1.    Hi Nate, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?

Well, I started singing at 9 years old to Garth Brooks, and Elvis! I’ll never forget as a kid, watching Garth Brooks flying around stadiums. He’s still a huge inspiration to me, and I hope to meet him someday. Fast forward to 23, I signed a publishing deal with Centricity Music Publishing for a few years while living in Nashville and wrote songs for different artists (Royal Tailor, Phil Stacey, and Jasmine Murray). I got around writers who were way more talented them me and really helped me learn how to write at a professional level. I started writing country music during that time and when I moved back to California, I began diving in more. It really feels like I’ve found the best place home for my voice in country. 

2.    When did you start listening to country music and when did you know you wanted a career in it? I first started listening to country as a kid, because my mom blasted it non stop. She has since become a Zumba addict and trust me, it’s not my lane. I don’t have the same level of swag as Pitbull and Daddy Yankee haha. I wrote a song for Paradise, CA, when myself and so many others tragically lost our homes during the Camp Fire of November 2018. The song I wrote, with a co writer, really connected with people and kind of started this whole journey. Shortly after I did actually end up sharing a stage with Pitbull, and X Ambassadors at Golden 1 Center (home of the kings), in January of this year. 

3.    Who are some of your musical icons?

Gosh, where to start. Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline, One Republic, all the way to Blink 182. I have a very diverse music catalog and love anything with a good hook and a good story. As far as modern country, I enjoy Dustin Lynch, Luke Combs, and Brett Young. 

4.    Will you be putting out any new songs in 2019 and will it be available on iTunes and Spotify? I recently went to Nashville and recorded 4 songs with Producer, Joel Bruyere (Ryan Larkin’s, TFK). My first single will be “Wildfire,” and I don’t have a definite release date, but it’ll be out soon!!

5.    Where do you see your music career in the next 5 to 10 years?

I hope to be playing still, and making an impact on others. Music is more of a platform for greater change to me, and my goal is to positively effect every listener. 

6.    What are some of your favorite venues and events to play at?

Golden 1 Center was great, but one of my favorite performances was in the parking lot of a Jimmie Allen show for 5 random amazing people!!

7.    What is one of your favorite quotes?

Less is More. Song is King. 

8.    Is there anything else you would like to share? Come follow me on Instagram @natesmithcountrymusic to stay up to date, and follow my weird sense of humor.