We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eric Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Eric, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?

The best investment I’ve made thus far is, investing in myself, i.e., believing in myself and my songs. I used to play lots of cover songs but as my original song repertoire increased, I began to play more of my songs. In the process, I found that people connect with what I’m singing about. Whether it be of humor or real life topics. I sing about life. I try and keep it real. I blend/write my songs with passion and humor. I write from the heart and the funny-bone.

Eric, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m from Dallas Texas. I’ve been an original songwriter for over 20+ years.
I’ve been playing the guitar for over 30 years now. I am a multi instrumentalist as well. I was first influenced by my father who played and sang the old country songs. Hank Williams Senior, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Homer and Jethro, etc. I realize now that I was heavily influenced by their songwriting. They sang and wrote about life with deep passion. Although their songs were influenced by the life they lived, I find that adding humor to my songs, helps myself and the listener. I take life serious, but I also find humor in it as well. It’s a form of healing, if you will. As a songwriter, inspiration to write songs comes from my family, my friends, my Church, even my dogs. All things are a possible influence, really. My eyes and ears are always tuned into the peripheral. I never really know where the next spark of inspiration will come from. I must say, I do give GOD the glory for the gift of writing and playing music.
I got into this industry by simply getting out in front of people and sharing my love for music, especially original music. The more I play live the more I enjoy it.
I have found that, it takes a great deal of discipline to be a songwriter. You have to make time for it. It’s a craft, and to be good at it, you have to take it serious. If you want to write better songs, you have to be consistent at the craft of songwriting. Just like learning your instrument.
I don’t mean for this to sound haughty, but what I am most proud of, musically, are my songs. I believe in them, and from what I can tell, my audience connects with them. That makes me feel great and accomplished. Especially, when people tell me that I made them laugh or they connected emotionally.
I want my listening audience to know that when they come listen to me, I will most certainly have a song they can connect with, whether it be in laughter
or a memory they recall. Connecting musically with my audience brings me great joy.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a songwriter, you experienced many ups and downs – happy moments, sad moments, frustrations, etc. However, the greater good and joy outweighs the aforementioned. I have to remind myself, have fun along this journey and not take myself too serious.
Something I really enjoy is, entering my songs into various songwriting competitions. When I first started, I was not very successful. This went on for awhile. But, with perseverance and writing better songs, I finally started winning! I have now won five times at the Walnut Valley festival in Kansas. It’s the New Songwriter Showcase event. This contest has taught me that patients and writing better songs is king and that in due time one can and will succeeded.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One thing I do as a songwriter that I find to be very helpful is, attend as many songwriter workshops. I have learned so much from professional songwriters, as well, networking with other like-minded songwriters. Perhaps you will even find a compatible co-writer in the workshop.
One of the most impactful songwriting teachers I’ve learned from is, Terri Hendrix https://www.terrihendrix.com/
She has a wealth of knowledge and resources. She is the one that encouraged me to record more and get my music out on the many various music platforms.
It’s good practice to take time to listen and read the lyrics of some of your favorite songwriters. Take time to understand the arrangement of the song. Dissect the songs you enjoy, both lyrics and chords of the instrument. Then, perhaps you can create something similar by your analysis.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/smithpicksongs?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=59249824-1494-4f10-ad4e-f311d6d409db
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithpicksongs?igsh=MTdzMjQ0ZzA2Mmw5dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19v5DJqWEB/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/LiDZk1e89uY?si=eXLFpwJaG_WgndLt
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Xy87tXtGLVSQroUvxAVYm?si=VnphBE1DQ9irC9jO0XDaTA

  My music be streamed on all major platforms.

Image Credits

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