Meet Ebonie Smith

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ebonie Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ebonie below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Ebonie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in two key influences: my upbringing and my experience as an athlete.

Growing up in a household with three generations of hardworking women—my great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother—I witnessed the essence of resilience and determination every single day. They all held multiple jobs at a time, waking up early, going to bed late, and carrying a “just get it done” mentality. What stood out most was their unwavering commitment to their responsibilities, never complaining, and always working exceptionally hard. Their example instilled in me the value of perseverance and grit.

The second foundation of my work ethic comes from my background in sports. As a basketball player in middle school and high school, I experienced the discipline and dedication required to compete year-round. I often played two seasons a year, and my coaches drilled into me the importance of mastering the fundamentals, even during the off-season. The structure and accountability of that environment taught me to push myself consistently and embrace the discipline necessary to excel.

Together, these experiences shaped me into someone who understands the importance of hard work, consistency, and the drive to follow through, no matter the challenge.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Although I engage in a variety of endeavors, they all connect to one central purpose: my “why.” At the core of everything I do is my commitment to protecting and preserving sound as a music producer and audio engineer, and advocating for women and girls in the music industry—particularly those interested in music production and audio engineering.

My artistic statement is simple: I believe music is a form of ministry, a sacred space that uplifts, heals, and inspires. Through sound, I aim to connect with others, celebrate resilience, and share meaningful stories. As a music producer, my primary responsibility is storytelling through sound. Much like a film director tells a story through visuals and sound, I use the medium of sound to build worlds and convey ideas. This is the essence of my work as a music producer.

Beyond that, I am exceptionally passionate about advocating for women in the music business. My work has provided me with the platform to create resources and opportunities for women in this space. In 2007, I founded Gender Amplified, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the advancement of women in music production and audio engineering. Through this initiative, I strive to empower women, amplify their voices, and ensure their contributions to the industry are recognized and celebrated.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three skills that have been most beneficial to me in my journey are curiosity, a drive for excellence, and unwavering resilience and work ethic in the face of disappointment. All three of these qualities are deeply reinforced by my spiritual beliefs as a Christian. While my musical skills are undeniably important, I’ve come to realize that these personal and spiritual attributes have been the foundation of my success. In the music industry, talent is only about 10% of what it takes to reach the heights you aspire to. It’s these other skills—curiosity, excellence, and resilience—that truly sustain the journey.

Curiosity has driven me to dive deeply into every facet of my craft. I’m constantly seeking to understand the nuts and bolts of music composition, the systems behind administrative proficiency, studio etiquette, and the inner workings of music technology. This insatiable curiosity has naturally led to a pursuit of excellence. Every day, I compete with myself to set a new personal best, always striving to improve and know more. Excellence isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice of pushing boundaries and finding ways to elevate my work.

Finally, resilience has been crucial, especially as a sensitive artist. Developing thick skin is something I’ve had to fight for over the years, and it’s an ongoing process. Disappointments are inevitable in this industry, but I’ve made the decision to keep showing up despite them. For anyone coming up in music, I would say: let your love for the craft drive you. Curiosity will spark your desire to learn, which will fuel your pursuit of excellence. And that pursuit, over time, will help you develop the resilience needed to face challenges head-on.

For me, the love of what I do has been the anchor. It’s the reason I’ve continued to show up, try again, and remain unwavering in my mission. I don’t want to do anything else. I want to make music, tell stories, and advocate for artists. That passion and commitment have been my guiding lights, and I hope they can inspire others to follow their path with the same determination.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Over the years, I’ve read countless books that have influenced my musical pursuits, but I’ll focus on the one I’m reading now: ‘The Ways of White Folks’ by Langston Hughes. This book is a collection of short stories, and one in particular, “The Blues I’m Playing,” has deeply resonated with me.

The story is a nuanced exploration of the relationship between Black artists and their patrons, delving into the concept of patronage and the ways it influences both the art and the artist. Although it is set during the Harlem Renaissance, the themes remain incredibly relevant today, especially when considering the intersections of art and commerce in the modern music industry.

While “The Blues I’m Playing” is a work of fiction, it is rooted in real experiences that artists have faced throughout the American experience—particularly in how their work is funded and the artistic and commercial expectations imposed on them. Hughes’ portrayal of these dynamics is both refreshing and thought-provoking, offering insight into the struggles and complexities artists face when navigating relationships with those who support their work financially.

What strikes me most is how these themes echo my own journey. As I work to find partners to help bring my visions to life and finance my creative projects, I can see parallels in the challenges Hughes describes. It’s encouraging to know that artists across disciplines, whether in literature or music, have grappled with these same issues.

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Matt Fajardo

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