Getting Beyond the Mic with Songstress LaPrince-Miller Smith

Authenticity is the most human part about you. Even your mistakes.— LaPrince Miller-SmithLaPrince-Miller Smith reminded me that authenticity is a practice you return to again and again. And in this episode, we talk about the long arc of her artistic life and what it has taken to keep choosing herself within it. From singing in the Durham Children’s Choir to studying jazz and science at NCCU, teaching, performing, acting, and eventually stepping into full-time artistry, her story is rooted in commitment, curiosity, and care. LaPrince is the embodiment of honoring all of the things she’s ever loved. We talk honestly about fear, practice, and self-advocacy, especially when navigating creative spaces that do not always make room. Sometimes, you have to make room for yourself and we get into the benefits that can come from it. LaPrince also shares what she has learned through mentors and building Beyond the Mic, her radio segment and budding podcast dedicated to uplifting local music artists. This episode is for musicians and creatives who are still figuring out how to stay true to themselves while growing. It asks what it really means to be authentic and what becomes possible when you allow community to hold you as you do the work. It’s not one to miss. 💕This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:* Navigating a transition into full-time creative work* The role of community and mentorship in artistic growth* Authenticity, practice, and continual learning as an artist* Building platforms that uplift local creativesRelated EpisodesSupport the Podcast🎙️ Love what you’re hearing? The best way to support the Durham Artist Archive is by liking or rating the podcast on your favorite platform—it helps more people discover Durham’s creatives. And if you’d like to go deeper with Durham-focused art writing and podcast reflections, follow us on Substack. Paid subscribers get exclusive perks like a credit in the show notes and a shout out in our season finale for helping preserve these voices.👉 Join as a paid supporter today and keep these stories aliveListen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyRead on Substack🫱🏾‍🫲🏼 Connect with LaPrince-Miller Smith:https://www.instagram.com/laprincesings/👋🏽 Connect with me, Alyssa Cuffie Onuoha:https://www.instagram.com/alwhyssa.artlab/alyssacuffie.com☕ Support the Pod:https://ko-fi.com/alwhyssa✏️ Additional Details:Recorded at Queeny’s in Durham, North Carolina Get full access to The Durham Artist Archive at durhamartistarchive.substack.com/subscribe