KARI SMITH
vocals, keys, acoustic guitar
and booking, marketing, web team, and everything else! ;)
PROMOTIONS ASSISTANT
Kelly Bellas - promotions, sponsorships, media, booking, and more!
If you're interested in a sponsorship opportunity, or would like information about promotions or booking, email her at kelbll3@msn.com.
Influences
My influences are from all different genres of music, so although my music has an "alternative country" label, it has a pretty diverse sound. My favorite musicians are just as diverse, and range from George Strait, Patty Griffin, Mindy Smith, Lucinda Williams, Gavin Degraw, Dave Barnes, Mary J. Blige, Sara Bareilles, Emily West, Alicia Keys and Alison Krauss.
Sounds Like
Me! There are SO many styles of music that I enjoy, and so few styles that I don't listen to, so what I do is a combination of pretty much everything! I really enjoy mellow music when the time calls for it, but I also love to rock it out. I love bluesy stuff, I REALLY love a good beat in R&B or hip-hop. I sing a lot of country (hey - I live in Nashville!) but I try to bring a unique sound to it that's a little bit less 'vanilla' than you might expect! If you hear me sing covers, expect to hear Sheryl Crow, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Patty Griffin, The Eagles, Sam Cooke... and my originals are just as diverse! Enjoy...
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Nashville-based Kari Smith gathers crowds with her fresh vocal style and contagious smile, whether it’s local fans in a crowded coffee shop, or on stage performing for thousands. Rather than waiting to be discovered, Kari finds her audience in local and regional venues, and fills her time outside of performing with writing, recording, and teaching music. In addition to solo acoustic performances, Kari performs with other bands in a variety of genres as a vocalist, keyboardist, and rhythm guitarist. Through these experiences, she has had the opportunity to share the stage with such national acts as Huey Lewis & the News, Sugar Ray, and Switchfoot. Her powerful rendition of the National Anthem has been heard at Richmond Braves games, concerts including The Doobie Brothers and Hootie & The Blowfish, an Extreme Fighting Championship in Richmond, VA’s Coliseum, and the Toughest Cowboy rodeo in Nashville’s arena, The Sommet Center.
"As a vocalist, Kari is mature beyond her years," says producer Matthew Roberts. In 2005, she independently released EP "go with you", including the bluesy, driving rhythm of "I Call It Love," which was featured in independent film "Middle of the Road" (August 2005, Red Cactus Films). Producer John Henneberger says that her writing is “superb and reflects that of a seasoned veteran while maintaining a freshness in approach needed in today's musical landscape." In August 2006, she followed up with an independently released full-length album, self-titled "Kari". She is working on a third record to be released in 2008 by Music Row producer / engineer Dennis Money on independent label Sweetsong Nashville.
Her first TV appearance in October 2007 featured an acoustic performance of her original music on PBS show “The Music Seen”, and her first network appearance on CBS’s “Virginia This Morning” aired in January 2008.
Kari made the move from Richmond, VA to Nashville, TN in 2006 to further her pursuit of performing and writing. She also holds an AA in Liberal Arts. Kari is a member of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers.)
We miss you here at WRRW!!! I have a fiddler you are gonna want to be friends with by the name of Charlie Austin spelled "A-W-E-S-O-M-E" I see you making beautiful music together! Check him out in my "Top Friends"
Let me know when you'll be back in town, and we'll do our best to be there! Promise!
BTW I love the new profile pic, it shows the ever lovely you on the inside out!
"Every generation needs a new revolution" ......Thomas Jefferson
Joyce-Marie Morrin PR/Promotions Director "Revolutionary Radio Williamsburg" WRRW 100.9 FM Williamsburg Public Radio, Va.
Hey Kari! Thanks for adding me! I love your sound, too! Your songs are great! How did the photo shoot go last week? Did you find some cool "rocker" stuff after you left cache? I bet you looked fabulous!! :)
Kari Thank you for the Birthday Greetings. I went to Sonoma County Ca. to visit my sister and her family with my husband Richard. How have you been? Been playing alot of music? If you get out to Reno Look me up 775-229-8557 Would love to meet you! Hopefully sometime. Love Nancy
Great to see you were having a good time on the tour and back recording. I'm thrilled to read that you're gonna be back in the area again...but, I may be on "tour" myself while you're here. BUMMMMMEEERRRR! It's always a joy to see you.
Hey Kari! Thanks for adding us! and you're right, we do LOVE the song! It's so perfect, especially considering the fact that we have 2 generations of sisters singing your song!
It really is a great song, and we wish you the best of luck with everything you write in the future and we hope we get the chance to meet you when we're back in Nashville. :]
We're putting you on our top 8! Please stay in touch! Have a great night!
Kari, you're the best....thanks for sending me good wishes. I never check my myspace, but I cannot WAIT to see you back in Richmond! Keep us updated and good luck with everything! Miss you girl!
