Elizabeth and Brady Smith first met each other in 2008 at the music school they attended, “McNally Smith College of Music” in Saint Paul, MN. Brady grew up on Greens Island in Maine, and Elizabeth in Mattoon, Illinois. Both being vocal majors, these two crossed paths often throughout their many classes together. Before long they formed a relationship centered around music, singing… and perhaps some dating also! Around two years before graduating with their Bachelors degree’s the two were singing together as a couple, then also in a cover band that Elizabeth had spearheaded called “The Sugar benders”. The 5-piece band was comprised of some of their best and most talented musician friends, and the rambunctious group cut their teeth at many Minnesota venues. In fact, it was in this band where they began dabbling in performing song mashups which have become a signature for the duo. “The Sugar Benders” have been known to bust out a surprise reunion show here and there, so keep and eye out!
Post graduation, Liz and Brady made the last minute decision to relocate to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, rich with all of its live music opportunities. They quickly fell into a full time performance schedule at various beach and in-town venues. This was still a fledgling phase for the duo, before Brady’s use of the looping pedal. The couple continued to to play day in and day out refining their musical style and sinking into harmonies and stage communication.
The couple were joyfully married on Brady’s home island in Maine in the summer of 2013, where they performed their own processional song “Don’t Wanna go it Alone”. Elizabeth, clad in white, sang through a hidden microphone in her bouquet as she floated down the aisle.
Briz and Lady released their first full length album in 2016 titled “A Long Time Coming”. Another EP, “Square One” was released in the fall of 2018 followed by their single “I Want to Write a Song and Get Rich” in 2019. They are currently workshopping songs for a new EP, and also intend to start recording some of their favorite cover song mashup interpretations. Also…perhaps a kids album is in the mix for the future.
Anyone who has seen a Briz and Lady show knows how much spontaneity and improvisation play a part in their music. The same song will vary from show to show in its groove, arrangement, and vocal ad libbing, giving them a fresh sound every time. Their style is complex yet approachable as it connects with and feeds off of the audience. Since the duo’s start, Briz and Lady have played well over 3,000 live shows together. Their excitement for life, love, and music shines through every time they perform.