Hailing from The Garden State, Grammy nominated singer-songwriter-actress-social justice activist, Antonique Smith, may be most famously known for her big-screen debut as Faith Evans in the 2009 biographical film, Notorious, as well as her leading role in the Broadway musical, “RENT,” however, there’s so many more layers to this fiery & fierce renaissance Leo woman. Learn more about the phenomenal quadruple threat in our Antonique Smith interview.
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this single, “Love Song to the Earth,” a reimagined version of your 2015 song, but this one featuring Sir Paul McCartney, Sean Paul, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and Natasha Bedingfield — Tell me about this particular composition; how did it even come to fruition?
Antonique Smith: The writer / producer of the song is my friend of over 20 years, Toby Gad. He was originally asked to write the song by the United Nations as a theme song for the Paris Climate Agreement. We decided to re-record it because I’ve now been in the climate movement for more than 10 years, and co-founded my own nonprofit called Climate Revival, last year. The song is at the heart of what I’m doing; spreading love, informing and inspiring action on climate change and environmental justice using music and storytelling. The song is the perfect fit, and just so happens to be at a time that we need it more than ever.
Parlé Mag: Aside from the obvious, how then does “Love Song to the Earth” differ and compare to previous Antonique Smith entries?
Antonique Smith: Most of my other songs were love songs about bad relationships. (laughs)! I’ve always tried to tie in social messages to my songs when I sing them live, but this song is different because the lyrics actually speak for themselves. I don’t have to make loose connections. The song is very clear. It’s about love and about us. We are the earth. We are the world. Our existence is fragile, and we must keep it safe.
Parlé Mag: From a songwriting standpoint when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?
Antonique Smith: Always from my real life. Usually my own experiences, but occasionally I can draw from the experience of someone close to me. It can be very therapeutic.
Parlé Mag: Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into entertainment —when did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Antonique Smith?
Antonique Smith: I’ve been interested in the arts since I was 3. There’s literally nothing else I ever wanted to do. I had a little tape recorder, and I would create characters and make up stories and create radio shows—where I was the host and the guests—and do puppet shows playing all the characters. I was honing my skills as an actor and singer without even realizing it.
Parlé Mag: Now you’re a native of East Orange, New Jersey, correct? So growing up in ‘Illtown,’ who did you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Antonique Smith: Without a doubt, it was hearing Whitney Houston’s voice as a little girl that made me want to sing. I didn’t know she was from my hometown. I just knew that voice was amazing, and I wanted to sound like it. And then at age 7, I joined the choir and did a lot of singing in church, which at some point led to people; like Yolanda Adams being an influence. I would also say Mary J. Blige’s music had an impact on young Antonique. Her swag and her passion was so powerful. In my teens, Celine Dion and Aretha Franklin became major influences on me, too.
Parlé Mag: In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and style?
Antonique Smith: I like to say Pop/Soul, with the occasional Hip-Hop appeal to it.
Parlé Mag: Because you’ve conquered music, TV, film and stage — Do you have a personal fave of the lot? Or, do they all just kind of go hand-in-hand for you?
Antonique Smith: I truly love them all. Music, like Broadway, has an instant gratification to it because of the connection to the audience. Where-as film and TV there’s no audience, but I get such a joy out of diving into a character’s world. I feel so blessed to be able to do them all, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Parlé Mag: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Antonique Smith: I pray that my music heals people, makes them think, inspires them, and makes them feel. With so much craziness going on, we have to have a place to feel… and I hope my music gives that to people.
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be, and why?
Antonique Smith: Omg!! What a question! I guess I’ll say Whitney because she had such a life changing effect on me, and I never got to actually meet her.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose, and why?
Antonique Smith: Madison Square Garden!! It’s one of the most iconic venues in the world. And, I’m believing one day I’ll get to grace that stage!
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?
Antonique Smith: As a vocalist, I wish there was more sangers. The big voice divas are primarily from London. I wish the record labels in America would find value in that. I had record labels tell me I sing too good. What kind of craziness is that?
Parlé Mag: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Antonique Smith: Love!! My love for the crafts of singing and acting, and my love for people.
Parlé Mag: Do you have any other additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Antonique Smith: I don’t think anything else will light me up like entertainment does, but I’m definitely a gadget girl. And, a self proclaimed Apple-head. I can see myself investing in some cool technology, and definitely clean energy.
Parlé Mag: On the acting front, do you currently have anything in the works coming up soon?
Antonique Smith: I have some films in early development, and I’m hoping one will get shot this year…but I just had a fun cameo in Julia Stiles’ directorial debut called Wish You Were Here. She’s such a sweetheart, and so talented. The movie came out last month.
Parlé Mag: To date, what have been your biggest career moments, at least thus far anyway?
Antonique Smith: My journey so far has been amazing! The first big highlight was playing Mimi in RENT on Broadway, and becoming the poster girl for the show. I’ll never forget seeing my face pass by on New York City cabs. Of course, playing Faith Evans in Notorious was life changing. Getting nominated for a Grammy. Singing at the Pope’s climate rally on the National Mall in front of 100K people, and singing in Times Square on New Year’s Eve on FOX. And playing Aretha Franklin’s mom. Those are just some of my favorite moments so far and I feel like I’m still just getting started! The best is yet to come!
Parlé Mag: What’s an average day like for you?
Antonique Smith: When I’m not traveling around, I’m a family girl. I try to spend as much time as I can with my parents, and my little sister, Antonia. She’s special needs, and she’s my whole world. I’m focused a lot these days on being CEO of my nonprofit, Climate Revival. There’s so much work to be done. We’re in a climate crisis.
Parlé Mag: Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Antonique Smith: I love to spread love and gratitude. You’ll find me responding all the time on IG. Back when I was on Broadway, I would stay outside and take pics and give autographs to every single person. Fans and supporters make it possible for entertainers to live our dreams.
Parlé Mag: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Antonique Smith: I love singing and acting so getting to do both is my favorite, and hearing how folks were touched or moved by my work. My least favorite has been the no’s that come with the business. The only way around that is to create your own opportunities, which is where I am now.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Antonique Smith: I would say if there’s anything else you love to do, do that. But if you’re like me and there’s nothing else you ever wanted to do and you eat, sleep and breathe this, then go for it and make sure you take your craft seriously and never give up.
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Antonique Smith: I see myself doing a lot of the same things I’ve been doing, just in front of more people, say Madison Square Garden.
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Antonique?
Antonique Smith: Starting March 9th in Houston, I’m going on another tour with Climate Revival coming to a city near you. And, stay tuned for some exciting Earth Day / Earth Month festivities in NYC!
Parlé Mag: Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
Antonique Smith: I wish you peace and safety in this crazy time. Join the love fest by following me on social media. And, I pray my song brings you some hope.
