The 6 1 5 Featuring Rachel McIntyre Smith

Howdy! My name is Rachel McIntyre Smith, and I’m a "comfort twang" country singer-songwriter originally from East Tennessee now living in East Nashville. In addition to writing my own music, I’m also a graphic designer, so I love getting to create my own cover art, merchandise, promo photos, and videos to complement my music. I just released my second EP, Honeysuckle Friend, which was inspired by the kind of folks who can make small moments into lifelong memories.

Rachel McIntyre Smith's Top Six

What makes Nashville special to you? The creative energy in town. It seems like everyone is connected to the arts in some way. If someone isn’t an artist, their best friend is. Since there are so many creatives, there seems to be more of an appreciation for art than other places that I’ve lived.

Most under-rated thing about Nashville? The community. Before I moved here, it was really daunting to think about all the other singer-songwriters who are pursuing the same career path as me. When it was described to me, it seemed like it was always competitive and cut-throat. I know there is a lot of that happening here, but I’ve been fortunate enough to not run into it yet. In my experience, fellow songwriters have been super supportive and kind since they understand how difficult and discouraging the music industry can be.

How would you say your hometown of Oliver Springs differs from Nashville? Oliver Springs, Tennessee has a population of roughly 3,000. Everybody knows everybody. The only traffic jams are when my neighbor’s geese are walking across the road or someone is driving a tractor down the road. You never have to parallel park or worry that there won’t be a parking space. All that being said, Nashville has a LOT more fun stuff open past 8 p.m.

Say you had a completely free day in Nashville—no work allowed. What would you be doing?I’d start the day early by getting a latte at Neighborlily in Germantown and hanging out on their porch either journaling, reading, or chatting with a friend. Then I’d go for either a hike at Percy Warner or a long walk at Shelby Bottoms. I’d get lunch at Ladybird. My go-to order is the number 6 and number 7 with a bunch of patron sauce. In the evening, I’d either go to the Full Moon Pickin’ Party at Warner Parks or jazz night at Americano Lounge.

What are some of your favorite Nashville restaurants? Ladybird Taco, Five Points Pizza, and Pharmacy Burger.

If someone is coming to Nashville for the first time, where do you take them? It’s so much fun crafting personalized itineraries for my friends when they visit. I’d start with a morning walk at Shelby Bottoms then take them to Ladybird for tacos and coffee. Depending on their vibe, I would take them to different options for the evening. If they want to hear some local bluegrass/country, I’d take them to Jane’s Hideaway. If they’re more sporty, I’d take them to dinner on the upstairs patio at 3rd & Home for a Sounds Game. If they’re trying to have a big night on the town, I’d take them to Bourbon Street Blues to listen to Loose Lips.

One Thing About Nashville

What one thing that excites you most about the Nashville music scene right now? The opportunity. There is a lot of great art being made and there are a lot of highly intelligent business folks who know how to help it reach an audience.

Five Favorites

Best place to grab a beer? I’m not a big drinker, but I love the mocktails that Nashville bars have. Rosemary & Beauty Queen and Chopper have my favorites. At Rosemary & Beauty Queen, I recommend the Wink & Nod. At Chopper, I love the Typhoon.

What’s your favorite place for breakfast in Nashville? Ladybird Taco! I go there for breakfast multiple times a week. How many times am I going to mention Ladybird Taco in one interview?

Do you have a favorite music venue? There are a lot of cool venues in town, so it’s hard to pick. I just had my debut headlining show at The Bowery Vault, and the atmosphere during the show was great! It’s a great-sounding room. I got to turn the lights pink during my set. The crowd energy in the space was great, too.

Favorite place to go on date night? I haven’t gone on a lot of successful dates lately, so I have implemented a new strategy. I now plan on going places that I know I will enjoy regardless of whoever I’m with. Usually, I suggest Five Points Pizza (Friday’s meat slice of the day is incredible) and then walking down to Honeytree Meadery (I love their mocktail Aphrodite’s Rescue).

Best Broadway bar? I think Whiskey Row is such a fun bar. I made my Whiskey Jam debut recently, and it was a really cool and supportive environment.