Nate Smith, born September 19, 1985, in Paradise, California, is an American country music singer-songwriter.
Known for his gritty, rock-infused country sound and emotive vocals, Smith’s journey is one of resilience, marked by personal tragedy and a relentless pursuit of his musical dreams.
Raised in a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills, he was introduced to music through his church youth leader, drawing early inspiration from artists like Garth Brooks, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, and Nirvana.
Smith began playing guitar at 13 and honed his performance skills as a worship leader, blending spiritual and secular influences.
After moving to Nashville at 23, he faced setbacks but rose to prominence after his song “Wildfire” went viral on TikTok in 2020, leading to a major label deal with Sony Music Nashville.
Siblings
Nate has one brother named Tyler Smith.
However, not much is known about Tyler, including his personal life or career pursuits, as he lives a more private life compared to his famous brother.
Career
After moving to Nashville at 23, Smith signed a record deal with Christian label Word Records and a publishing deal with Centricity Music, opening for artists like Brett Eldredge and X Ambassadors.
However, early setbacks, including a failed record deal and a painful divorce, led him to return to Paradise, where he worked as a certified nursing assistant.
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The 2018 Butte County Camp Fire, which destroyed his home, became a turning point. Using a guitar sent by a friend, Smith wrote “One of These Days,” a song about resilience that went viral and reignited his music career.
He returned to Nashville, and in 2020, his single “Wildfire” exploded on TikTok, amassing over 3 million views and securing a publishing deal with Sony/ATV and a record contract with Sony Music Nashville.
His 2023 debut album, self-titled, featured chart-topping hits like “Whiskey on You” and “World on Fire,” the latter tying for the longest-running No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
Smith’s 2024 EP Through the Smoke and sophomore album California Gold further solidified his status, with collaborations like “Bulletproof” and “Can You Die from a Broken Heart” featuring Avril Lavigne.
Accolades
In 2023, Smith won the ACM New Male Artist of the Year award, a testament to his growing influence.
Billboard named him the 2024 Country Power Players Rookie of the Year, acknowledging his commercial success and industry impact.
His singles “Whiskey on You” and “World on Fire” both reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, with “World on Fire” holding the top spot for 10 weeks, tying Morgan Wallen’s record for the longest run in the chart’s history.
Smith has also earned multiple nominations, including for Best New Artist at the ACM Awards, CMT Awards, and iHeartRadio Awards.
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