Last month Nashville-based country pop singer/songwriter Caitlyn Smith released High, her third LP and the follow-up to 2020’s Supernova. And while Smith’s biggest credits still come from songs she’s written for others (Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” Cassadee Pope’s “Wasting All These Tears,” Meghan Trainor’s “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” etc.), at this point she’s more than established herself as a legitimate force in contemporary Americana, playing shows alongside the likes of George Strait, Old Dominion, and Little Big Town. However, for those who appreciate a setting a little more intimate, Caitlyn Smith is currently in the midst of The High & Low Tour, a headlining run which will have her at MilkBoy tomorrow night, May 6th. I recently got a chance to chat with Smith about her latest music, her songwriting, and what you can expect from her in the near future.
Izzy Cihak: I know that you just released High. Have you had any favorite reactions to it so far? I know you’ve already played a number of shows behind the release.
Caitlyn Smith: I got to perform “High” on the CMT Awards and Late Night with Seth Meyers – the reaction I got from both of those performances from existing fans and new fans has been so incredible!
Izzy: How do you think this particular batch of songs compares to previous releases, in terms of sounds, themes, and even the process of writing and recording it? I know the pandemic gave a lot of musicians some extra time to work on their latest releases.
Caitlyn: This project is by far the most personal I have ever released. I was in full control from the writing to the producing and am extremely proud of how it turned out. It is truly and uniquely me.
Izzy: Do you currently have a particular favorite song off of High, which you might most encourage people to check out, whether it’s the one you’re most proud of, or one that’s just especially fun to play?
Caitlyn: I love the energy “Downtown Baby” brings to my live show. It gets everyone in the crowd dancing and singing along… Also, “Maybe in Another Life” is my favorite ballad I’ve ever written. Fans have been singing it back to me at the top of their lungs and it’s quite an emotional moment of the show that I look forward to every night.
Izzy: In addition to your own music, you also write music for a plethora of other people. Do you approach songwriting differently when it’s going to be something for someone else?
Caitlyn: I approach most songs I write from a very personal place. When I write for someone else’s project, my job is to dig around their heart and mind for what they want to say… when it’s for my own records, I do my best to open up my heart and just tell the truth.
Izzy: Is there anyone that you dream of one day getting the chance to write with that you haven’t yet? You’ve worked with a ton of other amazing people, but I imagine there are still some that you’re hoping to check off in the future.
Caitlyn: There are so many – BUT it would be an absolute dream to work with Carol King. Her music has influenced me so much.
Izzy: You’re touring with a lot of amazing support acts and for your show in Philadelphia you’re going to be playing with Catie Offerman, who I also really love. What are your thoughts on her and her music? The two of you seem like you’d kind of be great tourmates.
Caitlyn: I absolutely love Catie. She is an amazing artist and writer. I love sharing the writing room with her and I cannot wait to share the stage with her!
Izzy: What can be expected of the live show when you play MilkBoy in the very near future, both in terms of setlist and just the general vibe of the evening?
Caitlyn: The entire evening is going to be a vibe. We’re going to hit all the highs and lows and everything in-between.
Izzy: Finally, what’s next for you? What are you most significantly hoping and planning for 2022 after these dates wrap?
Caitlyn: I MIGHT be working on some additional music to continue this project 😉
*Get your tickets here.
