Your Smith Returns with Debut Album After Pandemic Pause
Minneapolis-born artist Your Smith, formerly known as Caroline Smith, has released her first full-length album as Your Smith, marking a new chapter in a decade-plus music career. The album follows a period of intentional pause and exploration, including a move back to Minnesota, starting a business, and welcoming a child, after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Decade-Plus Career Evolving
Your Smith’s musical style blends indie pop, R&B, and funk, drawing inspiration from artists like Fleetwood Mac and Lauryn Hill. She is known for captivating performances and a sound that feels both modern and nostalgic. Her career began in Minneapolis before a period based in Los Angeles.
Pandemic Pause and New Directions
When the COVID-19 pandemic halted touring plans, Your Smith made a conscious decision to step back from music and explore other passions. She returned to Minnesota, purchased a restaurant with her husband, and started a family. This period of change allowed her to pursue aspirations that had been put on hold due to the demands of a touring musician’s life. She also briefly attended school during this time.
The Creative Rebirth and New Album
After a period of uncertainty, Your Smith felt a renewed call to music. She connected with musicians from Hippo Campus, a Minneapolis-based band, and began writing and recording new material. This collaboration brought a fresh perspective to her songwriting, emphasizing authenticity and a return to a more grounded creative process. The resulting album represents a new phase in her artistic journey.
Live Performance and “Studio 3 Live” Debut
Your Smith recently made her debut appearance on Iowa PBS’s “Studio 3 Live” on February 20, 2026, performing songs from the new album, including “Little Highways,” “Change of Heart,” “Holy,” “The Spot,” and “Peaches.” During the interview, she discussed the inspiration behind her music and the impact of her life changes on her creative process. She also performed “Hey There’s My Girl.”
Finding Balance and a Multi-Hyphenate Life
Your Smith described the need for artists to diversify their income streams in the current music landscape, becoming “multi-hyphenates” to sustain their creative work. She emphasized the importance of finding freedom within the structure of a busy life, balancing music with family and business ventures.
“Little Highways” and the Search for Connection
The song “Little Highways” reflects on a moment of happiness with her husband and the realization that life is constantly changing. It’s a song about cherishing present moments and recognizing that even during difficult times, those memories can provide comfort and strength.
Funding for “Studio 3 Live” is provided by Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino and Friends, the Iowa PBS Foundation.