Photo Credit: Matt Fajardo
Ebonie Smith is a celebrated music producer, audio engineer, and singer-songwriter based in the vibrant hub of Los Angeles.
With an impressive track record in the industry, she most recently served as senior audio engineer and producer at Atlantic Records, contributing to iconic projects like the Broadway cast album of Hamilton, Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer, and Cardi B’s Grammy-winning Invasion of Privacy.
As Co-Chair of the Producers & Engineers Wing of The Recording Academy, Ebonie is a driving force for innovation and inclusion in music production. She’s also the founder and president of Gender Amplified, a nonprofit she launched in 2007 that’s dedicated to celebrating and empowering women and gender-expansive music producers.
With a master’s degree in music technology from NYU and an undergraduate degree from Barnard College at Columbia University, Ebonie brings both academic rigor and real-world experience to everything she does — making her a true leader and inspiration in the music world.
In this Q&A, we sit down with Ebonie to explore her journey, her mission with Gender Amplified, and her vision for a more equitable future in music.
How did you get your start in music?
I got my start in music through a deep love for sound and storytelling. From an early age, I was drawn to instruments and the way music could shape emotions and experiences. My formal journey began with playing piano and experimenting with production tools, eventually leading me to engineering and production. That curiosity and passion set the foundation for everything I do today.
How did your experience at Barnard spark the vision for Gender Amplified, and what’s changed most since you started it in 2007?
Barnard was where the vision for Gender Amplified took root. Studying in an environment that emphasized women’s empowerment made me keenly aware of the disparities in music production, particularly for women and non-binary creatives. What started as my thesis project became a movement to carve out space for underrepresented producers. Since 2007, the industry has evolved—there’s more visibility and conversation about gender equity—but access and real opportunities are still a challenge. Gender Amplified has grown into a platform that not only uplifts but actively creates opportunities for the next wave of producers.
‘In Bloom’ is Gender Amplified’s first official EP — what did you want it to represent for your community, and what are you most proud of?
With In Bloom, I wanted to showcase the power of collaboration and the brilliance of gender-expansive producers. It’s a sonic statement that says, “We are here, we are creating, and our work deserves to be heard.” I’m most proud of how it brings together different voices and styles while staying true to the mission—elevating talent that often goes unrecognized in mainstream spaces.
You've built space for gender-expansive producers to thrive — what advice do you give to those trying to break into the production world right now?
My advice is to start where you are and build with what you have. Learn your tools, experiment fearlessly, and stay consistent. Community is everything—find your tribe, collaborate, and support others. Most importantly, own your sound and trust that there’s a place for your voice in this industry.
What’s the biggest misconception about what a music producer actually does — especially when it comes to women and non-binary creatives?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that producers just press buttons or that they play a passive role in music creation. In reality, a producer is the architect of a song’s entire sound. They shape the arrangement, guide the artist’s performance, and bring a vision to life. When it comes to women and non-binary producers, there’s often a false assumption that they aren’t as technical or hands-on, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
You’ve balanced major label work with grassroots organizing — how do you navigate both worlds and keep your mission grounded?
It’s a balancing act, but for me, the two worlds inform each other. My work with major labels gives me insight into industry structures, while grassroots organizing keeps me connected to the people who are shaping culture from the ground up. Staying grounded comes from always returning to the why—am I creating access, am I opening doors for others, and am I using my position to uplift? That’s what keeps me aligned.
The CTRL Room Series helped birth some of the tracks on the new EP — what makes these camps so powerful for creative development?
The magic of the CTRL Room Series comes from the energy of the room—when you bring together talented producers, artists, and songwriters in a space that fosters experimentation, incredible things happen. These camps remove the pressures of the industry and allow creativity to flow organically. That freedom and exchange of ideas are what make them so powerful.
As Co-Chair of the Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing, how are you working to create more equity in the industry from the top down?
One of my focuses is ensuring that policies and initiatives prioritize inclusion, not just in conversation but in real decision-making. That means advocating for fair crediting, increasing representation in studio spaces, and pushing for more educational resources that level the playing field. It’s about making sure that underrepresented producers have a seat at the table and the tools to thrive.
Can you share a moment in your career that affirmed you were on the right path — even when it wasn’t easy?
There have been so many moments, but one that stands out is seeing an artist or producer I’ve mentored go on to achieve success. When someone tells me that Gender Amplified, a studio session, or a piece of advice I gave changed their trajectory, it’s a reminder that this work matters. Those moments make the struggles and setbacks worth it.
What do you want the next generation of producers to believe about their power and their place in the music industry?
I want them to believe that they belong. Their ideas, their creativity, and their unique sound have value. The industry is shifting, and there’s more room than ever for new voices to redefine what music sounds like. The key is to own your artistry, build your community, and never wait for permission to create.
