Alina Smith – Girl That Was Perfect

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) A 2000’s pop/R&B smorgasbord. Think lo-fi sampled strings, bright pianos, and stacks upon stacks of background vocals. I make sure to bring in some modern elements too – like some very deep 808s – but truly, my sound has the early 2000’s written all over it.

Q) Who are your greatest musical influences?

A) Growing up, I was deeply inspired by artists like Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Usher and Christina Aguilera. So, although as a producer I work in all genres, I always end up going back to my roots in my own artist music.

Q) Tell is the story behind your new single “Girl That Was Perfect.”

A) Truly, I wasn’t looking to release music as an artist. I was really enjoying producing others and it didn’t click for me that something was missing until I started working with a life coach. Her suggestion was that I should write some songs for myself even if I don’t release them. “Think of it as therapy!” she had said. So, the next night I sat down with my guitar to follow her advice, and that’s when “Girl That Was Perfect” just sort of tumbled into my lap.

This song is about overcoming body dysmorphia, which is something I struggled with as a young girl. I’m not really sure why the topic just burst into my mind like that – maybe there was a small unhealed part there, needing this type of healing – but I’m glad it did. I hope the song will help impart some of that healing onto other people facing similar issues.

Q) As you just released your first single in five years, is there a new album in the works?

A) Yes! I’m not sure if it’s an album or EP yet: we’ll see. I just let the songs come as they do, and whatever form the project takes is the form I know it’s meant to be in.

Q) Why did you decide to take a break from your own music to produce for other artists?

A) In 2015, I was pitched to every record label in Nashville (I was focused on country music at the time) and they all said no. It was a pretty stressful time for me because I knew my team was very demoralized by our failure and were thinking of dropping me. I was starting to work with my best friend Elli Moore then and together we decided to shift the focus to our new production/writing team LYRE. Within months, LYRE started having cuts with other artists. We ran with it and it took until COVID slowed things down for me to have the time to jump back into my artist project.

Q) Having experience in music production, how has having that background helped you when it comes to writing your own music and recording?

A) It helps a ton. I think back to when I was an artist before I had years of production and writing experience and it’s just not the same playing field. When you’ve logged thousands of hours in the studio, that craft becomes the foundation of your art. I don’t have to think about how to make a snare sound good or wonder where to get an 808. I can focus on what matters the most – what I want to say as an artist – and let the rest lean on my experience.

Q) With the break, in what ways did taking the time to work on yourself help to aid your creativity?

A) As hard as it is, I think at one point every artist should look inward and make friends with their demons. Inner turmoil can be the deepest source of inspiration and art can be exactly the medicine to heal it. The more you know yourself, the more authentic your expression will be – whether it’s a song, a painting, a book, or a film. For me, having gone through a lot of soul-seeking, the inspiration flows freely now.

Q) You are a big advocate for women in the music industry. What do you believe is one of the biggest issues women face in the industry today?

A) Before we were in LYRE, Elli and I were in a lot of separate sessions, mostly with male songwriters and producers. The sexism was often subtle, but it was there. At one time, one guy made a joke like, “Wow, you guys are so good, I was looking for the guy under the table, doing the work.” It can be demoralizing, which is why Elli and I are so happy to be able to provide a safe, judgment-free space to other female creators when we work with them as LYRE.

Q) In addition to your music career, you also host the podcast “Crossover Creative.” Why did you decide to make the move into hosting your own podcast? What episode has been your favorite to record so far?

A) So, funny enough, even though I’m known mostly for music it’s only a part of my identity. I’m also an author, editing my first YA novel, and a visual artist. The idea behind “Crossover Creative” is to share the stories of polymaths: creative people that excel at more than one pursuit. There’s quite a bit of stigma around the topic – “Jack of all trades, master of none.” So, it’s exciting to be able to highlight the multi-hyphenate way of life and show that it’s just as valid as the hyper-focus celebrated in the mainstream.

And I’d say my favorite episode so far has been with my partner Elli! We could talk for hours and there’s a lot of laughter involved. It was hard to condense our episode into only forty-five minutes!

Q) With live music currently on hold, have you done any virtual concerts or plan on doing any in the near future? What do you miss most about performing live?

A) To be honest, I have mildly debilitating stage fright, so I don’t really miss it. My art is expressed best through storytelling, not performance. Although I will say, I really miss watching Elli play out. She’s a natural performer – so fun to watch – so I can’t wait for the live show scene to open up again, so she can be back doing her thing!

Q) What would you like to share with your fans and supporters of your music?

A) First of all, thank you for supporting me! Second, please support yourself, too! I know how much easier it can be to give love to others than yourself, so make sure you give yourself plenty of care, especially at a time like this!