Nate Smith’s Candid Post Reveals Struggles of Balancing Music and Social Media: ‘I Am Absolutely Exhausted Trying To Be Cool’

Nate Smith recently opened up about the reality of being an artist in an age where maintaining a strong presence on social media and posting engaging content has taken priority over the actual music being released.  

Taking to Instagram over the weekend, the country star got open and honest in a statement that sheds light on the stress he and many others in the entertainment industry are facing every day in silence while trying to keep their dreams alive. Smith noted that the “constant grind” of trying to feed the “machine” has resulted in him facing a “roller coaster of emotions.”

“I don’t think people realize the amount of pressure us artists face. 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 began. 

It’s No Longer About The Music

Smith went on the emphasize his belief that there is clearly a disconnect happening right now, and it’s leaving artists like himself feeling overwhelmed and “exhausted.”

“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,” he continued. 

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Fellow Country Artists Flood The Comment Section

Tons of artists began resharing the post and rushing to the comment section to show their support for Smith while also acknowledging that they are all feeling the exact same way. 

Charly Reynolds said, “Feel this 100%,” Carly Pearce declared “Say it louder for the people in the back!🔥” and Dylan Marlowe assured Smith that he is “Totally right there with you man ❤️”

HARDY also commented, “Preach” while Breland noted how “Artists shouldn’t have to learn to beat an algorithm” and that “The whole system needs a reboot” before adding, “Love you Nate 🖤”

Many of today’s generation of rising country stars like Ashley Cooke, Spencer Crandall, Drew Baldridge and more, have gotten to live out their dreams thanks to the power of social media, however, as we see from Smith’s words, that doesn’t mean that they feel any less pressure from the online world. 

Cooke appeared in the comments saying, “preach my dude. head down and do what you do best 🤍,” while Drew Baldridge said, “TRUTH! You’re doing absolutely amazing buddy and your music is touching people’s lives 🙏”

Spencer Crandall added, “I hear you, man. You’re not alone. I know it can take a toll.. But you’re exactly what this industry needs. We all need your art. Never stop. The world is a better place when you share what is on your heart & mind!”

Bailey Zimmerman also commended the “World On Fire” singer for speaking his truth. He wrote, “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🤟❤️”

All these artists rallying around the California native just proves that while artists appear to always be happy and smiling on stage and across social media, we don’t always know what they are dealing with behind the scenes. 

Nate Smith is just days away from kicking off his headline Through The Smoke Tour. The trek launches with a show in Portland, OR on Smith’s birthday, Sept. 19, and runs through November 21. He will be joined by special guests, John Morgan and Karley Scott Collins.  

On October 4, Smith will release his highly anticipated sophomore album, California Gold. The project includes 16 tracks, including his latest chart-topper, “Bulletproof.”