Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlaina Smith.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As a kid, I’d occasionally write little tunes and sing them for people. But as I got older, the thought of doing that became mortifying. It wasn’t until I was 16 that I finally let my voice be heard by the persistence of one of my sisters, then one of my brothers, then my mother. Their surprise and positive feedback made me feel like I wasn’t so bad at this after all. More and more I let my voice be heard, and with every listening ear, there was a kind word that gave me confidence.
A lot more music started coming out of me after that. There was so much of it I didn’t share though. Often times I’d use music just to express ideas, or process something I was going through, with no intention of it reaching an audience. I feel like I’m only just now really embracing my music in a way that I want it to be out there.
I owe that to the encouragement of friends and family. What a blessing to make someone feel they have something worthy of sharing. I hope my music, or some part of me, can give back in some capacity of what people have made me feel through it.
Please tell us about your art.
If I’m being perfectly honest, I just play and write because it feels good. And I feel like I should. I want to utilize whatever gifts I have, in whatever degree I have them. I write deeply personal songs, story songs, and songs that make no sense. And if I connect with people through that, I’m thrilled. And if I don’t, that’s okay too. I’m going to make what I want, and people can take what they want from it.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
At our core, us humans want to feel connected. Connection is how we navigate so much of our life. So, if I can make something that someone can connect to, then I feel like I’ve entered the realm of the human experience. If the music alone resonates, maybe not even words will, but the music, that excites me. To be a part of someone’s soul, in a way–even if just for a moment–those moments add up. That feels like success to me. It’s the soul stuff, the big picture stuff. And I love interacting with people during my sets. If I make them laugh, that’s a success in my own little book.
Having grace for yourself in your journey as an artist, and in general, is so important in your success as an artist. Give yourself room to mess up, make bad stuff, and be patient when you’re making it better. Keep in mind the joy the work gives you.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I just have a bunch of demos on Soundcloud
https://soundcloud.com/marlainasmith
I post demos on Instagram, too.
@marlainasmith
A few covers on YouTube
http://youtube.com/mmarlainaa
As for support–be on the lookout for my song called, What You’ll Find, to be released in November. And come hang with me at shows!
Contact Info:
- Website: marlainasmith.com
- Email: marlainaasmith@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlainasmith/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/marlainaa
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/mmarlainaa
Image Credit:
Liz Blom, Micah Van Hove, self-portrait, Peter Zuehlke
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