Stephanie Smith Bio | Stephanie Smith's Blog

BIO

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When Stephanie Smith got her first glimpse of the father she’d desperately missed all of her 14 years, her heart was in her throat. She waited breathlessly as he greeted her mother and her brother, then finally turned to Stephanie. But his words were anything but the healing she’d dreamed of for so long. He said, “And this must be Priscilla?”

In the aftermath of that meeting, Stephanie processed a great many life lessons. Following a spiritual reality check she experienced while singing with a rock band she joined during college, a fateful door was opened for Stephanie to travel overseas. “I ended up going to Guatemala on a mission trip. If anyone is struggling with pride or self-righteousness,” she laughs, “you need to go haul cinder blocks up a mountain. The hard work will cure you!”

Her compelling redemption story drives the hope-drenched lyrics and gutsy honesty of Not Afraid, a debut overflowing with solid pop rock anthems, all written or co-written by Stephanie. Her raw vocals shine on the fiercely-delivered “Superstar” while the pop-rock track “Beauty” directs toward peace within. One listen to the thick guitars of the powerhouse title track “Not Afraid” makes it obvious that Stephanie is a rock chick at heart. The catchy breakup song reminds what relationships are really about. And on the stunningly vulnerable piano ballad “First Words,” she opens up about that first encounter with her father. Smith and producer Jamie Moore worked together to accomplish the perfect mix of immaculate arrangements and captivating lyrics. Producer Chris Stevens, known for his work with Tobymac, Sanctus Real, and Group 1 Crew, added his hand to the standout “Renew Me.”

Beyond the music, Stephanie ministers regularly with Soles4Soles, a Nashville-based non-profit that facilitates the donation of shoes to the hurting worldwide. She also has a long-standing relationship with the Pure Freedom founders—at age 13, she attended their very first sexual purity retreat. “I still wear my pearl around my neck today,” she shares, “and it’s been neat to come around full circle and now partner with them.”

STEPHANIE SMITH EPK

Permalink | December 3rd, 2008

17 Responses to “BIO”

miranda Says:
January 8th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
i bought your cd yesterday and I loved it! reading your bio and listening to “first words” just broke my heart . I am so glad that you have s personal relationship with Jesus Christ cause then you know that you have the best Father in the world even though you didn’t have the greatest example here on earth. God bless you as you continue living for Him. impraying for you!
Stephanie Smith Says:
January 24th, 2009 at 2:17 am
Hey Stephanie-
So I’m a waitress and I was waiting on a table and I noticed that the lady had on one of your shirts and I was like hey that’s my name! (not like it’s uncommon or anything!) ANyways, we talked for awhile and she told me that she and her husband had gone to school with you and that you had just released an album and told me to look you up…so here I am! I’ve enjoyed listening to your music…keep it up! :>
Steph Smith #2
Stephanie B Says:
January 30th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Hi Stephanie–we have a lot in common. I wish I could sit down to lunch with you and compare life experiences. My parents divorced when I was 2, and the first time I met my dad was when I was 18. We’d probably understand each other pretty well.
Sam Says:
February 1st, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Hi Stephanie I seen you at Winter Jam in Columbus, Ohio you were awesome I loved the way you sang so much I bought your CD I’ve been listening to it over and over. Good Job on writing all of your songs they are really good.
Kelly Cox Says:
February 9th, 2009 at 11:07 am
My husband and I took our youth group to Winter Jam in Little Rock, AR this past weekend. He is the pastor at our church and we both lead the youth group. The whole experience was AWESOME! We personally missed most of your act heading to the meet and greet provided for youth ministers and pastors but we did get to meet you back there. I doubt you remember me but I asked for your autograph for one of the girls in my youth group. It was her birthday and she had fallen in love with you when you came out before the doors were open. What we did hear of your set was AMAZING! You and your band totally rock! I got on your website to find out more about you and am very impressed with your testimony. I also bought your CD. First, because I love your music and think it is awesome. Second, because you are very close to “living in a van down by the river.” (lol) A girl needs a warm bed and a warm shower now and then! I am going to blast your website info on my facebook and to all the young ladies in my group. As a mom of three and mentor of the girls in the group it gets so frustrating trying to find Godly role models! It was so refreshing finding you. That is meant to encourage and not to overwhelm Keep surrendering daily to the Lord and living out Proverbs 3:5-6! I am excited for you as God leads you on your amazing journey. Maybe one day we will get to meet again on this side of eternity. If not, then I will meet you daily in prayer in the throne room of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Oh, and the girl in our youth group was beside herself with joy over the autograph. Thanks a million!
Tyler Says:
February 16th, 2009 at 10:24 am
I think your story is incredible! And i love ur cd! I saw u at winter jam and u were amazing!
Amanda Stewart Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Hi Stephanie!
I just wanted to tell you, you are an exellent role model because although you have been through alot yuo still turn to God for your problems. Thank You!
Amanda
Matt Says:
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
being the only guy leaving a comment, i feel a little weird………but i freaking love you =]
Erin Says:
March 21st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Hi Stephanie! The first time I heard of you was when you’re song Not Afraid played on air1. But it seemed that everytime I heard it, they ever said your name. So I was like, “Who is singing that song and why won’t they say who it is?” Haha. Well I went to Winter Jam in Little Rock, Ar. Got forth row. It was so sweet! Me and my dad enjoyed you a lot. And You sang Not Afraid, I think it was your last song. Anyway, I was like, “Hey, she’s the one who sings that!” So I was pretty happy. And I liked it that you came out while we were standing in line and gave me a sticker. Its so nice of you to do so, since we were just standing there getting our feet sore. But it was worth it. Hopefully you’ll come back to Arkansas soon!
Derresha Says:
April 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Your story is absolutely amazing. I just got your CD in the mail yesterday and it is awesome. I’m already calling myself a fan!! You’re so beautiful and talented. I hope you’re playing in NY soon! God Bless :
Sarah Says:
April 29th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Hey Steph. I just wanted to send you a message/comment to say hi. I remember you from Greenville College and you sang great then too. Have a blessed day.
Cassandra Says:
July 6th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Wow, I saw you a couple weeks ago at the Concert in Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, hosted by Starbursts. I was totally blown away!
You have such a powerful, beautiful voice and even better, such a great message being sent out with your music!
You’re an inspiration!
Tai Says:
July 28th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Hi Stephanie, may I ask if you lived in the place named Bellville, Illinois when you were around 9 or 10?
jessie Says:
August 1st, 2009 at 6:02 pm
hey Stephanie, do u know how i can get one of your cds???
i love your singing and u r a grat role model to me!!
Timmichanga Says:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:46 am
Hey Stephanie, your voice and wholistic passion for Christ is beautiful - we play ur stuff all the time on the station Im helping my buddy Jeremiah DJ. It’s gonna blow up in a year and we would love to talk to you about how we can better promote you. Thanks for shining hon.
Nikki T. Says:
April 11th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Hey Stephanie! I heard of you for the first time (LIVE) at ATF in Dallas yesterday (Saturday, April 11) And now I am totally LOVING all of your music! I just wanted to let you know that you inspire me and you should never ever stop! (: I met you (sort of) when you were leaving to catch your ride…You are so cool! (:
Chloe fisher Says:
May 10th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Wow Stephanie you are truly amazing ang you inspire me. I was just at aquire the fire this past weekend and you were just amazing I am soooo sorry about your father that just breaks my heart on the story that you shared with us. You were one of my favorites. Your voice is absolutly BEAUTIFUL. You’re really fun, a good entertainer. I loved your style haha you were just an amazing performer over all. Haha I probally sound like the biggest creeper ever but, you touched my hand wooohooooo. But I didn’t get to get any pictures or autographs with you soo I was kinda bumbed, maybe another time because I wanna see you in concert. haha I guess I will stop before this gets too creeppy but I guess what I am just trying to say is you rock I love your music and keep up the good work! Hope to see you again!
Love, Chloe. <3