It’s been seven years since Alice Smith released her debut album For Lovers, Dreamers, & Me, which is quite a long time in the music industry. Nonetheless, her following and popularity is stronger than ever, and Smith has rewarded her patient fans with the recent release of her sophomore album, SHE, on March 19—and we’ve got your chance to see her live at the 9:30 Club on April 4!
Smith was born and raised in both Washington, DC and Georgia, a contrasting mix of urban and rural experiences that is represented in her songs. A blend of soul, country, ‘60’s pop, blues, and much more, her music is a combination of genres that help to convey the mix of emotions expressed through her lyrics.
“Dream,” “Do I,” “Love Endeavor” and “Gary’s Song,” the four songs on her first album that Smith wrote, are perfect examples of these contradictory yet complementary sounds and words that Smith so coherently combines and develops in accordance with her unique style. Her individualistic tunes continue to flourish and impress in SHE with heart-wrenching yet catchy songs like “The One” and “Another Love.”
It’s difficult to accurately describe Smith without seeming cliché. Comparisons have been made to Fiona Apple because of her effervescent vocal range and abilities, but that doesn’t even do her justice. Truly, Smith’s music is singular due to its quality, style, and development—the break between albums while continuing to produce and tour to sold-out crowds is almost unheard of. And that’s probably what makes Smith so non-mainstream: from her songs to her actions, everything she does is very much distinctive to her. The title of her new album is thus, extremely appropriate.
Want to enter to win a pair of tickets to see her live? Write in the comments below, the album or artist that you think most accurately reflects your style and character.
My pick is Girls and Boys by Ingrid Michaelson, mostly because I can pretty much relate to any song on that album. Enter by noon on Wednesday, March 27, and make sure to buy your tickets if you don’t win!
