Sy Smith Interview

With a career that bridges the underground soul scene, jazz collaborations, and acclaimed solo projects, Sy Smith has carved out a lane all her own as one of music’s most versatile voices. Known as the “Queen of Underground Soul,” she’s equally at home fronting her own band, trading improvisations with a jazz ensemble, or layering harmonies in the studio. Over the years, Smith has worked with legends like Whitney Houston and Chris Botti, while simultaneously building a fiercely independent catalog that showcases her songwriting, vocal agility, and fearless artistry. As she continues to expand her sound and explore new creative horizons, Sy Smith remains a true force—both a storyteller and a trailblazer whose authenticity resonates deeply with audiences.

Interviewer: You’ve been called the “Queen of Underground Soul” for years now. How do you feel about that title, and what does it mean to you personally?

Sy Smith: I think it’s an honor, honestly. When I first started out, I wasn’t aiming for mainstream radio, I was just making music that felt authentic to me. So, to be recognized as someone who has been holding it down on the underground scene, keeping the artistry intact, that feels like the right crown to wear. It says I’ve stayed true to myself while still building a loyal following.

Interviewer: Your career spans songwriting, singing, producing, even acting. How do you balance so many creative outlets without losing focus?

Sy Smith: I’ve always believed that creativity isn’t something you box in. Some days I want to be in the studio experimenting with vocal layers, and other days I might want to write a script idea or collaborate on a stage project. For me, it’s about flow. When I follow where the energy is pulling me, I never feel burned out—I just feel like I’m stretching different muscles of the same creative body.

Interviewer: A lot of people first discovered you through your work with artists like Chris Botti, The Foreign Exchange, and Whitney Houston. What did those collaborations teach you?

Sy Smith: Every collaboration is a masterclass. With Whitney, it was about professionalism—watching her walk into a room and command it with grace. With Chris Botti, it was about subtlety and nuance, because jazz is about what you don’t play as much as what you do. The Foreign Exchange taught me the beauty of blending genres seamlessly. Those experiences reminded me that versatility is the key to longevity in this business.

Interviewer: Your voice has this incredible range and texture. How do you take care of it, and are there rituals you swear by before performing?

Sy Smith: Oh, I’m a big believer in rest and hydration. Sleep is everything. I also do a lot of yoga and breathing exercises because the voice is not just about vocal cords—it’s about the body being aligned and relaxed. And I’ll admit, I’m old-school in some ways. I still do those tried-and-true lip trills and scales before a show, just to make sure everything is warmed up.

Interviewer: Independent artistry is tough, especially for women in the music industry. What has kept you grounded in moments when it felt overwhelming?

Sy Smith: Community. I have friends and fellow artists who remind me why I started in the first place. There have been times when the industry politics got frustrating, but then I’d get onstage at a small venue, connect with an audience, and realize that was the reward. It’s easy to get distracted by charts and labels, but the human connection through music is what keeps me balanced.

Interviewer: Can you talk about your songwriting process? Where does a Sy Smith song usually begin?

Sy Smith: It changes, but often it starts with a feeling or a phrase. I might overhear something on the train, or I might have a melody pop into my head when I’m cooking. I’m big on voice memos—I have hundreds of little hums and lyric ideas stored away. Later, I’ll sit at the keys and see what chords bring that feeling to life. For me, songs are like puzzle pieces, and eventually they find their way into something whole.

Interviewer: Your live performances are legendary, full of improvisation and playful energy. How do you approach the stage differently from the studio?

Sy Smith: The stage is my playground. In the studio, you’re trying to capture lightning in a bottle, but live you get to let it out and let it spark in every direction. I love engaging with audiences, throwing in scats, or even making up lyrics on the spot. That spontaneity makes every show unique, and I think that’s why people keep coming back—they know no two Sy Smith shows are ever the same.

Interviewer: You’ve also been outspoken about representation and visibility for Black women in music. What changes do you hope to see in the industry moving forward?

Sy Smith: I’d like to see more of us celebrated in real time, not just rediscovered decades later. There are so many brilliant Black women making innovative music right now, across all genres, but they don’t always get the platforms they deserve. I think streaming and social media have opened some doors, but the industry still has work to do in terms of equity and visibility.

Interviewer: Looking back at your discography, do you have an album that feels like your truest self, or are they all snapshots of different Sy Smiths?

Sy Smith: They’re definitely snapshots, but if I had to pick one, maybe Sometimes a Rose Will Grow in Concrete. That record was deeply personal—it was about resilience, about beauty growing from struggle. I think every artist has that one project where they say, “This is my diary set to music,” and that album was mine.

Interviewer: What excites you most about where you are now in your career?

Sy Smith: Freedom. I’m at a point where I don’t feel pressure to prove anything. I get to make the music I love, collaborate with people who inspire me, and connect with audiences on my own terms. That sense of creative independence excites me more than anything because it means I can keep evolving without compromise.

Interviewer: Finally, what can fans expect from you in 2025? Any projects or surprises on the horizon?

Sy Smith: Absolutely. I’m working on new music that’s stretching me into some unexpected directions—I’ve been playing with more electronic textures while still keeping that soul foundation. I’m also planning a tour that will be more immersive, almost like a blend of a concert and a theatrical experience. Fans can definitely expect some surprises, but at the heart of it, it’ll still be me—singing my truth and having fun with it.