Linda  "Sylver" Marshall-Smith learned guitar and piano at age 11, founding  her first band, all girls, at age 13.  Called Time Being, they became  quite popular in the metro NY area gigging consistently through high  school. "It was a great way to earn extra cash for college," notes  Sylver. Holding their own against the male garage bands, Time Being came  close to a record deal, but dismantled when the bass player, a year  older than the rest, left for college.  After high school, Sylver put  the guitar in the closet and did not take it out again until five years  ago. "For the life of me, don't know what I was thinking. Getting such  joy from singing, writing and performing now.  My most recent project,  The Silver Band, gigged in and around LA." Sylver also contributed to  other LA area projects as rhythm guitarist/singer in a surf band, a   casuals band, and a Carpenters' tribute.  "Doing solo gigs, too, and  loving it all." 

The  18th-century silversmith was likened to a sculptor. Both had to know  how to shape their materials with artistic talent, taste, and design. It is the same artistic talent, taste and design that shapes Sylver's music. "So  much inspires me. I'll see a vanity license plate and think, hum,  there's a song  in that. Or a newspaper headline, or a walk in the park.   Never know where or what will yield ideas for a song.  I strive to be  open and vulnerable and maybe inspiration will strike. I've heard other  writers say this, and it is absolutely true -- sometimes a song is  simply given.  By what or by whom remains a mystery.  Divine  Inspiration?  Could very well be.  One thing is certain. It definitely  happens.  Not all the time, though.  Some songs make you work harder for  them.  Either way, it always astounds me when a song comes together.   It is truly a blessing bringing forth something from nothing.  My only  hope it that the sentiments resonate with others."