Why did you choose Caroline Smith?
I have loved Caroline Smith since my first month at Carleton. The first performance at the cave that term was her band Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps and it was incredible. It was crowded, the music was great, and she was incredibly charming. My sophomore year I saw her twice at a music venue in Northfield called The Chapel. She was performing with the bassist from Good Night Sleeps, Jesse, and it was mostly acoustic. It was such an intimate concert, just like sitting in a living room with a bunch of friends. While I was abroad she came out with her most recent album, called “Half About Being a Woman.” It was a whole new sound, much more of a soulful sound than her previous work. She had been doing mostly folk-y stuff until then. After seeing her at First Ave in January, she became solidified as one of my favorite artists.
What is your favorite story/tidbit about the artist?
She is really cute on her facebook page. Whenever the page reaches a milestone number of likes she posts things like, “10,000 likes! Ahhh! I’m buying the whole band Hibachi!” But it is Hibachi. Every. Single. Time.
What is your favorite song and why?
I am not good with picking a favorite anything, but I will say Child of Moving On because she released it as a way of introducing her new sound. She really knows how to belt it out, and this song is a prime example.
Can you give a basic background story of the artist?
Caroline Smith grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She started performing in venues in her town, including the coffee shop her mother owned. Growing up she listened to Carole King, Paul Simon, Janet Jackson, TLC, Mary J. Blidge, and Alicia Keys. She moved to Minneapolis at age 18 and started playing at the 400 Bar. In 2007, the owner introduced her to drummer Arlen Peiffer and bassist Jesse Schuster. In March 2011, they joined with Alex Ramsey and became Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps. After releasing three albums together, in October 2013 Caroline Smith released “Half About Being A Woman,” which has a very different sound, inspired by 90s neo-soul. They decided to drop the “and the Good Night Sleeps,” but Arlen and Jesse continue to perform with Caroline Smith.
Tell us why you love DJing on KRLX!
KRLX is one of my favorite things about Carleton! It is a wonderful place to bond with friends, speak your mind and discover new music. It’s just the best.