We had the good fortune of connecting with April Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I honestly can say that I didn’t choose to be a singer. That choice was made before me before I was born. I’ve said multiple times that I was blessed to have two careers. I am a school teacher and absolutely love being one, but that didn’t mean that I wasn’t planning to pursue music. If I never taught another day in my life, I would be able to adjust my life. However, if I never sang another day in my life….well let’s just say that I wouldn’t consider that living. Because of this, being a singer has always been one of my priorities. Although I had to take a long break from pursuing music full time, I never lost sight of it. now I am back working in music full time and couldn’t be happier!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m not your typical Texas Country artist. I’m 42 years old, a full time school teacher, and a mother of three grown girls. That definitely doesn’t fit the mold of what is acceptable. So when people ask me why are you doing it now? My answer is because I want my children to know that it is never too late to chase your passion! When I started back to work it was at a turning point in my life when I was leaving a 20 year marriage. I wrote six songs for the album within the span of a few months. I’ve often said that I couldn’t have done it any earlier in my life because I didn’t have enough life experience to be able to feel these lyrics. Because it is so personal, I believe it is easier to convey to audiences. It has definitely not been the easiest road I’ve been on! Being a female artist is HARD because there is such a thing as gender discrimination. Couple that with the age factor and I’m overlooked for a lot of spots on festivals, tour dates, and collaborations. However, one of my favorite quotes is “If it was easy, everyone would do it. Hard is what makes it great.” I do a lot of praying and I stay diligent in contacting venues and forcing my name into people’s email boxes, contact lists, and voicemails. I’ve learned that it’s nothing personal and the squeaky wheel gets the grease. When people hear my music I want them to know that there were many tears, lots of heart, and hard work that was dedicated in every moment of creating something that we hope you connect with!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a week with one of my friends who had never been to this area before, I definitely think that we would visit the Galleria for some shopping and people watching! We would have to visit Louie Louie’s Dueling Piano Bar, Adair’s Saloon, Southern Junction, Billy Bob’s, and Gilley’s! As far as dining, I absolutely have to introduce them to Babe’s, The Rustic, The Truck Yard, and Mi Cocina (sunset fajitas will change your life)! We would spend a ridiculous amount of time touring the Stockyards and would have to stop in and listen to music at The White Elephant, Lil’ Reds Saloon, Rhinestone Saloon, Second Rodeo Brewing, and Rodeo Exchange.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family is at the backbone of my career. From a young age, they drove me all over the state to perform. Without their love and support, I would never have believed that I could do it!

Website: www.aprilnsmithmusic.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aprilnsmithmusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aprilnsmithmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCth8tbxlLGNy0MGYICSEBFg

Other: TikTok – @aprilnsmithmusic

Image Credits
Russ Dignam Joe Watson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.