We had the good fortune of connecting with Ed Smart and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ed, what makes you happy? Why?
Within the context of performing and composing, it is seeing people touched and affected by whatever music I present or create. It could be writing a piece of music that compliments a scene and elicits an emotion, leading an ensemble and building community through the music, or helping someone learn a little more musical skill. When these things happen, I feel that I am using the talents I’ve been given, and that makes me happy.
In my life outside of music, I am most happy spending time with my family or with a small group of friends, and traveling to new places.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The journey to where I am now professionally has not always been easy, and the path is always changing. Music in all of its forms has always intrigued me, and that’s why the pull to versatility has been so strong for me in many divergent areas of the music field. I have worked as a film and television composer, touring saxophone solo soloist and keyboardist, orchestrator, arranger, recording artist and session musician, classical and jazz vocal soloist, published choral music conductor and composer, church worship leader, songwriter, music producer, and electronic music programmer. To do that, I needed to be open to experimentation. One of the biggest challenges for me lies is that most of the work I do now requires technology that did not exist until recently. However, I am grateful to have learned principles of music during my formative years (high school and college) that help navigate whatever the latest tech development happens to be.
What I would want someone to know about me professionally is that I bring all of my music experiences to the table no matter what is required for a particular project. I enjoy adding perspectives distinct to my own paths that my clients can’t find elsewhere.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Music halls, of course, such as Disney Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, are at the top of the list, but I would also want to make sure my friend sees the natural beauty of the Los Angeles area – the Pacific coastline, the mountains to the north and east, even the stark desert areas, like Joshua Tree. Museums would also be a must, such as the Getty Museum and LACMA. If my friend liked baseball as much as me, a trip to Dodger Stadium would be a big priority. Hopefully, my friend likes seafood, in which case I’d take them to Duke’s or maybe a casual meal at the Reel Inn fish shack.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife, Patricia, who has been with me through good times and tough times.
Website: edsmartmusic.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edsmart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsmartmusic
Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0806663/