Life & Work with Kristen Smith of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Smith.

Hi Kristen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Culture was originally birthed in 2017. Back then, the SoCal music scene was being taken over by “pay‑to‑play,” and it was honestly heartbreaking to watch. There was even a point where I was selling tickets just for the chance to play a slot.
Up‑and‑coming artists were expected to sell 50 tickets just to secure a 30‑minute opening set—in a side room that looked like the entrance to a storage unit. No foot traffic, no audience, no respect (no one ever went in there, let’s be real).
That experience lit a fire in me. The entire purpose of Culture was simple: treat upcoming artists the way they are supposed to be treated. We provided artists with riders, gave them their own space in the green room, and—most importantly—paid them. Once an artist accepted the booking, we sent over a contract for review and signature, then had it notarized. We took it seriously because they deserved to be taken seriously.

That period of my life was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. I had helped with stagehand work before Culture, which was always fun—but building something that was mine? Watching my ideas come to life? And then seeing attendees genuinely enjoy the space we created? That feeling was unmatched. Creating environments where my friends and fellow upcoming artists could thrive sparked a new kind of love—one I was ready to chase like my life depended on it.

We were able to throw events for about a year. Then, in 2018, push came to shove, and I made the incredibly difficult decision to step away from music. At the time, it was what was best for me—even though it hurt deeply.
Fast‑forward a bit. As some of you know, I returned to music in 2021 and started DJing again in 2023.
Now let’s talk about 2025.

The itch to throw events came back stronger than ever. I started asking around, looking into venues, tapping into old connections. A few people offered to help, and we even had a couple of events planned and ready to go for August. Long story short… those people ghosted me at the last minute. Everything fell apart. Hard.
It led to a full crash‑out, followed by a deep depression. I questioned everything—including whether coming back to music was even the right choice. I truly felt like a lost cause.

Eventually, I got myself back into therapy, laid low, and began rebuilding slowly and intentionally. I shifted my mindset from “I don’t know if I can do this” to “I am going to bring Culture back, one way or another.”

Out came the notepad. Sketch time.

I started brainstorming ways to revive Culture without needing to pay for a physical space. I still craved connection. I still wanted to create. That’s when I thought about how, in music production, the ultimate test of a track is hearing it in your car the “car test.” And just like that, The Car Test Podcast was born.

Around October or November, my boyfriend Phayla and I were hanging out at our friends’ house, Sublightyear and Litha. Phayla, Sublightyear, and I were sitting at the table when I pitched the idea. The concept was simple but intentional:
We film in my car. The artist sits in the passenger seat. If they want guests, they ride in the back (max three). We drive around their city while I ask a series of questions. The episode ends with us playing a track. Whether it’s unreleased, already out, or a song that deeply inspires them.

Phayla became my first guinea pig. I created the Instagram, designed the artwork, and made the very first post and from that moment on, the support has been unreal.

As I’m typing this, it’s mid-April, and we’re already fully booked with interviews through June.

Word on the street?
Culture is having its first official RE‑GRAND OPENING in May.

And honestly, can I just say, it’s really fucking cool to be doing this in a time where collectives are finally treating upcoming artists with the respect they’ve always deserved.
This is only the beginning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think reaching your goals is ever meant to be a smooth road and honestly, I think that’s exactly how it should be. The bumps, the detours, the moments where things fall apart… those aren’t failures to me. I see them as challenges and lessons, not struggles.

Last year’s crash out, when the event fell through, was a perfect example. At the time, it felt devastating and discouraging. But looking back, it taught me more than any win ever could. The challenges force growth. The lessons toughen your skin, so you don’t keep making the same mistakes.

I’m genuinely grateful for my fuck ups. Every misstep sharpened me, grounded me, and pushed me closer to who I needed to become. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for an easier ride.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work centers around creating intentional, artist‑first spaces in music and community. I’m a DJ, event curator, and creative director, and I specialize in developing platforms that uplift emerging artists in ways that are often overlooked through respect, structure, and genuine collaboration.

I’m best known for founding Culture, a collective I originally started in 2017 in response to the pay‑to‑play model dominating the Southern California scene at the time. My goal was to challenge that system by properly compensating artists, providing professional contracts, green room access, and treating creatives with the same care and legitimacy typically reserved for larger acts. Culture was never just about events. It was about setting a standard.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to pivot and rebuild. After stepping away from music for several years, I returned with a clearer purpose and found new ways to create impact without relying on traditional venues. That led to The Car Test Podcast, a mobile, intimate interview series where artists get to share their stories, test their music in real time, and connect authentically with listeners. Seeing the response and community support grow so quickly has been incredibly affirming.

What sets me apart is my perspective: I approach music through both a creative and operational lens. I care deeply about the experience. How artists feel, how spaces are curated, and how ideas are executed with intention. Whether I’m DJing, producing content, or building platforms, my focus is always on honoring the artist and fostering meaningful connection.

At the end of the day, I’m proud to be someone who builds. Not just events, but environments where creativity, respect, and community come first.

Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to grow Culture in a way that feels sustainable, intentional, and aligned with its original purpose. In the near future, I’m excited to officially relaunch Culture through thoughtfully curated events and creative programming that continue to prioritize emerging artists and community connection. The upcoming re‑grand opening marks a new chapter. One rooted in everything we learned from the past and shaped by where we are now.

A big area of growth I’m looking forward to is expanding The Car Test Podcast. The response has shown there’s a real hunger for intimate, honest spaces where artists can share their stories beyond the stage. I plan to build on that momentum. Bringing in a wider range of creatives, experimenting with new formats, and exploring ways to collaborate with other artists, collectives, and brands that share similar values.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecartestpodcast
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecartestpodcast