What I’ve Been Up To

[@mc39S686]

Good to know the things you’re doing instead of KZbin are pretty awesome things. Instead of talking to us about country music you get to help create it and shape it and that’s so cool!

[@GradySmith]

That's how I see it too, thank you!!

[@emilygardner]

Grady, this is the best possible update! I'm so happy for you and can tell from your voice how energized and passionate you are about your projects. I think this will make your country music videos even better because you know more lingo and behind the scenes things. I don't see it as a conflict of interest at all, especially since you're transparent about what artists you work directly with. Keep going!

[@awolfofchaos3211]

As fans, you don't need to apologize to us. Ultimately, we want you to be successful and happy. We missed you, but I'm really happy that everything has been going your way! Keep up the good work and just keep up with updates with us!!

[@joe56794]

We missed you, Grady!

[@RandyBadour]

As a musician myself. Folks on the team are very much AS responsible for the product as the artist. I'm positive those guys are blessed by having your input and a lended ear. Don't undersell your valued input. We all started with some version of imposter syndrome. Sounds like you're having fun brother...go all in NO SHAME. 🤙

[@LBaumgardner19]

I see a Grady notification. I click. I am still a simple man after all these months. Hope your next video isn’t so far away!

[@deannestewart3105]

I also had the "I hope Grady is okay..." thoughts. Glad you're busy in a good way. When you said the year is nearly over, I recalled your hilarious advent calendar from last year 😂.

[@TheKatyTemple]

Take us on the journey!! So excited for you. I appreciate that you are always growing and learning and challenging yourself.

[@jennymaurer5170]

We missed ya

[@GradySmith]

Well I'm back!

[@cactipickles]

Forever impressed by your go-getter attitude! Love the mosaics! You're such a creative soul. Happy to see you happy and thriving in your work and hobbies! Team Grady always!

[@caleblafon11]

We missed you and the videos Grady, but it’s really cool to hear you are doing more stuff in country music.

[@EliahNebb]

I respect your desire to avoid conflict of interest in your work. It's nice to see that your love for the things you love remains as strong as ever.

[@austinyarbrough904]

Grady You taught me how to look at music in a more critical way and helped me learn what I actually like about music thank you for everything you do I don’t watch every single video you do but I always love to hear you takes on things you are so awesome

[@ennylekalb]

This seems like a natural progression. I think it’s good for a reviewer to see what they’re really critiquing. There’s so much that goes into it.

[@BoyNamedSue4]

My wife and I were just talking about how we missed your videos. But so happy to hear all of these. I’ll definitely be checking out the EP

[@Yksisuuntainen]

Dude all this stuff is so cool. I totally get the imposter syndrome feeling, you just gotta know that for us listening, you really have always sounded like you know your stuff. And that's all there is to it for most successful people who are also down-to-earth, great people. Keep it up!!

[@BeetheBardling]

Man... struggles so relatable I needed to make a response vid on it first thing. So glad for you man. YOU ARE ALLOWED ALL THIS! ... heck, I even think you deserve it. Well done bro.

[@anotherperson655]

Okay, I understand why you might not talk about your projects on a music review channel- ethically. However, we’re all excited to hear what you’re up to. François Truffaut, the director of one of the most famous films in French cinema “The 400 Blows” got his start by loving movies and writing reviews. It evolved into writing/directing his own films. You never know what doors will open along your path. :)

[@Geblawi]

I’m so happy for you. I’m happy that you’re happy.

[@danag3757]

We missed you, Grady!!! I'm glad to hear you're doing well and branching out successfully. I think being up front is good and now you can post on KZbin again, YAY!

[@kagb86]

You look SO HAPPY talking about what you've been doing lately! It's great to see you so excited. Can't wait to see what else is to come!

[@beplanking]

You should reach out to Rick Beato if you haven't spoken before! He's definitely more of a musician-side producer, he's forgotten more theory than any of us will ever know and all that lol, but I think he could still have plenty of great advice for you. Plus he produced NEEDTOBREATHE's 2nd-5th albums so I'm definitely a little biased

[@livinthedream777]

YES, it makes perfect sense for you to get into producing. You have great insights and instincts and have a lot to offer artists and the industry. Definitely hope you vlog more of your journey as it continues. And in my view, you can still continue to have (and hopefully share with your KZbin fans) opinions about artists (those with whom you are involved in your producing role as well as others). It's not "cringy" at all - it is you being you. You're too modest so stop it! 😁

[@lisaolds228]

I actually checked a couple of times to make sure I didn't somehow stop following your channel. Cool mosaic art. I may look into that for myself 😀

[@NickMcClainTheory]

Grady, dude, that is awesome for you! I think doing what you have been doing is great! It will not only show you have grown as a person but also as a creator. Understanding what it takes for the process of a song(s) and the development of an EP and LP will help shape your understanding in the music industry. Giving you more insight and refining how you view the industry as a whole! You may have an opportunity to grow your channel and a brand for you meeting up with other country music influencers in a way where you can do what you want! Like getting some hiring behind the scenes so can have a team that helps you with youtube, podcasts, and having an agent that can get you were you want to be! Teaming up with someone like Freeman Arthur.

[@AnnasPagesandReads]

I wholeheartedly trust your opinion when it comes to music, and I know the music you're producing will be something I enjoy. I don't think you should be embarrassed at all. Rooting for you.

[@aust_inc]

the Grady Smith pipeline from country music reviews to country music connections needs to be studied. glad to see the progression of your channel. been a fan since 2017-2018. keep up the good work!

[@tracyj2886]

Good to know all is well! Sounds great- I 😂 when you talked about your manic mode of making mosaic art- Feel free to use the alliteration when droppin hot bars🎉 Please use your manic mosaics as your album cover!! That would be amazing

[@jrice6874]

Was just thinking about you and hoping you were doing well the other day. So happy for you man! No need to have imposter syndrome, you're the guy with an ear for great music and musicians. Keep going man, can't wait to hear these projects!

[@KinzieColeman]

This is so inspiring, Grady! A great reminder to step out of our comfort zones and walk through open doors, because you just never know.

[@Peaches_8787]

If you and the artists you’re working with are comfortable with it, I think it would be cool to see a video of your producing process in the studio someday!

[@christinexjuly]

OMG GRADY this is so exciting!!! In my opinion, from what I've seen in your videos and your ability to understand music and musicians, you are SO talented and qualified and worthy of being a producer and talent scout and so much more! I'd personally LOVE to hear more about your adventures in the music industry, if that appeals to you or is feasible. I get that identity shifts can be hard when you see yourself as one thing for a long time, but I believe we as humans should be allowed to grow and evolve! (I dropped my identity as a KZbinr in favor of musician / singer-songwriter in 2022 and now a mom haha) CONGRATS on producing an album and all your other non-KZbin work! Thanks for overcoming the fear and breaking the dam and sharing with us 😊

[@Coach_Isaacs]

Thanks for the update! I was concerned and hoping you were doing okay. Sounds like you’re killin it! Excited for you and all your new adventures!

[@Johnny-re9kg]

6:41 I love this moment. Your body language and arm crossing concerning your conflict of ideals tells exactly who you are in that moment Grady. It tells me you are honest about yourself and everything that is happening to you and all around you. That's the Grady I subscribed to a long time ago. Love your journey and all your truth that continues to be weaved within it.

[@hehehelene]

Such great news! I was starting to feel worried about you, but you working with musicians and label stuff is amazing! You got this!!!!

[@kenzmadison1551]

Super proud of u and happy to hear from you again. We support you either way. You are awesome! Glad you’re doing what you want to do

[@nothotsheadempty7]

Proud of you Grady! And personally glad to see you have some influence on current country music, it’s well deserved even if it doesn’t feel that way to you (imposter syndrome is a bitch!)

[@MikeKuster]

These seem like the best natural progression for you and your channel! Love that you're experiencing some of the other aspects of the business!

[@sillycrab1370]

Yay, you’re back! I’m really glad for the update! I was thinking that you might have just had a creative dry spell, or got burned out by reviewing so much music. I’m really happy for you that you get to be a part of these two guys’ music.

[@connorstevens8020]

Dude I’m a huge fan of your channel!! I’m moving to Nashville for a new job and am trying to grow my brand as someone in the entertainment industry!! Best of luck to you in your new profession.

[@lynnallen9547]

Congratulations on your new adventures in music. This is fantastic.

[@mattpovah5952]

Bring us along on this new journey as well! Music industry behind the scenes might not be allowed but music producer stuff, to me, sounds really interesting.

[@JClaussen]

Dude! This is awesome! I want to see behind-the-scenes stuff. Proud of you, man!

[@smalltownmusic101]

So happy for your new adventures! I don’t see anything cringey about you reviewing music of people you have worked with, as long as you are up front about it! It’s not like you are going to stop reviewing other artists fairly because of it. It is like when artists will praise other artist’s music. I personally love it. There is more than enough music love to go around!! You can be proud of your own work and still enjoy someone else’s! And I totally trust your instincts for what is great music. You’ve got this, Grady!! 💯

[@marineladimitrova4758]

Very exciting news, and I'm sure you'll continue to help new artists get their breakthrough. You shouldn't feel like you have imposter syndrome (I realize it's the same as telling someone who is depressed to stop being depressed), but hear me out - on this channel you've done so much to help lesser known artists, and this new job feels like a logical next step. I'm rooting for you, and I'm very excited to see what comes next!

[@bluesdjben]

Hey Grady, this all sounds great. I totally get what you mean about how it feels awkward to talk about things when you're in the middle of a period of evolution. Like, "Is this really me? If it's not, will I accidentally get myself locked into it if I talk about it? Or if it is, will I screw it up if I talk about it before I'm ready?" But you're totally right that when an opportunity to do something really cool comes along, especially something that aligns so well with your skills and interests, you have to take a swing at it. And I'm sure you'll do a great job (and also make a few mistakes here and there because that's how learning works) and find a lot of people who appreciate working with you.

[@johnduncan3001]

I’m such a huge fan of Brendan Walter! He was my bartender before he started his music career and I’ve been supporting him and loving what he has put out the whole way so far! So happy that yall are working together and happy for the success that comes for the both of yall down the road! I would love to hear a gritty song from him about a heartbreak or some shit. I think his voice and perspective on songwriting could make something amazing, Maybe you can make that happen 😂

[@NicoleMarieDay]

I’m really proud of you, Grady. You’ve been accomplishing so much. I want to listen to the music you’ve been working on. ❤

[@Aussie-6869]

I always thought you should go the producer route! Thought you always had an ear for music and am super for you making this happen for yourself!

[@ThomasLiljeruhm]

Cool! Happy for you. And I guess that now we can look for eventual bias in your TOP songs of the year list.

[@GradySmith]

ONLY RCA from now on 😈

[@angelacook6290]

Great you are sharing. Grady, you can do anything you want to do. Your life and all careers add to who you are and confident to grow. Cool. We all need new things. It freshens other things you think may be over or never happen. Don't apologize. Proud of you. Don't overthink. Be you!

[@sharpasapistol]

Weird, I was just on Google trying to find some clue as to why you hadn't posted lately, bit concerned as to your health maybe, nothing came up so I flipped onto KZbin and holy cow there you are. Best of luck in your endeavours man.

[@chrisglazener3613]

It's cool to hear from you Grady. You seem really happy. That's awesome. Having watched a lot of your videos I can say that you seem like someone who would be good in a A&R and/or producer role because of your love of the genre and how serious you take it. I think it's a great fit, so wishing you the best and continued success in your endeavors.

[@jacobcarter9772]

Glad to see your good and your doing ither cool stuff with music, I started watching your videos after you havent been uploading for a while and I love your videos and country music, anyway keep up the great work grady!

[@gagewaddell3441]

Never feel embarrassed or ashamed to try something new and better yourself, or even just explore an interest. Im happy for you

[@jking54544]

Congrats! That's awesome! Really would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the Grammys, in particular the "Country Song" category.

[@JD200_]

Was hoping you were working on the follow up to “Series of Episodes” but this is really great too!

[@nicholassalley1865]

Love seeing you just do what makes you happy. As much as we love you, you don’t owe us any more life updates than you want to give us. People are made to evolve and change and it’s great hearing about your new experiences, but you have the reins here. Do you man. Great stuff. 👏🏼

[@Crimmem1738]

So cool Grady!! Glad you're doing great and branching out and doing cool things!

[@jman62313]

Congratulations man! Definitely was a bit worried, glad to see you’re doing good

[@Me20241]

Take opportunities God gives you. Congrats Grady

[@kthnry]

Funny, I just checked your page a couple days ago to see if I’d missed anything, and now here you are!

[@sethatkinson6534]

dude this is sooo freaking awesome! I have been watching this channel since about 2019. It is so great to see the progress you've made! keep up the good work grady! I love your channel!

[@iohannesfactotum]

Hey you got off the sidelines into the game, we're super proud of you! Instead of recommending bands to randos on the internet, you get to do it for FRICKIN RCA!

[@yodacoolest]

Not to speak for everyone but we all watch you because we respect and value your opinion!! You are deeply trusted for your opinion and your keen ear for what sounds good! You work for a label for a reason! They realized you have insight into the industry that they don’t! If anything this video where you have so much self doubt is more cringe than anything! (But not really, I thought it was adorable!) Please do anything and everything you feel like doing because you are great! Thank you for this update and I can’t wait to hear the next update!!

[@PebbleBeach-pl5sr]

We missed you, I WOULD LOVE some videos about the red clay strays

[@mikecoronado9657]

7:12 uhhhh yeah I do think you can do this. I’ve watched too much of your content and the way you handle artists in a “review” and keep up with this music is unique. Your talents can definitely be used in more ways than one. It’s not cringe, you’re just doubting yourself on camera right now and you need start telling yourself that you are capable of doing this.

[@HappyWrapCo]

Yeah I was about to say. You of all people Grady are the person to be doing this. We respect you. We want you to respect yourself! :)

[@rorriemenke5538]

Hi Grady! I was just looking at your channel thus morning because I hadn’t see you in my feed recently. Thank you for coming back to chat. Its always terrifying doing something new professionally. Looking forward to you being back a little!

[@jennmorrison9886]

We've missed you Grady!! Awesome stuff coming

[@Clincalyabrasiv]

We missed you Grady, really happy to see you're doing good.

[@RBCRyno]

I hate how neurotic you are but I also love it because I completely relate. But I imagine I’m not alone when I say that as a fan, I’m here for whatever content you want to put out and I will never judge you or look to deeply in anything you want to say or promote about music

[@GradySmith]

hahaha neurotic is an accurate read and thank you!

[@sunshine3914]

That might be why he so instantly became a part my existence. 😂 I’ve been preparing weddings for four years, while Grady rode shotgun every weekend. Ditched the weddings back in February, then Grady simultaneously splits. It’s so weird not to have two constants around anymore, I went on an all out search for him last night.

[@SetheryJones]

Great to hear from you again man. Keep killing it!

[@germnursern]

Keep doing you! You are the owner of your life! 🙌🏽 Thank you for the update!

[@DemBarnyardBuilds]

I was just checking to see if there was any new videos last night.. welcome back!

[@mattemery9575]

Great to see you back Grady!! Love you too ❤️ and the best to your future endeavors always

[@galfor54]

Give yourself more credit. What an awesome opportunity. Can’t wait to hear more.

[@taserface6167]

Happy for ya Grady!! Always love the videos! Thanks for being real.

[@yeceniaalvarado6188]

Keep walking through those open doors! So proud of you!

[@liamaldrich2476]

Dont lie, Grady, I've seen you playing QB for the Vikings every Sunday! 😂

[@stardustbuilt]

I THOUGHT YOU’D DIED. No seriously, YT is the only thing I’m on so it’s like “if he never posts again I’ll assume he’s died because I have no way of knowing otherwise.” 😂 And I just wanna say, I’ve been watching your videos for years so I know insecurity and “imposter syndrome” is something you deal with, but honestly I’ve been waiting for some kind of announcement you’re now producing or scouting. You have such a good ear and have a really thoughtful perspective on music and are always encouraging/lifting up others. Maybe it feels imposter-ish to you, but I think this seems like a natural career progression and I hope you keep walking through those open doors!

[@Drpepper99]

The production is casual and natural, equally professional and personal. Good stuff from Brendan Walters, whom I just learned of!

[@rugbyiant]

welcome back, you have been missed

[@westonthomson7034]

I was worried when you hadn't posted in a couple of months. I'm happy to hear you're doing new stuff! You're the man.

[@agbook2007]

Great news! 👍🎉

[@ThomShepherd]

Hey Grady! Great to see you expanding your horizons! I’m back living in Nashville. Hit me up!

[@abc1440abc]

Back in time for some end of year list videos!

[@spit316]

You look well. Glad you're having a good time!

[@IowaRocker81]

I think any aspiring country artist would love to have Grady critique their music

[@davidobrien5483]

Not gonna lie I tried to find you on google thinking something bad had happened. So glad it’s just this. Keep it up and you shouldn’t feel conflicted at all.

[@jennifersather4385]

Beyond happy for you! Cant wait to see all the great things you'll do!

[@karatecat29]

I loved watching this video! Thank u so much for letting us know what you’ve been doing lately! I think it’s SO cool that you’re producing now!!! I’ve missed watching your vids and I can’t wait to see more from you!!! ❤

[@sweetwillow]

You are an A&R and artist manager 👏

[@gretchenhamlin4282]

You got to give it a shot ! Your driven by good Music ! You truly love good songs. MUSIC IS MEDICINE. MUSIC IS ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS , THE GOOD LORD GIVES US. Looking forward to your end year list. You really know what your talking about ! ❤ ✌

[@savinggraceproductions624]

Grady I would implore you to watch the BFFs podcast on ZB before making a review of his new music. Your take on this would be imperative on whether this thing is brushed under the rug or not.

[@ColeTarver]

Need to get Grady to Mobile, AL ASAP if he’s been into Muscadine and Red Clay Strays. Two of the 251’s finest!

[@vanceritchey7248]

Thanks for the update bud. Keep up the grind 💪

[@MoonpieNobot]

You can do this! What an awesome opportunity

[@IamYcats21]

I saw you at Whiskey Jam in August! Was too shy to say hi. lol. Glad you’re doing good!

[@austincosman2907]

Real Gs move in silence like lasagna Grady!

[@Meraxeshandler]

So glad youre getting to learn so much! What an amazing opportunity!