Today we’d like to introduce you to Ten Smith.
Hi Ten, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I discovered my voice as a kid singing along to a cartoon theme song. I hit a run that surprised my cousin, and his reaction made me realize I had something special. From that moment on, I sang everywhere, block parties, school events, basketball games and music became my safe place.
I later formed my first group with family and friends, and we recorded an album that sold over 2,000 copies independently in Chicago. As I grew creatively, I stepped into my solo journey while earning a full basketball scholarship, but an injury redirected me fully back to music.
After facing personal hardships that forced me to rebuild my career from the ground up, I took a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta. That’s where I truly found myself, built my business, and grew as an artist. I had the honor of working with incredible artists like Angie Stone, Bilal, Musiq Soulchild, and Raheem DeVaughn, and a major turning point came when I joined Writing Sessions of America under Kevin Shine, who helped develop me for seven years.
I went on to appear on national television through America’s Got Talent and The Voice, which helped me grow a strong fanbase and social media presence.
Wanting full creative control, I studied audio engineering at SAE Institute and completed my certification in Nashville, where I now live. Since moving, my career has really taken off. I’ve opened for The Shindellas, reunited with Louis York, headlined their summer series, been featured on NewsChannel 5, and received major recognition from The Tennessean as one of Nashville’s rising soul artists.
I recently released my debut single ‘Boss Lady TEN,’ and I’m currently working with Dark Horse Institute to continue building my sound and legacy.
My mission is bigger than music. I want to create timeless work, build a respected brand, and inspire artists especially women to own their voice, their business, and their identity. I’m just getting started, but Nashville feels like purpose. It’s a TEN you see in Tennessee.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had to build everything from the ground-up, from selling music independently in Chicago to stepping away from a basketball scholarship after an injury to fully pursue my calling.
One of my toughest challenges was leaving an unhealthy and abusive relationship that forced me to rebuild my career from scratch and lose years of music. Starting over was difficult, but it strengthened my faith, resilience, and sense of purpose.
Relocating to new cities like Atlanta and Nashville also meant rebuilding my network and audience each time. But every setback taught me perseverance, ownership, and how to protect my voice and vision.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a singer, songwriter, live entertainer, and professional audio engineer specializing in live performance, studio recording, production, and mixing. Being both an artist and an engineer allows me to fully control my creative process and craft a sound that’s authentic to who I am.
I’m most proud of earning a full basketball scholarship and recently graduating from audio engineering school. Both experiences required discipline and resilience, and they showed me how much I’m capable of achieving.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend technical skill with emotional storytelling. I don’t just perform music, I build it from the ground up with purpose, integrity, and passion.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up as a big dreamer. My mom always says I was constantly creating imaginary worlds and living in my own creative space. I had a very active personality and was always full of energy. I loved being outside playing in the dirt, climbing trees, running around, and I was definitely a little tomboy.
At the same time, music was always part of me. I was constantly singing and dancing, using my imagination and energy to express myself. That mix of creativity, freedom, and movement really shaped the artist and performer I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVx292vgP46/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tenette.smith/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenette-smith-8b437724/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tenmusicmedia
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tenmusicpage
