Your Smith On Bad Habits And Nostalgia

If there's anything we at The New Nine love, it's an outspoken, badass female artist. LA-based Your Smith is just that. With a new EP, 'Bad Habit', that has just hit airwaves and an upcoming tour, we wanted to get a front row seat to her creative process.

Tell me about Bad Habit. What was your inspiration for the songs on this EP?

I just really wanted to create an honest dialogue with the listener. I wanted to make a group of songs that felt like home, familiarity, maybe a little nostalgia.

What is the biggest thing you learned from your collaborators on these tracks?

I definitely learned not to take myself so seriously. The crew I worked with on this album, though my age, have this seasoned vet vibe where nothing really phases them. If we write a mediocre song that day, they just shrug, say we’ll get on next time and offer me another beer. Creating that kind of relaxed environment and working with people that trusted me I think gave the EP a special spirit to it.

What was your favorite part of the writing/recording process?

I love when you crack the one last line. Writing lyrics is my favorite part of what I do, and when you find the perfect twist of phrase to convey what you’re trying to say in the way you want to say it- man there’s no greater feeling.

What are you doing to get yourself hyped up before going on tour? Do you have any pre-show rituals?

I’m running a lot and taking a ton of dance classes. Performing is a lot of work and you always forget that it is until you step on stage and try to huff and puff through a song while your adrenaline is surging and you’re running the width of the stage. I love to just get in the zone with my body and feel strong and healthy before I hit the road and all the beer and bar food that goes along with it.

What can fans look forward to when they attend a Your Smith show? What do you hope they walk away with when they leave?

I want people to have fun, to let loose, while also creating a safe space for people to fully feel any emotion they might need to feel. There will definitely be some dancing, some jokes, and just a little bit of us getting in or emotions.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received regarding your career? Do you have any advice for young women (or young people in general) looking to get their foot in the door to the music industry?

The best advice I ever heard was that there are different eco systems in the industry and they all thrive. You can be an asshole and thrive among assholes; you can be money-hungry and thrive among the hungriest; but there are also nice people and they thrive with the other nice people. Find your people. Don’t try to change to fit into an eco system that’s not for you. I went and found the nice people and I’m happy I did.

Who are you listening to right now?

I’m listening to a lot of Wings right now. Old McCartney is really inspiring the new stuff.

Follow Your Smith on Twitter and Instagram and listen to 'Bad Habit' now.