Artist Name: Rachel McIntyre Smith
Hometown: Oliver Springs, TN
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I’m currently gearing up for my next single release! It’s an uptempo breakup song called ”Baggage” and it will be released on March 16th. Also, I have a weekly series called Follower Friday where I perform a follower’s song request. Those videos can be found on all my social media @rachelmcintyresmith.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I’ve known that I wanted to be a musician for as long as I can remember. Two of my earliest memories are giving myself red highlights with a magic marker like Christina Aguilera, and walking down the hallway singing “Oops I Did It Again” by Britney Spears. However, I was too shy to tell anyone that I actually wanted to pursue a career in music until I was a sophomore in college.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I would probably be pursuing a career in comedy writing. I love watching stand up specials and sitcoms. I really enjoy analyzing different styles of humor, and trying to understand why they appeal to different audiences. My favorite comedies are The Office, I Love Lucy, New Girl, and Brooklyn 99. One of my biggest dreams is to be a musical guest and host on Saturday Night Live!
What is your favorite downtime activity?
Baking & reading! Right now, I’m re-reading the Harry Potter series in Spanish. Each time I finish a book, I watch the movie and bake and decorate Harry Potter themed cookies.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
I have so many that it’s hard to keep up. Probably at the top of the list right now is David Dobrik. He seems like a goofball with a heart of gold.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Since I live in a small town near Knoxville, I’ve been a UT Vols fan my whole life. I grew up playing basketball, and even wrote a book report on Coach Pat Summit when I was in 3rd grade. The football games in Neyland stadium are so fun, and The Pride of The Southland Marching Band is incredible!
What is the last movie that you watched?
The last movie I watched is Die Hard, and I must say that it lives up to the hype around it. I’ve been watching Brooklyn 99 which is riddled with Die Hard references, and now I finally understand them.
What is the last album you listened to?
Yesterday I listened to The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack from start to finish. I’m a sucker for The Bee Gees and disco music. I have a long commute to work so it’s fun to dance in my Prius as I drive down the highway. I get a lot of weird looks.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pageant Material by Kacey Musgraves. I started listening to it when I had writers block at 4am my freshman year of college. I couldn’t finish an essay that was due at 9am, and I needed something to pep me up. Some friends told me that I needed to listen to Biscuits because it was so cute and southern. I had never listened to Kacey before so I didn’t know what to expect, but that album gave me the boost I needed. I ended up getting an A on my paper, and becoming a Kacey superfan. I still listen to Pageant Material constantly, and keep finding more reasons to love it.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
“The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers. Two things I love about country songwriting are storytelling and illustrating a message through a metaphor. This song has both of those things. Every time this song would play my grandfather would say “this song has a lot of life lessons in it”, and it accomplishes that within a clever story-line.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Birmingham, Alabama. Last year, I played a concert tour of cat cafes before the pandemic hit. I played two sold out shows at Gatos & Beans and the audience was so kind. I met some of the nicest people that day, and one of them even sent me cat jewelry that she made! It’s such a cool city, and I can’t wait to go back!
What is your favorite meal?
A Sonic burger with tater-tots and a diet cherry limeade. It’s my go-to place to grab food when I go on adventures with my friends! When I was in college, we’d all pile in a car, grab Sonic, and drive up Signal Mountain to look at the Chattanooga skyline at night. Some of my best memories have happened while sipping on a diet cherry limeade.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Lukas Nelson! I love the texture on his voice, and his style of music. His songwriting is some of the best in the business. “Just Outside of Austin” is one of the most calming songs. I think that our voices would blend well together, and I would love the chance to write with him.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Miranda Lambert or Kacey Musgraves! They are two stars that I really look up to. I love their lyrics and they put on the best live shows. I think that we would have a lot of fun on the road together!
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
I will feel like I have peaked when I see a group of moms belting out my songs at a karaoke night.
