We recently connected with C. Lynne Smith and have shared our conversation below.
C. Lynne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
Do I wish I had started my creative career sooner or later?
For “late bloomers” who have lived quite a bit of life including other jobs, careers, relationships etc.
before finding themselves in a creative career… Going back in time and starting sooner seems to be a question
that pushes itself into the mix whether you want it to or not. For some folks, life just does not afford the
opportunity to consider much of anything other than survival and a Creative Career isn’t even an awareness…
and then something happens!
In my case, it was a complete breakdown. Physical, emotional, spiritual, financial… the works.
There is way too much back-story to go into here so I will start with this. In 2001, I went into the
Hospital because I had a breakdown and wasn’t sure if I could fight to live anymore. I was also suffering from medical
problems, which included a broken back, nerve damage, PTSD and other issues.
My first roomy was a sweet, Psychopathic Nun. I had to attend “group” therapy and pretend to be a tree. Made
friends with a really nice girl… whose picture I saw in the paper a few days later because she tried to kill her husband… but I digress. Don’t most creatives?
Came out of that hospital went into another hospital for back surgery. According to the Doctors, had old injuries from way back and a severed spine that had happened at least 7 years prior. Well, seven years prior I had fallen down a flight of steps upside down and my low back slammed on all 12 steps on the way down… but I saved the new vacuum cleaner in the fall. Was used to just getting up and moving on so I did. Continued my career as a Nurse, mountain biking, working out, living an active life… until I couldn’t. So, the surgery came with the usual risks and they weren’t sure I would be able to walk again after. Well, that just wasn’t an option for me and I got out of bed and painfully made my way down the hallway a few hours after surgery just to make sure I could walk. Wasn’t supposed to but once I knew I lived through the surgery, making sure I could still walk seemed more important than the rules.
It was a long recovery from all of it. Being house bound for 3 months, once again as throughout life, music and writing were my refuge. Up until that point, the music and writing were separate things. Then one day, I was “looking out the window, the snowflakes falling down” when those words and playing the guitar just merged. The first complete song “When” was born. It seemed that with the healing of my body, mind and soul came the integration of my writing & music into songwriting.
Now, it’s like breathing to me and the songs just come. One of the important things I’ve learned is not to judge the music as it happens. To just let it be whatever it wants to be. I’ve since written and continue to write, compose, record and perform many types of songs; Country, Folk, Rock, Gospel, Pop, Indigenous. Have not done any Opera … yet.
I didn’t know that a creative career was in the cards for me until it started unfolding then. It would be several years before that realization began to sink in. It’s still sinking in.
Living a creative life is just natural and weaves in and out of my regular life as if they are one… because they are.
Again, stories for another time, but basically one thing led to another and led me to where I am now…. sitting in the kitchen having home-made scones, milk and writing this. :) Life’s journey leads the way as this path unfolds and evolves. Ever changing, growing, flowing like a river to the sea. Is there a lot of hard work? Absolutely. Does it take drive and commitment? Lots. Is it a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows? Of course. It takes a lot of holding on and letting go at the same time and
ultimately… “you can’t force the river” … though sometimes ya try.
So much has happened over the years. Do I wish I had done some things “Sooner”? Later?
Honestly, how can I know? Like the exact right timing in life for the integration of my healing, writing and music… I reckon everything is exactly as it should be and will happen when it’s meant to… in it’s own time. In the words of a song, “There ain’t no turnin back.” “All we can be is in this moment living here and now. All we can do is learn and grow and try to give our best now. Then just maybe… we are gonna be alright.”
So, for “late bloomers” like me, going back in time and starting sooner seems to be a question that pushes itself into the mix whether we want it to or not. Thing is, we cannot go “back” in time. The past is gone. All we really have is Now. We can only start from where we are in the Present. The future is not formed yet. When I find myself wondering what “might” have been, I imagine asking myself that question in the future (God willing) and then I do the thing that feels right to do now. Maybe one day, I will look back and be grateful that I did it when I did … at the exact right moment.
Do I wish I had started my creative career sooner or later? I think the most the important thing is, did I start it at all. ~C.Lynne
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In the words of Bob Marley, “Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.”
I feel the rain.
I’ll be honest; one of the hardest things for me is to tell folks about myself. Reckon I figure that how I live my life, treat others and what gets created and shared will speak for me. Then, others will form their own opinion anyway. lol
There is really no way to wrap so much of one’s life up into a box so let me just say this. “THIS”.
There. I’ve said it.
Am advised that I should start with this Excerpt from the Website Bio because that is the basic information in a nutshell. Since I’ve never been in a nutshell, reckon I’ll take the advice.
First, a disclaimer. I did not write all of it and the first line comes from what others have said/written. I prefer to just say I sound like Me but since folks might not know what me sounds like … Here goes;
Bio Excerpt:
[“C. Lynne Smith is Unusual. If Patsy Cline, Melissa Etheridge and Janis Joplin had a child she would be it. Her dynamic, soulful vocals combined with intricate guitar picking perfectly compliment her thoughtful lyrics. Her style ranges from traditional country with a modern feel to folk, rock, blues & beyond.”]
[“A prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist C. Lynne has yet to be cornered into a single genre. Her music comes from life and it doesn’t all sound like a country song. She writes songs of love, heartache, anger, peace, war within and without, awareness of humanity and our planet and everything in between.”]
….and some other things I’m supposed to mention … then I’ll get back to telling ya some more about the journey……..
A Few Highlights over the years:
1st Solo Show Coffee Beanery 2014
Opened for the Outlaws band June 2017
Opened for Jonatha Brooke March 2017
Solo Show at Guaracini Performing Arts Center Down Jersey Series April 2017
Played at Singer Songwriter Cape May from 2015 – 2019
Interview with ART-C Bill Horin May 2017
A few Fm Radio interviews WCFA 101.5fm
Was featured in few blogs as well as Atlantic City Press
Performed at many different places/venues in the PA, NJ, DE, MD areas
Including:
The Levoy Theatre – Millville NJ
Congress Hall – Cape May NJ
Convention Hall – Cape May NJ
The Queen – Wilmington DE
World Cafe Live – Philadelphia PA
WCFA 101.5 FM – Cape May NJ
J.C. Dobbs – Philadelphia PA
Steele City – PA
Chaplins – PA
Guaracini Performing Arts – Vineland NJ
Bayshore At Bivalve – Port Norris NJ
AJ Meerwald Sailboat – Port Norris NJ
Scola – Cape May Courthouse NJ
Luciano Theatre – Vineland NJ
Brown Room – Cape May NJ
Boiler Room – Cape May NJ
Coffee Beanery – Media PA
Salem County Fairgrounds – NJ
Fiddle Festival Hybernia Park – PA
Cape May Distillery – Cape May NJ
Iron Pier – Cape May NJ
Aleatheas/Inn of Cape May – Cape May NJ
The Chalfonte – Cape May NJ
Beach Club of Cape May – Cape May NJ
Pine Tavern Distillery – Monroeville NJ
Bus Stop Music Cafe – Pitman NJ
The Reeds – Stone Harbor NJ
The Water Tower – Stone Harbor NJ
Lima Bean Festival – W Cape May NJ
Tomato Festival – W Cape May NJ
West Cape May Farmers Market – NJ
On The Rocks – Cape May Ferry – NJ
Sad Batter – Cape May NJ
Lizzie Rose Music Room – NJ
White Horse Winery – Hammonton NJ
Carneys – Cape May NJ
Cabanas – Cape May NJ
Harry’s Roof Top – Cape May NJ
Emlen Physick Estate – Cape May NJ
Cape May Lighthouse – Cape May point NJ
Corinthian Yacht Club – Cape May NJ
End of The Road Theatre – Cape May NJ
So, I’m C. Lynne. Human, wife, daughter, sister, friend, Singer/Songwriter, musician, composer, recording artist, producer, performer.
Grew up in a family where music was simply a way of life and weaved in and out of everything. It’s in my blood and has always been a huge part of the journey. I’ve lived beautiful moments, horrible moments and so much in between. Think I’ve always been what I am now…. just didn’t know it yet. It took many years, events, relationships, moves, a few jobs & careers and some very hard times before I would break. In 2001, I broke.
As I mended, the writing and music that always got me through life began to blend together and I found myself writing, composing, playing, singing entire songs. Didn’t really set out to, it just happened naturally. As mentioned in the first interview question, I was housebound recovering from a Spinal Fusion and other things when this integration began to happen.
Reckon all the parts had always been there… but as the healing journey integrated body, mind and soul … it did the same for the writing, music, singing etc. It was as if all my life I had been broken into pieces and then suddenly, they were finding each other. Of course, they had to be nurtured and helped along as they grew. This is how I discovered I just might be a Songwriter. This was born out of life’s healing journey and what I am, do and make is still from the space of living, feeling, healing, dealing, sharing, helping and just plain loving to make music!
Too much back-story but in 2004, I was drug by the arm up on stage at an open mic when a nice lady overheard that I write songs. So, I had to play and sing it for others too. Got through that and was pleasantly surprised by the support and interest in my music… and grateful that no one threw tomatoes … especially still in the cans! Eventually, folks started asking for a recording of my songs, so I tried to get something together for them out of demos. Made a homemade CD of the first 5 songs I’d written (Country’ish) and started giving it out.
Again, was surprised when folks began telling me that, not only did they enjoy it… it helped them somehow. That was a driving force that got me to face stage fright and take the music out of my room and share it with others.
So, one thing led to another and over time and a lot more life… things evolved into playing out more at open mics then doing sets at songwriter shows, coffee shops, church etc. Every time things started flowing, there was another major setback/life crisis, so the creative life had to take a back seat… again. It was down but never out as I continued to create but recording, performing and those aspects could not be a priority.
After helping take care of my Gram for several years, she passed in 2013. Music in my life began with her and when the Alzheimer’s got bad, music and singing together was still there. It was the first connection and the last between us. I did not play music for 6 months except a beautiful native wood flute my partner got for me during that time. Playing that felt like a healing balm over my heart.
2014/2015 found me playing regularly at an open mic in NJ, which led to being selected to play at Singer Songwriter Cape May Festival. This led to being booked at local venues … which was a new and whole different learning experience. We had to find a place to live, bought my folks place in NJ and moved there.
A lot happened musically over the next few years. Was doing regular “gigs” in the area, some radio show segments, professional shows with others and, of course, volunteering to play music to help where needed. My CD Real was still playing on radio stations worldwide and things were moving, growing and ever changing. Had to learn and get used to doing a lot of cover songs all the while sticking with doing a lot of Originals even though that was “risky” in this business… so they say.
Some highlights during that time: Was invited to do my own listening room type Singer/Songwriter Performance at Gauricini Performing Arts Center. Then was hired to Open for The Outlaws at the Levoy Theater. My bass player & I were nervous wrecks and were pleasantly surprised by the response of the audience and a standing ovation … and we did only Originals! Felt like an affirmation that staying true to one’s self despite the opposition was the right choice.
Was invited to open for Jonatha Brooks at Singer Songwriter Cape May in 2017. Another very special moment of connection through music. The folks couldn’t have been more supportive and it was a beautiful experience. So much was happening in life and in the music.
The performing journey continued as did playing instruments, writing songs, composing, etc.
Among all the positives, there were always things that make ya go hmmm and difficult situations to deal with, but the next 2 years would prove very confusing as a performer in the area. Despite doing a good job. getting good feedback and usually bringing more folks to the venues I played at, I was getting cancelled, not booked, told by some that I was not a local favorite and that I didn’t have a draw. Just a note on that one… my partner/manager was told that… While I was playing to 60 plus people who came there Because I was playing. ?? There were rumors going around, some folks acting funny. It wasn’t our first Rodeo entirely, but we were not in as deep with other situations in the past. But those are stories for another time… maybe.
It was a difficult, confusing and hurtful time. Lost folks we thought were ‘friends’. Lost a sense of community we just thought we’d found. Lost income. Most of all, lost a lot of the ability to make and share the music and connect with others. Didn’t know who we could trust. It was tough but we were tougher. Through it all, we got stronger standing alone and though it’s hard…. not letting anyone or anything put out the light and putting one foot in front of the other to keep on walking is the way through. We learned a lot about local politics, sabotage, frenemies … which were probably needed lessons for continuing on this journey. Not to mention it made for some great song material. Just sayin.
Despite all of that, I was still playing out here and there and by the start of 2020, was booked up for the entire year ahead of time. That was a first. There were still kind folks that came to listen and support and appreciate the music… one of the best reasons to keep on keeping on through it all. Heartfelt thanks to you all. Things seemed to be moving and we were looking forward to a fulfilling year. 3 Months in… the world closed down. We all know the rest of that story.
Did a few virtual shows to help in some way. It was a strange, new world and while I missed the “in person” connection, it made me aware of something, musically speaking. It reminded me that it was nice to be able to share music somewhere that wasn’t a loud bar environment. I could really share intimately and actually enjoyed making the music more in the quieter setting. This led me to consider doing less bar gigs once the world opened again and see how to go about doing more listening room type things.
We started back up out there Spring of 2021 and I went back to the few gigs booked. While it was good to connect in person again, things just didn’t feel the same but I stuck with what was booked. Then my main booking ended due to a change in management and more unjust and basically really crappy treatment. I just had to finally walk away. That was a risk but one that my self-respect left me no options on. This spilled over into some other areas where I chose to say No (more than I already had in the past) instead of just putting up with bad treatment in order to “gig”. Still played gigs, though less. However, the ones I did play were more in line with who and how I am as a person and an artist.
Then in 2022, I was asked to do my own Solo show at a new local theater. It went very well and though we were still coming out of the “pandemic”, folks came. The feedback was positive and folks seemed to really appreciate being able to listen to the music where they could hear it and its messages better. Plus, we chatted, and it was more personal. It was a more intimate connection for us all. Real. Win Win. Did 4 Solo shows of mostly Original Music at the theater in that year. Plan to do some more.
Finally got back to trying to record that 2nd CD as well. Our neighborhood was like a war zone so it was a difficult journey but one I was determined to do the best I could with. It will not be perfect but it will be real. Made with blood, sweat, tears, war zone noises, cat meows … and music. Also decided to make it myself again but more intentionally so that I could find my own sound, process and learn how to do it from the ground up so I can make more… and more… and more. (God Willing) All the recording is done and am figuring out how to mix & master it well enough for release very soon.
2023 Serendipitously started off with an unexpected addition to the family. Her name is Rose. She is a Custom-made cigar box guitar (made locally). When our friend at the feed store first handed me one that someone made for him… told him it was really cool as I wondered, hmm, what can ya play on something with only 3 strings? He handed it to me. I sat down on a pile of cat food bags and played things. Loved it so much got his friend to custom make one for me. Never knew about them and now I’m hooked. Brought “Rose” home and have been learning new things and making lots of cool music on her ever since. What can ya play on something with 3 strings? More like, what Can’t ya play on it! Might even make a CD with her.
Speaking of CD’s… as mentioned, am working on CD2 and near completion. Have several other music projects in the works as well as continued songwriting and performing.
The “plan” from here? Just keep makin MUSIC, livin Life and hope to leave the world maybe just a tiny bit better for having been in it. Or at least, not make it worse. ~C.Lynne
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
See first 2 answers. haha
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
“The Artists Way by Julia Cameron” was just the thing I needed to help with the process of allowing the creative flow, bringing it down to earth in a real way and supporting the transition into living a more creative life.
A few other books that helped are;
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz & anything by Marianne Williamson
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.clynnesmith.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/C.lynnesmith
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/C.LynneSmithFanPage
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/C_Lynne_Smith
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/clynnesmith
- Other: email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Terri Segal Ted Kingston