Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Smith.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Music has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up outside of Dallas, I started with piano lessons at a young age, falling in love early on with Bach and Debussy, and was lucky to have an incredible teacher who inspired me to start writing my own original pieces. Around 16, I picked up the guitar. Throughout my school years, I immersed myself in every musical outlet available: playing oboe and singing in the school choir, as well as joining my church’s contemporary band and choir, which I eventually went on to lead.
That passion only grew when I went to college. I formed a band, kept writing, and started gigging. Winning our college talent show, which gave us the chance to play live on the radio, was a massive thrill and confirmed that music would always be a defining part of my life.
After college, I moved to New York City to attend law school. Even as I built my legal career, music remained a constant, non-negotiable part of my life. In New York City, I plugged into the city’s vibrant music scene. I started singing harmonies in my friend Jake Winstrom’s band while continuing to write and perform my own material at legendary NYC venues like The Bitter End, Arlene’s Grocery, Rockwood Music Hall, and Bowery Electric. During this time, I formed another band and connected with producer Robbie Chemical to release my debut 4-song EP, “Won’t Behave”. That project was a true reflection of my range, stretching from the title track’s rebellious anthem to the moody, synth-driven ‘Stay,’ the country-tinged ‘Leave,’ and the romantic, first-dance-inspired ‘Best of Me.’
In 2022, I made the move to Austin, Texas, and I’ve absolutely loved immersing myself in the local culture and venue scene. I’ve had the joy of playing local favorites like Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar, Mozart’s, Caffe Medici, and Celis Brewery. Recently, I’ve been collaborating with Austin producer Jack Greenwood, who helped build my latest single, ‘Honky Tonk Summer,’ from the ground up. Working together helped sharpen my artistic vision and connect me with incredible local musicians. Released as an upbeat, fun summer dance song, it represents an exciting new chapter for me – and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth, linear road! Balancing a serious career alongside creative passion has probably been my biggest ongoing struggle. Moving to New York City to attend law school while trying to build a presence in the local music scene was an intense juggling act. Between late-night gigs and early morning classes, finding the energy and time to practice, write, and record required a lot of discipline – and plenty of coffee.
Another challenge has been embracing versatility and learning to trust my own voice across different genres. Starting out classically trained on piano and oboe, transitioning into indie rock in NYC, and then leaning into country vibes here in Austin required letting go of rigid expectations about what my music ‘should’ sound like.
Finally, moving to a new music hub like Austin in 2022 meant starting fresh in a town filled with world-class talent. Building a new community of collaborators from scratch takes patience and put-yourself-out-there courage, but finding producers like Jack Greenwood and connecting with local venues made navigating those initial hurdles completely worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I am a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist – and by day, a practicing attorney. Balancing a full legal career with an active music journey shapes everything I do; it demands extreme focus, discipline, and a deep appreciation for storytelling, whether in a contract or in a verse.
I’m known for my melody-first approach to writing and my love for collaboration. Having played across so many different live environments, I specialize in reading a room and building a genuine connection with an audience. I also take a lot of pride in the studio process, working closely with producers to build tracks from scratch and bring out the distinct personality of every song.
I’m most proud of my resilience and creative autonomy. Releasing my own projects independently, building a music network from the ground up in two of the best music cities in the country, and constantly evolving my sound are things I hold close to my heart.
What sets me apart is the dual lens through which I see the world. Working as an attorney gives me a deep appreciation for language, clarity, and discipline, while music gives me an outlet for emotional expression and spontaneity. That balance keeps me grounded as an artist. Because I don’t write music out of necessity to fit a commercial box, every song I release comes from a place of pure passion, authentic curiosity, and a genuine desire to connect with listeners.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Balancing a law career with music requires a mix of literary inspiration, personal discipline, and simple tools. For structure, Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People helps me manage my time and prioritize what truly matters. Mentally, books like Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights remind me to trust the journey, embrace life’s detours, and keep moving forward with purpose.
When looking for lyrical inspiration, I often turn to poetry. Jacques Prévert’s vivid, conversational imagery and Rumi’s timeless, expressive words constantly teach me new ways to frame emotion. Finally, on the practical side, my phone’s Voice Memos app is my ultimate creative lifeline. Every stray melody, lyric idea, or guitar snippet goes straight into it the second inspiration strikes, serving as the raw foundation for all my finished songs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/sarahesmithmusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smoothiesmith
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/sarahesmithmusic/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahesmithlaw/
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@sarahesmithmusic
