Nate Smith opened up about the overwhelming pressure that artists face in constantly trying to maintain success and relevance in a now social media-driven music industry.
Talks Industry Pressure in Emotional Instagram Post
The ACM New Male Artist of the Year and “Bulletproof” singer took to Instagram on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 15) to express how exhausting it is to chase the viral moments and streams rather than just focusing on the art of the music.
“I don’t think people realize the amount of pressure us artists face,” Smith wrote in a lengthy open letter on social media. The 38-year-old singer/songwriter referenced the questions he often asks himself and is burden with, including “Why isn’t my reel viral? Why didn’t my last release get 7.5 million streams like my first release? Why does this up and comer suddenly have double the amount of followers that I do?”
He then admitted that he truly misses the days when the main focus was on the art of the music and writing a good song, and not the metrics or making a viral moment on social media. “It’s a constant grind of feeding the machine and a roller coaster of emotions. It shouldn’t be about any of this. It should be about the music and only the music, but there is so much that goes on behind the scenes, and I am absolutely exhausted trying to be cool,” Smith concluded.
Nate Smith isn’t the only artist that deals with these struggles, and that is proven true by the outpouring of support he received in the comments of his lengthy post.
Receive A Slew Of Support From The Country Music Community
Dozens of other country singers took to the comments, agreeing with his statement, including HARDY, Bailey Zimmerman, Carly Pearce, Cooper Alan, Danielle Bradbery, Tyler Braden, BRELAND, Devin Dawson, Meghan Patrick, Ashley Cooke, Spencer Crandall, Charly Reynolds, Josh Ross, Elvie Shane, Drew Baldridge, Lauren Watkins, Kylie Morgan, Grace Leer, Raelynn, Drew Green and more.
“Say it louder for the people in the back!” Carly Pearce commented, while BRELAND added, “Artists shouldn’t have to learn to beat an algorithm. The whole system needs a reboot. Love you Nate.” Bailey Zimmerman showcased support for Smith, writing, “Nate you’re the coolest… you ain’t gotta try brother… it comes natural!!!
Life is all about waking up happy and doing what you love!!! Keep making the music that you do… KEEP GOING DAWG.”
Other artists such as Dylan Marlowe, Drew Parker and Sean Stemaly wrote, “Totally right there with you man,” “PREACH!!! Especially when the dream turns into the need to provide for your family,” and “Realest post I’ve seen in a long time,” respectively.
Elvie Shane wrote, “Brother! You’re telling me. I took 6 months off to clean up and get my head right directly after ‘My Boy’ went number one. Was very open about that thru the process. Been grinding back from the bottom since. 2 Years! Cant go to radio cause we’re not streaming 2 Million a week or socials aren’t performing or some other BS… We’re asked to do the interviews and the post and podcasts and blah blah blah etc to support Mental Health Awareness…. Then the moment we need time for our own, it’s ‘NEXT!’”
Greylan James also took to the comments to graciously thank Nate Smith on behalf of the entire country music community.
Preparing To Release New Album Amid Success-Filled Year
The country star’s statement comes after a year of success that included winning ACM New Male Artist of the Year, scoring a multi-week No. 1 hit with “Bulletproof,” and more. He also made history as the first artist in Mediabase history to start their career with three consecutive multi-week No. 1 hits. “Bulletproof” follows the record-breaking No. 1 record “World On Fire,” which spent 10 consecutive weeks on top of the Billboard Country Airplay Chart and three weeks on top of the Mediabase chart while his first No. 1 single “Whiskey On You” spent two weeks atop the Mediabase chart and one week on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Smith’s first three singles have spent a combined 14 weeks at No. 1 between the two charts.
Nate Smith is gearing up to release his sophomore album, California Gold, which is set to arrive on October 4 via Sony Music Nashville. The project will feature 16 songs, including “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “Bulletproof,” “I Like It (feat. Alesso),” “Wish I Never Felt” and more. In addition, Smith’s new album will also feature another duet with Avril Lavigne, titled “Can You Die From A Broken Heart,” following their remix of “Bulletproof.”
Additionally, Nate Smith will take his new music on the road for his 2024 headlining Through The Smoke Tour. The 16-city trek will kick off on September 19th in Portland, OR and wrap up at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, TN on December 5.
For more information on Nate Smith’s new album and upcoming tour dates, visit his official website at NateSmithOfficial.com.
