By: Lo

RPM- So tell us a your name and where are you from?

My name is Leah Smith. I’m from Philadelphia, PA!…The greatest city in the world….?

RPM- Briefly describe how your childhood was growing up.

I grew up in a Christian household. My mother was, and still is, an elementary school teacher. My father, when I was coming up, was a seminary student and social worker. Both of my parents were very active in ministry at church and in our local community. I always went to tiny little hole-in-the-wall private schools. My elementary school, St. Barnabas Episcopal, played a huge role in my childhood. I learned to love music, reading, and writing there. I have an older sister and younger brother that I grew up with!

RPM- What do you have to say about all the changes that have taken place in your life?

Hmmmm….I guess what I ultimately have to say on the matter of changes in my life is that God is sovereign and has a perfect plan and a perfect way of unfolding that plan step by step.

RPM- What have you found to be the greatest hurdle that you have faced on your journey to success and what was your path into the industry?

My greatest hurdle has been and continues to be discouragement. I can become easily discouraged when my life doesn’t go according to my plan or timeline.
As far as my path into the music industry….It’s all been God’s grace and Him preparing me from years ago. I’ve always found myself in studios (great and small and very very small) creating songs or singing on others’ projects. I didn’t realize the blessing of such informal “training” until I started recording my EP and said “Oh, I kinda know how this recording process generally works.” The Lord has always opened opportunities to me to take part in choirs and singing groups. My proverbial path into the industry, was paved by God’s sovereign hand guiding me to do little things here and there.

RPM- Now here on RP Movement.net we have a belief that who you surround yourself with makes a difference in how you achieve your goals, was there a time where you had to cut some people loose for the good of your career?

Not yet, thankfully. I hope, in some ways, it never does. I don’t know that that’s reality, however. I definitely affirm the statement you made.

RPM- What advice would you give to someone trying to come up like you? Nowadays People copy others instead of being themselves, what would you say to them.

It’s always a good idea to pursue Christ and in so doing, discover the unique person He’s made you to be. You can’t fully know your use, purpose, or function unless you’re in communion with the Creator.

RPM- With the economy in a restructure setting, what adjustments have you made to ensure that you stay successful?

  I could in no way be considered a financial success (by “western” standards) so I’m not quite sure how to respond to this question.  

RPM- Ok.. so what can we expect from you in the near future or present?

In the not TOOO distant future I hope to come out with a full length record!!! It would be a dream come true!

RPM- I have to ask, Who are your 5 greatest influences?

Musically?…Amel Larrieux….India.Arie…Brooke Fraser….Corinne Bailey Rae…Alicia Keys…These have been my girls for the past 3 months

RPM- Out of all of your music, which one defines you most? Who are you looking to work with in the future?

…Out of the tracks on the EP…I’ll say “By Land by Sea”…..I eagerly anticipate Christ’s restorative, saving work daily in my life and others’ lives.

RPM- Why should anyone passing through RP Movement.net take time to get to know you better?

I love Jesus and I like music a lot. If you do too, we already share 2 things in common! 

RPM- How can our audience and readers get in touch with you or get updates from you? (i.e. twitter, facebook. etc…)

I’m on Twitter, facebook, and that dinosaur called myspace. Just plug my name in and I should come up! If not, you’ll be meeting a nice lady also named Leah Smith.   I have a project available on CDBaby.com and Itunes called “Beautifully Made”.

RPM- We thank you for your time in giving us this interview.. any last statements?

Thank YOU very much!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Provervs 3:3,6

Click the Image Below to Purchase “Beautifully Made EP” on iTunes today!!