In the latest episode of the Local Musician Spotlight podcast, we dive into the musical journey of Eric and Karen Smith, a dynamic duo with roots stretching back to the high-energy, big-hair rock scene of the 1980s. Eric and Karen met in 1985 amidst the vibrant music scene that characterized that decade, with guitar riffs, teased hair, and leather jackets in abundance.
The Smiths cut their teeth in the music world with bands like Meridian, Surrender, and White Lies, touring across North and South Dakota and even reaching Canada. True to their rock-and-roll spirit, Karen recalls a pivotal moment when she bought an old school bus to carry all their equipment, setting off on adventures that would build both their music careers and lifelong memories. “When the last band broke up,” they both realized, they weren’t ready to part ways just yet; they began dating, eventually married, and raised a family—all while keeping music close to their hearts.
Eric’s love for music started with his deep connection to the guitar. “I was influenced by the guitar, just started with that,” he says, and he hasn’t looked back since. For both Eric and Karen, music is more than a passion; it’s a part of daily life. They play music everywhere—from around the house to spontaneous sessions outside. “We like everything, we play everything,” says Eric. “We synthesize a lot of different things together.” Karen adds, “We kind of take a song and make it our own; it’s our thing to do.”
This inventive spirit has led them to put their own spin on cover songs, spanning styles from the 1940s onward. They even experimented with rap—just once, but it’s a memory that’s made its mark. In 1997, they released a CD that, to this day, might just surprise a listener sifting through a Goodwill bin.
Eric and Karen’s shared experience as lifelong musicians allows them to know intuitively if a song is a fit. Eric’s ability to pick up his guitar and play nearly any song by ear—developed long before YouTube tutorials were around—is one of his defining talents. “If I hear something, I can think about it in my mind and know the chords,” he says. “Having to do it yourself was a very good teacher.” Yet, Eric emphasizes that maintaining that skill requires dedication. “I don’t want to make it sound like it’s still not a lot of work,” he says.
Outside of music, the Smiths enjoy life in White Lake. They often go for walks on local trails, cross-country ski, hit the beach, and spend time traveling, reading, and visiting their kids. They also take pleasure in supporting other local musicians, attending events like Walk the Beat, where music fills the streets. “How cool was that,” Karen says, recalling the experience. “It’s amazing that you can walk around and hear all the different groups.” They also fondly remember performing at the Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Summer Concert Series, a highlight of their musical journey.
Their advice for aspiring musicians? “Get out there and do it,” Karen encourages. “If you put some power behind it, it’ll come out. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t.” She suggests trying open mic nights and blocking out the critics. Eric agrees, adding, “Love it, and practice every day.”
The Smiths are currently taking a little time off, seeing where next year’s path will take them, but music will always be a part of their lives. Through decades of change, Eric and Karen have crafted a legacy that’s not only about their music but also about living life to the fullest. From big hair to timeless tunes, their story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of music to bring people together.
Thank you to Eric and Karen Smith for joining us in the Podcast Studio and sharing this incredible musical journey. Don’t miss the episode – watch it now:
