Ebonie Smith is leveraging her experience and network as an award-winning audio engineer to empower women, girls, and non-binary folks everywhere. Here are five things to know about her.
1. Ebonie is an engineer at Atlantic Records.
During her time at Atlantic, Ebonie has recorded and mixed records for some of your favorite artists including Cardi B, Lauryn Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Alanis Morisette, Ciara, The Roots, Jason Mraz, Illmind, Santigold, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janelle Monáe, and more.
2. She founded a non-profit organization.
Whether it’s shouting out faves like NOVA WAV and WondaGurl in Billboard or founding her own non-profit, Ebonie’s mission is to champion underrepresented individuals in her fields. In 2007, Ebonie founded Gender Amplified to highlight, educate, and create opportunities for women and non-binary folks in music production and audio engineering.
Most recently, she’s been using Clubhouse to further build community with a series of informative panels throughout Women’s History Month.
The next Clubhouse event is Saturday, March 20th on all things music business so be sure to tap in.
3. Ebonie has her own web series on YouTube.
During the pandemic, Ebonie launched the popular Studio Cribs web series via Gender Amplified. Here’s a synopsis:
Gender Amplified is bringing back those 2000’s nostalgia vibes with a new web series, Studio Cribs: Quarantine Edition! Some of the freshest, most dynamic record producers will take you on an exclusive tour of their home studio, showcasing new music, tech, toys, and more!
Gender Amplified
The most popular episode, featuring artist and producer MILCK, currently sits at over 54,000 views. Check out the latest addition to the series featuring engineer and producer Soular:
4. She’s a Recording Academy darling.
Ebonie is credited as an assistant engineer for her work on Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording). This led to her first RIAA Platinum plaque as well as her first Grammy Certificate.
The Recording Academy first featured Ebonie last September following her Pensado’s Place appearance. Then, earlier this month, Ebonie was selected to partake in The Recording Academy’s “Women in the Mix” virtual celebration.
Further, The Recording Academy donated $5,000 to Gender Amplified to “support the fight for gender parity across all industries including those with a specific focus on the growth of women and girls in production and engineering.”
5. Ebonie once lived in Cameroon.
While receiving training at Columbia University’s Computer Music Center, Ebonie studied abroad in Cameroon. During her five-month stay, she performed with bands, worked in studios, and produced for local artists.
Music and Mission
It’s remarkable all that Ebonie has been able to accomplish, not just for herself professionally, but for the advancement of others. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing where her illustrious career continues to take her and where her legacy will lead.
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