Country Next: Schmitty

Schmitty’s journey to Nashville began in the fields of North Dakota, where his love for music grew alongside a life of hard work on a third-generation farm. His Instagram bio says it best: “Grain Farmer in ND, Turned Song Farmer in TN.” That simple phrase perfectly captures his journey from the farm to Music Row. 

With his blue collar roots, Schmitty is giving a voice to the working-class with the release of his new single, “Office With A View.” Inspired by his time in Washburn, ND, the track paints a picture of blue-collar life, where muddy boots and long hours replace suits and corner offices. For Schmitty, the message is personal. “It’s about the people who don’t always ask for recognition, but damn sure deserve it,” he says.

“I’ve lived this song. My family did too. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a big engine, or swinging a hammer, this one’s for you.”

The single serves as the title track of his debut EP, Office With A View, arriving September 12. The six-song project, which also features previously released tracks like “Cadillac” and “This Side of the Porchlight,” blends Schmitty’s storytelling  with a sound that leans into classic country and southern rock influences. 

In this Q&A, Schmitty opens up about the making of the EP, his Midwest upbringing, and how farming life continues to shape the songs he writes today.

What is the first word that comes to mind when you think about this EP? Is there an overall theme?

Each of these songs say a little something about me. Some more obvious than others but the overall theme of this EP is getting new faces caught up on who I am, and what’s most important to me. A little rough around the edges at times but rooted in hard work on the farm built around family and faith… while keeping the wild child alive. 

What was different about making this project compared to music you’ve released in the past?

Having to pick one song to record and release always left me wanting to say more. To be honest I still feel that way even with these six songs but it has allowed me to craft a better understanding for my fans (and new fans) of what to expect when listening to my music or seeing me on the road. Good news is I’m planning on releasing quite a few more down the road.

How does your Midwest upbringing and farming background show up on this EP?

It shows in “Office With A View” more literally with my farming background but the lifestyle is shown throughout the EP. My goal with that song was to paint a picture of what it was like working on the farm in North Dakota. I will always carry the farming background with me in my music but I also hope to shed light more generally on the lifestyle around midwest – small town America. I have always loved country music and its relatability. Some may say “red dirt” Where I say “black dirt” but beer is beer, and truck is a truck.

If someone’s hearing Schmitty for the first time, what’s the one song they have to start with?

“Grandpa’s Watch”. Working for my grandpa on his farm taught me everything I know in becoming the man I am today and has given me a lot of inspiration in my song writing. You’ll hear a lot of his short (but impactful) lessons reflected in my music as well as those from other family members. 

How does “Office with a View” set the tone for the rest of the EP? What makes this song the right one to be the title track?

I think it sets the tone of honesty. It’s factual, real life story telling from my perspective on the farm. I always try to write from a first person point of view based on things that I’ve gone through in my life. Views change in life in different years and phases (as you will see in the EP), but keeping my values the same through the rollercoaster of life. 

What’s one lesson you learned from growing up farming that you still carry with you while navigating the music industry?

You can’t get it all done in one day, but if you work really hard you can make a pretty good dent. Long hours on the farm, hard times, hard decisions, being dependable, honest, it all carries over. Except for waking up at 5am everyday, that one hasn’t carried over well in the music industry.

Was there a specific moment you realized you wanted to seriously pursue music, or was it something you always knew deep down?

I always loved music and had a dream of being on stage but I never thought my vocals were strong enough. My scratchy sound was always the factor that counted me out in my mind. I made a YouTube page during a rainy harvest season where there wasn’t much to do on the farm and decided to cover a Canaan Smith song. Shut the laptop and woke up to tens of thousands of views and comments pointing out one thing… my voice. That was the moment that gave me the confidence to seriously pursue this for a living. 

Have any of the tracks from your new EP made their way into your live sets yet? Which ones have been resonating most with the crowd so far?

I’m starting to plug most of the EP into my live show. One in particular is “Grandpa’s Watch.” That one seems to really grab people’s attention. Tears, smiles, hand shakes, stories… To me that’s one of my favorite parts of this job is seeing the real-time crowd reaction to my newer music.  

What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?

I want people to feel a piece of them in each song. Whether it’s windows down ready for a good time with “Cadillac” or crack of dawn ready for a work day with “Office With A View” I hope there’s relatability. 

Do you have a favorite song off the new EP?

By far the hardest question so far. If I’m having a cold beer I’m sayin “This Side Of The Porch Light.” If I’m driving back roads I’m sayin “Grandpas Watch” and if I’m with my fiancée, I’m saying “Strings Attached” and on down the track list.

Every project comes with its own set of challenges—what was the toughest part of bringing this EP to life, and how did you push through it?

Honestly the toughest part of this whole thing was picking the songs. I have been writing song after song since the day I got to Nashville and I love so many of them. A great problem to have but it doesn’t make it any easier. Luckily I have a great team, and friends that truly have my best interest in mind and we were able to come up with the perfect 6 for this EP. Plenty in the tank for the next project already. 

What’s next for you?

Life-wise getting to marry my best friend, Brooke, in October. Career wise, I’m looking forward to keeping the pedal down. Planning on getting out and playing more shows this fall and continuing to stack on to my list of songs for the next project. This chapter of my artist career is just the beginning.

Fans can keep up with Schmitty on Instagram.