Before Smith started performing at local bars and coffee houses in her early twenties, she was a budding classical pianist winning state-wide championships. She then began crafting her own songs and delved into the local music scene, emulating her contemporary musical idols, Carly Simon, Carole King and Joni Mitchell. Further inspired by guitarists Bruce Cockburn and Richard Thompson, Smith picked up the guitar. She started experimenting with her voice and developed the unique vocal style heard on her albums today – a sound that blends folk with rock and a little bit of country. Smith’s music is romantic, soulful, earthy and mystical, and is best known for its lyrical and melodic freshness. By listening to a wide range of artists and musical genres, she continuously opens herself to ideas she encounters in her auditory adventures. Her music has been compared to the likes of Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin and Natalie Merchant.

No stranger to introspection, Smith addresses a range of personal issues in her music and draws upon her own experiences as artist, wife, mother and woman. As a songwriter, however, Smith’s uniqueness comes in her search for resolution. Beyond just emotional expression, her stories - through song – look for hope and clarity in the midst of life’s toughest struggles. “I think most people want to hear more than unresolved anger. They want to hear about answers, resolution, closure, the things that they look for in their own lives.

That’s why people relate very strongly to my music,” Smith said. “Many people tell me that they feel the songs were written just for them. “ Smith released her self-titled debut album in 1998, and in 2000, released her second album, “Blame It on the Moon,” featuring renowned master guitarist Michael Smith. She released her third album, “Artemisia,” in January 2006. “Artemisia” is Smith’s first concept album and explores the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, a revolutionary 17th century painter and the first female artist to achieve recognition in world of post-Renaissance art. Smith and her self-titled band play numerous annual festivals and universities. Smith is proudly sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts.

A Chicago native, Linda lives with her husband and producer Robert Arendt and their dog, Gracie. In addition to recording and performing, she teaches guitar at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.