Smith Sisters Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

1. How did you choose the title for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?

The
title of the CD is in honor of our mom. It’s called “Momma!” The songs
are true stories about her, experiences with her and they talk about the
person that she is and the people she taught us to be.

2. Do you write the songs yourself?

Most
all of our music are originals. They are true stories about our family
and experiences we had together growing up. We had a really fun family
terrific parents and many odd and unusual experiences. We love sharing
these stories with the listeners… our friends!

3. Please tell us about the songs on your album influences etc.?

We
are inspired by people like Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent
etc. we are also very strongly influenced by Johnny Cash. With that
said we also have sort of our own unique style. We try to incorporate
bluegrass instrumentation along with a Western flair over bridges…
think back to the old westerns while you are listening to our music.
You will see what we mean.

4. What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you are proud of?

Some
of the highlights have been appearing on the television show Good
Day Sacramento, performing at Downtown Disney was also a lifetime
dream. Appearing on the first round Grammy ballot 2 years in a row has
been a thrill and most recently receiving airplay on BBC Radio a
complete surprise!

5. Is there a place that you haven’t played that you would like to?

Yes
we would like to play the Grande Ole Opry, Hollwood Bowl and The
Grammy’s! Also one of our biggest dreams is to appear in movies. Our
dad was also a singer back in the 50s and he was in several motion
pictures. He is our model for the type of career we want to have.

6. Your current single is being played by radio. What do you feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it?

The
song that is being played and is actually been on a top 40 chart in the
UK for14 weeks in a row is “Elvis on the jukebox no one else around.”
The reason for its success we’re told is the subject matter, the catchy
chorus and tune and we are told many times over it has a great bridge.

7. What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what’s the story behind it?

Our
favorite song would have to be “Dad’s Shoe Tree.” The reason, it’s a
true story about our dad who took old boots and shoes and nailed them to
a dead tree. It’s a fun story, and it was also our dad’s favorite
song! It meant a lot that it was so special to him. He knew all about
music and that it was his favorite says something! We actually recorded
the song one other time with a swing band and or dad said that the only
thing he would change is to give it a key change. When we re-recorded
it under Smith Sisters Bluegrass we added that key change and he was
right! It’s a much better song because of it. Our dad has since passed
away but we still use his advice to this day.

8. If you had a chance to change something about the music industry what would it be?

Definitely
that musicians are rewarded monetarily for their hard work. Music is
so important to people, it can actually heal peoples wounds, can bring
memories back to those afflicted with memory issues, and it can even
save lives by being a tool that is relatable to people going through
similar situations. Music is a vital industry and streaming of music
doesn’t pay enough fir most artists to make more music. Not that it’s
all about money because it really isn’t… But for most independent
artists the money just isn’t there to make more music… many quit and
people suffer or are deprived of great music because of it.

What inspired you to become an artist?

Without
question… our dad Fred Sherry Smith! He was an amazing award winning
singer that was signed by four record labels in his career. He was in
TV, movies and traveled the world doing music. He had such a passion
for music that he continued to do it until he was 86 years old! One of
our last conversations with him he said “I’m going to get really good at
playing the ukulele.” All throughout his life he would pick up
different instruments and get really good at them… Always moving
forward… Always making music… Always bringing fun to places he would
travel. He kept an accordion in his car at all times. He would say
“you never know when a gig might come up!”

As an artist what would you say your favorite tasks are?

Probably 2 favorite things are writing music and performing.

Writing…
because when it happens it flows through us very quickly. God gives
bith of us the music sort of as if its going through a funnel.

Performing
is awesome too… because we get to connect with an audience. We want
all of our performances to feel like we are sitting in a living room
together having a cup of coffee laughing sharing stories and getting to
know each other.

Here is some social media information and links:

iTunes:

CJ – Single by Smith Sisters Bluegrass

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cj-single/1382094795