We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alex Smith. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Alex, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I like to think I feel some level of true joy everyday. With family, friends, our music, the business, etc., I think it’s easy to get bogged down and stay down. Over the last 41 years I’ve realized that who you surround yourself with determines your choices and attitude. I’ve been fortunate to have a very strong community of friends/family. There always someone there to have my back. I’m very lucky…. How could I be down with such a strong infrastructure to keep me up??
If I am feeling low, I just jump into the American Merit text message thread and that usually cheers me right up…. Very funny !dudes!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My Name is Alex Smith. I’m the lead singer/guitar player in American Merit. I’ve been playing live music for 16-17 years. We play roots Rock n Roll. Were a 5-piece band from all over Texas. No member currently lives in the same town as another. We meet up for shows/ rehearsals and we write individual pieces of music and blend them together to create our sound. AM has been playing together for the better part of 5 years. Evan Shepperd is on drums, Travis Arnold plays bass, Daniel Lightfoot and Brandon Doyle are our guitar players. Weve recently put out a new EP titled All the Same Sky. Go check it out!!!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I can remember the first time I played guitar and sang in front of my friends. I was the only one in our group of music lovers that could play. I taught myself at home in my room with the door closed. After sports practices and various commitments in High School, I would head home and sit in my room and play. I had a Mel Bay guitar chord book from the 60’s. I learned as many chords as I could and started singing along immediately. when I finally got the courage to play in front of people, I had been playing for a year. I felt really accomplished…. Until I met good guitar players, then I didn’t feel so cool.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
No. I’ve always been a glass half full guy. Not sure why, I feel it’s been detrimental to my growth a few times. Not to say that I can’t be a pessimist. I’ve just always found a way to override that part of my conscious. I’ve had good and bad experiences. You learn from that, then adjust your level of optimism/pessimism. I’ve been dead broke, heartbroken, embarrassed, called out, etc. Even in those days, it never crossed my mind to walk away. I’ve failed so many times it’s not funny, but at the end of the day… WHO gives a damn. Do what you enjoy and love your fellow man!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I think being a good parent is the most important job you can do. I’ve got 3 kids. Being present is huge, but that’s not always possible in some situations. Lots of parents work out of town to be able to provide for their families. If you can’t be present, then be available. The bigger the support structure you can offer to your children, I believe the better off they will be. We can’t give up on the kids. I have a lot of respect for the single parents out there. I can’t imagine the amount of struggle the endure.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I remember my first new vehicle. I was in my late 20’s. My entire life I wanted a brand-new car. My parents always drove older vehicles so I thought it would be so cool to be the first owner of a brand-new car. We only buy used cars now. It was awesome for the first few days, but I quickly realized I could have saved a lot of money and been just as happy n something with a few more miles and a few years older.
Contact Info:
- Other: @American Merit, Lone Star Apparel & Design. Find us on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music, etc. Look for All the Same Sky, our new EP>
Image Credits
Live Photos by Jason Deckman @Deckman’s World
Studio Photos by Temple Star Studios
