Lisa Lauren Smith

Being highly influenced by legendary artists such as Prince and Led Zeppelin and new artist such as Janelle Monae, Kelly Clarkston. Lisa Lauren Smith has created a blend of musical composition that, by some, has been described as “Lenny Kravitz meets Mary J. Blige”. Her vocal arrangements, help cultivate an image all her own and has built an audience that shares her same love and for Pop/Rock and R&B music. A natural born performer, the Detroit native started playing piano at an early age and later moved on to violin and French horn. By age 12, she formed her first group. “Trak 3” consisted of three members, 2 rappers and herself, who took the position of being a third rapper, songwriter and singer for the hooks. However, the group eventually dissolved as a result of inexperienced management. Lisa continued singing as a local hire for weddings, funerals and other family events. As a teenager, she attended The Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts, where she was trained in live performance as a musician and an artist.
It was here where she played in Jazz Band, Symphony Band and String Orchestra. Lisa, won awards in classical piano, string ensemble, festival and district competition. She also participated in marching band where she traded in her French horn for a mellophone. As a result of the rigorous 10 hour days required of each student for academic and creative study, Lisa graduated with honors and was ready to begin her career.
Soon after graduation, Lisa became lead singer for "Galaxy", a band whose eclectic mix of Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B turned them into Detroit local favorites among the live band scene. The band’s energy was endorsed by many fans who were the reason they were hired to play at popular Detroit establishments such as Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, The Olympia Restaurant and Hart Plaza just to name a few. Their audience spanned from young hip hop listeners to die hard jazz heads. Their ability to perform tracks by Artists such as Mobb Deep and Jay-Z on live instruments made them a favorite on the 21 and up club scene. As the band grew more and more popular, the group grew more apart. Galaxy eventually went their separate ways to live their own individual lives and Lisa found herself wanting, once again.
Galaxy's reputation opened new doors for Lisa. She was hired as morning show producer for Radio One’s 102.7FM, one of the top Hip Hop/R&B stations in Detroit.
Lisa Lauren Smith became alter ego "Mona Lisa", her part time radio personality. On-Air Jingles and station promos followed as her astonishing voice became well known throughout the city. After ending her very short tenure in a broadcasting career, she returned to what she knew best…singing. In 2003, she packed her belongings, sold her car and used the money for relocation to Los Angeles, California. There, she worked three years singing with local bands, and writing hooks for aspiring rap artists. Lisa grew tired of not having her own original material and began working on her first solo project. “Rock Steady” was born.
Now completed, the finished product “Rock Steady” is the sum of the years leading up to her creative ascent with a vibe that is commercial and fun. Songs on the album are written and co-produced by herself and respected R&B/Rock producer, Jesse Johnson (Prince, The Time). Tracks include her own musical compositions such as “Delilah”, “Sometime”, “Season To Love” and “Check Yo’Self”. Rock Steady, is a true reflection of that which makes her the most unique. Being of an intense spiritual background, her lyrics combine personal growth, experience, sassy attitude and the unique blend of soul, and rock for your listening pleasures.
Performing her original songs non-stop since the release of her album debut,
she has been featured this year in Venus Diva Magazine, BIG Magazine and “Conversations With Theo” on TV 33 Comcast/88.1 FM and "A Funk Above The Rest" with Denver Radio host Skip Reeves. “Rock Steady” was just recently reviewed in The Music Connection Magazine obtaining a top 7 out of 100 other artists reviewed. Her goal is to obtain a record deal and develop a successful longevity in the field of entertainment.