RESPECT. Interview: Latiere Has Her Mind on Her Music, Vision & Orange County

Photo Credit: Matthew Honda

Latiere Smith better known as Latiere start singing at the age of five. Born and raised in Orange, California, Latiere’s musical influence was framed by her church choir participation. Destiny Child, Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah, and Etta James framed her musical voice. At the age of 25, Latiere released her debut album, All I Know which led to her performing her popular single “Changed on Me” across California. Latiere is currently working on her second project which is set to be released in the Fall 2019.

RESPECT.: Where are you from?

Latiere: I’m from Orange, California.

RESPECT.: What came first for you the dream or the music?

Latiere: The music. I had my first solo at 10 years old and fell in love ever since.

RESPECT.: Who are some of musical inspirations?

Latiere: Mary J Blige, Beyoncé , Destiny’s Child ,Missy Elliot, and Ciara.

RESPECT.: How’d you first get started with music?

Latiere: I started with singing in the church.

RESPECT.: You have an EP, dropping later this year, TBA? What can we expect?

Latiere: You can expect new energy, more melodies and catchiness.

RESPECT.: Who is Latiere?

Latiere: Latiere is a Black girl in the OC tryna put her city on the map.

Photo Credit: Matthew Honda

RESPECT.: Who’d you like to collaborate with in the future?

Latiere: T-Pain, The Dream, and Kandi.

RESPECT.: You recently dropped two singles this year, “Parallel Park” in February and “Back Pedal” in May. It feels like you are bringing an Adina Howard energy and vibe to the game. Do you feel unapologetic about your sexual liberation and what does Latiere want, to love or be loved?

Latiere: I’m 100% unapologetic. I don’t owe anyone anything for being me. I do what I want , dress how I want , and create how I want. Growing up, I haven’t always been treated how I should have in this industry, now I can be in a position to let them boys know who they were messing with , and give the women their own liberty. Latiere is here and I’m not going anywhere. My DNA is what makes me different so I’ve learned to own it. I want to be loved and love. We’re all here to make someone’s life better. If I can add value to someone’s life and feel loved also that’s a win for me .

RESPECT.: What’s the best way a man can approach you if they wanted to add value to your life?

Latiere: By being himself, making me laugh, just an overall good vibe. I’m all about energy so if I feel your energy isn’t genuine, my guard is up and I’m out .

RESPECT.: Explain what Orange County means for a young black girl chasing her dream?

Latiere: To me growing up in the OC, I’ve always wanted to see more girls who looked like me in my classes, and just environment in general. My sister and I were the only black girls in the entire high school, so I’ve always felt I had to represent and educate others around me because they didn’t know or were ignorant to my culture. That also made me diverse and also realize that I can rock with anyone. I got along with the Hispanics, White girls, Asian girls basically everyone! That framed my perspective growing up in the OC. I’ve known my dreams are bigger than me , it’s take a whole village. The OC has real talent out here many people go straight to Los Angeles when they think of Cali. But naw The OC has real talent and hustle out here . We just gotta stick together.

RESPECT.: How do you feel when you perform during shows?

Latiere: When I perform I don’t even remember it . It’s like an out of body experience. I love everything about it. The stage and crowd is so fun to me. I love everything about entertaining people .

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RESPECT.: Do you feel you have reached your goals this year?

Latiere: I haven’t even scratched the surface yet . Any progress is good progress but I have a long road ahead of me and I’m ready for it. I just gotta keep going no matter what.

RESPECT.: What can we expect from you for the rest of 2019?

Latiere: More everything! More shows , music, and more Latiere.

RESPECT.: What does RESPECT. mean to you?

Latiere: RESPECT. to me means taking me and my craft seriously. Giving me equal opportunity, support and love as you would anyone else.

Stay connected with Latiere here for upcoming music and shows here.