ICYMI: #WomanCrushWednesday IG Live featuring Lyndsey Smith

BY LAURA HARPER/WWR Staff Writer

Artists everywhere can benefit from learning to embrace who they are and becoming unapologetically themselves, but it seems that very few artists have mastered that art quite as well as the beautiful Lyndsey Smith.

Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, Smith moved to Pittsburgh early in her career and managed to establish a strong presence in the Pittsburgh music scene as a solo artist, even having performed at all three Women Who Rock benefit concerts to date. Then, about a year and a half ago, Smith decided to make the move to New Orleans, Louisiana to take her career further.

“I have a big personality that matches New Orleans,” Smith said. “I’m a free spirit, you can’t box me in.”

Now, Smith is a vocalist for the band Water Seed, which she considers to be a perfect fit for her. While the transition from solo artist to band member was a bit of an adjustment, she says the complementary personalities of her bandmates have made everything much easier.

“Conversation, when it’s easy, doesn’t feel like work,” Smith said.

While the COVID-19 global pandemic has temporarily put a hold on all live performances, Smith considers it to be a welcome challenge. She said the band has been spending a lot of time in the studio, writing new music and releasing singles, such as their newest release from just last month called “You’re Wrong.”

While the band certainly misses performing and can’t wait for the opportunity to get back out on the road, Smith views this time as a chance to learn and reflect.

“You learn how to adapt to the changes of society,” Smith said.

In the meantime, however, Smith does have a livestream performance planned. On March 4, she will be performing a solo set backed by a full band as part of a virtual concert series with the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Tickets will be available for purchase for admission to the livestream, and proceeds will benefit the venue as well as struggling artists in the music community.

Despite the current challenges, Smith believes that 2020 is just a year for everyone to take time to reflect and get revved up for 2021. She also emphasized the importance of women learning to embrace themselves.

“It is such an important time for women to just be okay with the skin that they’re in,” Smith said. “Love yourself, love every step you take on this Earth, stand in your realness.”

Growing up, Smith said she struggled a lot with her image, from being the only black girl in her graduating class to identifying as queer woman to being a plus-sized woman. It was not until she became an adult that she realized how to embrace and appreciate all of her unique qualities.

“I put it all out there and let people decide for themselves,” Smith said. “People will love it or they will hate it, but how is anyone else going to believe you if you don’t believe you?”

For more on Lyndsey Smith, you can watch the entire interview on Instagram @OfficialWomenWhoRock.