuff out there and build a following, but everyday I’m winnin’ over hearts, minds, and ears.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

The music industry is constantly shifting and I absolutely LOVE what’s happening in country right now. I’ve always thought the more the merrier and I am delighted to see more and more black artists getting the recognition they so rightly deserve within the genre. We still have a long way to go (ahem Morgan Wallen fans, I’m looking at you), but I hope that this is a shift that is here to stay.

As far as the actual business goes – who knows? One of my least favorite questions is “What’s your 5-year-plan?” If you asked me 5 years ago if I thought I’d be where I am today doing what I’m doing, the answer would most assuredly be no. Things move at a rapid pace these days so it’s hard to know. I think if you can remain open, creative, strategic, honest, genuine, and kind, then you’re doing it right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elisasmithmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisasmithmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisasmithmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9uYJ_2TgIwDnf7wbUv7_A
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DuQ6P0o7YsP22YeiCOFJc?si=6MaESVDNTNybMIYUDgSq0g

Image Credits
Red 13 Studios