(Editor’s Note: BGS has partnered with AEA Ribbon Mics and AmericanaFest to share special live sessions shot at Welcome to 1979 in Nashville, Tennessee during AmericanaFest 2025. Over the next few weeks, enjoy select performances from AEA Ribbon Mics’ sessions in Nashville premiered right here on BGS.)
Artist: Mindy Smith
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Songs: “Quiet Town,” “If I Didn’t Know Any Better,” “Come To Jesus”
In Their Words: “My first introduction to Mindy Smith was when she was featured on the Dolly Parton tribute album, Just Because I’m a Woman, about 20-years ago. On an album that featured artists like Emmylou Harris, Sinead O’Connor, Shania Twain, and Dolly herself, Mindy was an up-and-comer, but more than held her own on the renowned and legendary tune. Getting to meet and chat with Mindy was was like catching up with an old friend. She’s warm, earnest, and down to earth. We shot her session right after Olivia Barton (whose session releases next week), so Olivia was still in the room while we were changing our setup. Getting to be a fly on the wall listening to the two of them chat about their creative processes, upcoming projects, and the advice Mindy was giving Olivia was like sitting through a singer-songwriter masterclass.
“We chose to shoot the session in a smaller room at Welcome to 1979 Studio mostly for the change of scenery and the colorful walls and decorations. But because of the size of the room, it limited how many cameras and mics we could set up. At first, we were concerned that we weren’t getting enough angles for the video edit, but once we started mic check, it was apparent that often less is more. The power of her performance and songs came across with every single note. Mindy wasn’t performing for the cameras. She was a songwriter sharing songs with friends. Plus, her orange hat added another dimension to the video visually. What a precious way to watch and listen to a performance, and what an honor to be a part of this recording.” – Julie Tan, AEA Ribbon Mics
Video Credits: Audio recorded and mixed by Brandon Bell.
Video directed and edited by Michael Perlmutter, assisted by Patrick Dwyer.
Hosted by Julie Tan.
To purchase AEA Ribbon Mics or other gear, contact your local dealer. More information is available at AEARibbonMics.com.
