Interview: Elaina Smith
Chattanooga-based Christian artist Elaina Smith talks to Louder Than The Music about her inspiring new single, 'Love Like No Other' and her plans to release an EP later this year.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I have loved christian/gospel music ever since I was a child. I always knew that eventually christian music would be my purpose in life. I’m a wife and mother of three... and I have been involved with church music ministry in some capacity since I was 15 years old.
Tell us about your new single 'Love Like No Other' and what the inspiration behind it was?
One day I had this overwhelming desire to write something that described God’s perfect love for us ...but in the same song also describe how it feels as a believer to know God’s perfect love for us…and “Love Like No Other” was born.
Do you have any plans to release more music in the near future?
Yes... I’m constantly writing and recording. I plan to release an EP by the end of 2025.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
The message that God is a loving God and truly is working all things for our good. My music is meant to be uplifting and a spiritual balm for the soul.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I grew up in Tennessee, so I definitely have some country influences…but I love praise and worship and also southern gospel…I’m a mix of all it.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Definitely Matthew West. I will literally have an idea for a song... and within a few months he’ll release a song with that same idea... and then I’ll think "well he beat me to it"... but in reality, I can tell we probably have similar life experiences and I think that makes for a good songwriting team.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success for me is to know that one of my songs is being distributed and sung in churches all over the world. Just knowing I’ve made a contribution to then kingdom of God (like Fanny Crosby)... that's all I desire.
What is your favorite album of all time?
I really love Chris Tomlin and Friends country collab album…every song on that album is amazing.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Probably my favorite worship song "Peace Be Still" by Hope Darst.
What does the next year hold for you?
I will always be writing and recording new songs to release... but be on the lookout for my EP by the end of 2025.
