In a recent episode of The Unpleasant Thoughts Podcast, hosts welcomed Smokey Nostalgia to discuss her musical journey, influences, and vision as an artist. The Maryland-raised singer-songwriter, who shares her work, opened up about her Caribbean roots, songwriting process, and plans for the future.
Raised in Capitol Park, Maryland, Smokey credits her multicultural background as the foundation of her artistry. Growing up in a Puerto Rican and Haitian household, she described Caribbean music as “the base” of her sound. Music ran through her family, her mother and sister both sing and write songs, while her grandfather played jazz saxophone. Inspired by him, Smokey picked up instruments including the saxophone and clarinet at an early age.
“Everything was music,” she said.
Smokey noted that the turning point in her career came after becoming a mother. “Literally after I had my daughter, I had this extreme boost of creativity,” she shared. “I was already writing music before, but I was like, I have this fire in me that I need to put my voice out.”
Even before her music, storytelling was central to Smokey’s life. She recalled writing imaginative stories in school and gathering classmates to listen. “I always knew my pen was good,” she said. Today, that writing skill translates into her lyrics, which she frames with context for fans at her live performances. Though she calls her sound “R&B alternative,” she resists being confined to one label.
When asked which track solidified her path, Smokey named Cosmic City, a song that began as a poem. Built around themes of connection and late-night vibes, it remains one of her most personal pieces. “If you heard Cosmic City, it’s about you,” she teased.
Her first performance came after rapper Young Ali invited her to perform Look Me in My Eyes at Highlight DC. Despite nerves, she discovered a love for the stage. “That first time showed me I like performing. I love performing,” she said. She later called her performance at Mr. Henry’s, where Roberta Flack once performed, her strongest to date.
Unlike many artists, Smokey has honed her craft largely outside traditional studios. She records and engineers her tracks at home, often starting her process with meditative walks that help melodies come to her naturally. “I already know what melody’s going to be on it,” she explained. “Then I just put it together when I get home.”
Though rooted in R&B, Smokey has expressed interest in exploring rock influences, citing artists like Paramore and Evanescence as early inspirations. She envisions a fusion approach, much like genre-bending artists she admires.
Outside the booth, Smokey is also a licensed massage therapist and herbalist, focusing on holistic health and wellness. She views music with the same therapeutic lens, aiming to one day merge both worlds. “Everything you put in your body reflects outward,” she said, noting her commitment to a vegan lifestyle.
Currently performing four songs around the DMV area, Smokey has at least one new release planned by the end of October. Her EP Pisces is streaming now, and her upcoming single From the Heart is in the works. She also has her eyes set on dream collaborations with Jhené Aiko, Brandy, and local artists, while hoping to perform in cities from New York to Puerto Rico.
Above all, Smokey emphasized authenticity. “Everything I write is from the heart and from your soul. It’s real. It’s from a person. It’s not a ghost writer. It’s connected to me.”
