Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanita Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey started in church. I was a “PK” (preacher’s kid). I was the kid that always got into trouble for playing on the instruments. Music always intrigued me and drew me in. I grew up playing piano by ear. I started playing in church at a young age. There were a lot of Sundays that I sounded a mess and could only play in one key, but then somewhere down the line I just grew. Due to my mother being very sick, I spent a lot of nights in the hospital with her and writing became an outlet for me. Over the years, I attended performing arts schools and went to college for music. During college, my mother passed away and that was the most horrible moment of my life, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone. After college, my degree in education opened the door for me to move to Los Angeles in 2014.
When I got to LA; I worked all day at a school, did shows at night followed by a session right after. Some days I was too tired to go home so I would just pull up at my job to sleep for 3-4 hours just to do it again the next day. After a few months of being in LA, Guitar Center had a competition called Singer-Songwriter 4. I performed my own songs for the legendary Don Was and Colbie Caillat at The Troubadour. I never expected Don Was to call my name as the winner; but by the grace of God, he did.
After winning the competition, I recorded my first EP at Henson studios and performed my debut single on Jimmy Kimmel Live. I started working with notable artists, musical directors and producers such as Ty Dolla $ign, Chance the Rapper, B-Slade, Jessica Sanchez, and Teddy Riley to name a few. I also co-founded Little Monarch with Casey Kalmenson, whose single “No Matter What” has reached over 22 million streams on Spotify. I performed at Coachella, Jackson’s R&B Festival, Beale Street Music Festival, Concert Halls in the UK, and more recently with Kanye West’s Sunday Service all over the world. Through the Recording Academy and Grammy Next program, I gained a mentor by the name of Maureen McDonald (Mozella). In 2018, I released my album entitled Remember ME that paved the way for my new newest single “Holdin’ On“, which released November 6th.
Throughout my life, I dealt with doubt and low-self esteem due to always hearing no from people that when I got the one, yes I needed, I didn’t know what to do, but I will say it made me reflect and appreciate where I came from with understanding why the no’s were essential in making the one yes I need matter. I am committed to continuing my journey and never giving up on my dreams.
Has it been a smooth road?
My life has never been smooth sailing. My entire life was built around overcoming or going through obstacles. From my mother being sick, brother being murdered as a child, my mom lived off a disability check that only paid $600 a month to just not always having access to things or people to help on my journey or always hearing no and dealing with my own trauma; it has all been apart of my journey. My story is still being written.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My brand is Lanita Smith. Being myself in rooms has helped me. As a writer, I love to tell stories through songs. As a musician, I love for music to sound timeless. One thing that has helped is being able to be who the client needed in the moment. Maybe someone doesn’t need a songwriter, but they need a keyboard player. Being able to adapt has opened a lot of doors for me. In 2017, I was able to birth the Lanita Smith Music Foundation Scholarship to help other young people gearing up for college.
Being set apart seems like a competitive term. I don’t strive to be set apart, but I do strive to be the best authentic version of myself. I believe what’s for me is for me. I still get up every day and grind hard. I’m proud that I never gave up on my dream, and I have accomplished many things. That’s all my mother wanted.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I definitely think Los Angeles is and has been the city for me. What I’ve learned about LA is the opportunity is there, but you honestly have to grind it out. If you’re just starting out; be encouraged to make yourself visible, punctual, and present. The talent will show itself. If that person doesn’t vibe with you, someone will. Don’t think the opportunity will always just fall in your lap. You have to be willing to work-hard. I’ve learned in LA that it’s very easy for people to learn who you are and love you, but it’s just as easy for them to forget you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lanitasmith.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanitasmith/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lanitasmithmusik
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamlanitasmith
Image Credit:
Tae Nichol – (Personal Photo), Guitar Center – (Henson Studio/Jimmy Kimmel Live)
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
