"The U.B.C.S" is Legit Smitty's official substack newsletter and blog covering art, faith, songs, writing, and music production. <br/><br/><a href="https://legitsmitty.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">legitsmitty.substack.com</a>
Legit Smitty's Underground Binder Clip Society
Claim This Podcastby Jake Smith - Nashville, TN - Est. 2023
5.0(2 reviews)
29 episodes
Updated Bi-weekly
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Podcast Overview
"The U.B.C.S" is Legit Smitty's official substack newsletter and blog covering art, faith, songs, writing, and music production. <br/><br/><a href="https://legitsmitty.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">legitsmitty.substack.com</a>
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10/27/2023
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Recent Episodes
January 28, 2026
On Grief and Other-Worldly Hope.
<p>Hello, and welcome to Volume 50 of the Underground Binder Clip Society.</p><p>Sometimes I remember that certain people exist and it makes me want to cry. I have great grief and and great hope inside of me. They share a pillow at night. My grief is worldly. My hope is other-worldly. Otherwise I would have no hope. </p><p>This other-worldly hope rings true in song and dance. Poems and prayers. Paint brushes and prose. In tears and long goodbyes. These are all magic. These are all so necessary for survival. </p><p>I wanted last year to end so badly. I am so glad it is through. I kept holding on for things to get better. For friends to call. For opportunities to come along. Then, I let go. </p><p>I found rhythm in my breath. I sang gratitude, and grievances and “why God why?” I made plans. I wrote scripts. I tore them up. I know now, that I do not know best. </p><p>2025 was not a record year by any means. I did not feel prolific during most of it. But I kept things in motion. I played some solo shows out of town. I took a part time job running sound at a church. I put out an EP. I recorded and mixed and mastered a good many songs for friends. I played some full band shows in Nashville. Made a new album for myself and then another Album with my friend Sawyer Norman. I don’t know why I feel like I am falling behind sometimes.</p><p>Comparison is such a slippery slope. I found myself on social media way more than I wanted to be at the end of 2025. I try to login, post, and get out — but at the end of 2025, I was taking it all in. I still am now. I will say though, I had my most viral video of my 20’s in December. Fortunately, this set a fire under my butt to take action. My focus on output, gave me less time to focus on what people think of me, or what I haven’t accomplished.</p><p>With my next LP wrapped up now, I have been going into label-owner mode, trying to come up with creative ways to promote this album when it comes out. Historically I’ve been tempted to pump the brakes at this point in the process, because to be quite frank, it doesn’t feel very creative. I am trying to combat this feeling by spending the month of January creating as many accompanying elements for the record as I can. This might seem like I am making more work for myself, and thats because — I am. It’s a coping mechanism that I know all too well. Making more work for myself. But hey, having more to share means reaching more people. Right? Well, maybe.</p><p>A lot of how I am hoping to promote this record is by creating mixed media. I am excited to be setting myself free in a realm multiple mediums. Happy mediums, if you will. I spent the end of last year cleaning out and prepping an art space for myself independent of my music studio. Truly, it’s just the shed behind our house. But it’s pretty well suited for arts and crafts. It’s seems that someone used to use it as wood shop of sorts. It’s insulated enough and has plenty of outlets.</p><p>I am writing from here now, and it’s quite pleasant. </p><p>I hear the Stratford High School band outside practicing on the football field. The dishes and the unfolded clothes and the roommates are all in a house of their own less than 100 yards away. I went in the house today to take my lunch, and freshen my coffee, and those were truly the only things I did in there. I am trying to separate my workspace from living space I suppose. Even though my music studio and my bedroom still share a wall, I think my new headquarters is giving me a much needed degree of separation. Which by the way, </p><p>I am a firm believer in degrees of separation.</p><p>…</p><p>I wrote most of the above a good bit ago. Nashville is pretty dormant at the moment. So I am catching up. We are under much ice and snow. My heart is heavy for my neighbors across the state and the nation. </p><p>Hold tight ya’ll. </p><p>Yours Truly,</p><p>Jake Smith</p><p><strong>Here are this week’s</strong><strong> “Quick Clips”</strong><strong>:</strong></p><p>* Community Dinner is coming back TOMORROW at out house in East Nashville! RSVP here and it IS a potluck so we would love if you could bring something to share! Subscribe to the <a target="_blank" href="https://happymediumtn.substack.com/"><strong>Happy Medium Substack</strong></a> to stay in the know about whats to come with dinner, local music and more.</p><p>* I am trying to put together a list of resources to help immigrants here in Nashville and across the nation. If you have resources please pass them along. For now, here are a few places you can donate to: </p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tnjfon.org/"><strong>Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors</strong></a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tnimmigrant.org/"><strong>Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition</strong></a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.givemn.org/organization/Unidosmn"><strong>Unidos MN is a grassroots organization</strong></a> that builds power with Minnesota's working families to advance social, racial and economic justice.</p><p>* I am looking for some helping hands for community dinners, and DIY shows and events this coming year with Happy Medium, TN ! <a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNg6171rCdzp1iiAfAw5h8DSvIkDHAKm_vFar7zkJCz4kNiw/viewform?usp=header">Fill out this form</a> if you are curious about helping out! Thanks!</p><p>* My playlist of friends and hero’s “<a target="_blank" href="https://linktr.ee/happymediumtn?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn92TNw4fK0umrcmqvmvturXrJJFbLeku2L1POHG_EIV8e4w7YCvQNvyI4EYE_aem_0nIvbtVw-ubZCfLCHsZi8A"><strong>Indie Twang and Beyond</strong></a>” is Now Playing at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/happymediumtn/"><strong>Happy Medium HQ</strong></a> and you can listen to <a target="_blank" href="https://linktr.ee/happymediumtn?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn92TNw4fK0umrcmqvmvturXrJJFbLeku2L1POHG_EIV8e4w7YCvQNvyI4EYE_aem_0nIvbtVw-ubZCfLCHsZi8A"><strong>here</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://linktr.ee/happymediumtn?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn92TNw4fK0umrcmqvmvturXrJJFbLeku2L1POHG_EIV8e4w7YCvQNvyI4EYE_aem_0nIvbtVw-ubZCfLCHsZi8A">.</a></p><p>* Smitty merch is still up for grabs on <a target="_blank" href="https://legitsmitty.bandcamp.com/merch">Bandcamp</a> now! Good Grief CD’s, Binder Clip Tees, and Share A Song Today Tees.</p><p>As always, <strong>shoot me an email if you want to work on music,</strong> remote or in-person, here in Nashville, TN.</p><p>Support me and this newsletter by becoming a <a target="_blank" href="https://legitsmitty.substack.com/subscribe?"><strong>paid subscriber</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://holymolyrecords.com/"><strong>buying merch,</strong></a><strong> or by </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://album.link/us/i/1741075141"><strong>streaming my music!</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/legitsmitty/p/i-love-you-help-me-love-you-more?r=1lkwll&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web"><strong>I.L.Y.H.M.L.Y.M.</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/legitsmitty/p/nothing-is-lost-on-me?r=1lkwll&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true"><strong>N.I.L.O.M.</strong></a></p><p><3</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://legitsmitty.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">legitsmitty.substack.com/subscribe</a>
December 12, 2025
Returning to (Old) New Ways.
<p>Hello, and welcome to Volume 49 of the Underground Binder Clip Society.</p><p>I once decided that a change would be made. That I would not return. I would move onward and upward. But I don’t think I believe in this anymore. Now, I think it’s just onward really. </p><p>Keep trucking. Stay attentive. Learn some things along the way. You might even see yourself change. But all change isn’t good change. Sometimes you realize that it’s time to turn back. </p><p>When I was about 13 I told myself I wasn’t gonna worry about what people thought of me anymore. It was obstructing my creative pursuits. About 10 years later, i’m here in Nashville, trying to set myself free all over again. Social ladders reinvent themselves— or better yet, we reinvent them. </p><p>We like when success is measurable. A number of RSVPs. An exciting cast. “Well, who’s gonna be there?” we ask. We want a good hang. But deep down we want to be known and accepted for who we really are. If everything is fun or funny, then nothing can be serious. Ive struggled with this. folks who take it too far. Like come on. Just sit with me for a second. Say, “man, that sucks.” </p><p>I remember finding bands like Mom Jeans and Modern Baseball in high school and thinking “wow, these guys are depressed!” It was powerful. They weren’t telling me how to be — they were just telling me how it is. I didn’t relate to everything they were saying, but I related to the emotion. The intensity. The angst. The abandon. </p><p>But maybe it wasn’t abandon. Maybe it was synthesis. Taking pain and disappointment and making it into music. Something I felt far from capable of at the time, but that I knew I wanted a piece of.</p><p>A good few years later, i’m learning the dance. Trying to be a truth teller and a friend. A layman and a scholar. A poet and a rock n roller. Praying that some kid a thousand miles away with their headphones in might connect with what i’ve created. </p><p>Making music feels a lot like going to the bathroom at this point. I don’t feel the need to do it all the time. But when it’s time to go, it’s time to go. When it comes to making records, there’s not much to it but to do it. Try and make the process sustainable in some way. Try to get better at it and more efficient each time. </p><p>Get good people around you. People who get it. Ask for help. Try to enjoy the process. I’ve said it before, and i’ll say it again — while its still true. But I feel i’ve got a lot left to give. A lot left to say and a few good ways to say it.</p><p>I’m still getting my head on straight. I’m grateful for the people helping me do so. I’ve been counting my blessings. It’s growing my gratitude. Bringing me back to earth. </p><p>Anyways, </p><p>holler if you need me, </p><p>and be well.</p><p>Yours Truly,</p><p>Jake Smith</p><p> My new EP “<a target="_blank" href="https://album.link/i/1846719111?utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig">Hellbent</a>” is out now.</p><p> You can stream it <a target="_blank" href="https://album.link/i/1846719111?utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig">here</a> on all platforms</p><p>Did you hear? I put out an EP a few weeks ago. It’s six songs and nineteen and a half minutes long. Perfect for a commute, a walk, a jog or for laying on your floor. <strong>Let me know if you heard it and how you feel about it in an email reply, and i’ll send you something special in return!</strong></p><p><strong>Here are this week’s</strong><strong> “Quick Clips”</strong><strong>:</strong></p><p>* Community Dinner is coming back in 2026! Subscribe to the <a target="_blank" href="https://happymediumtn.substack.com/"><strong>Happy Medium Substack</strong></a> to stay in the know about whats to come!</p><p>* I am looking for some helping hands for community dinner, and DIY shows and events this coming year with Happy Medium, TN ! <a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNg6171rCdzp1iiAfAw5h8DSvIkDHAKm_vFar7zkJCz4kNiw/viewform?usp=header">Fill out this form</a> if you are curious about helping out! Thanks!</p><p>* I made a little year end playlist of sorts compiling some of my favorite “<a target="_blank" href="https://linktr.ee/happymediumtn?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn92TNw4fK0umrcmqvmvturXrJJFbLeku2L1POHG_EIV8e4w7YCvQNvyI4EYE_aem_0nIvbtVw-ubZCfLCHsZi8A"><strong>Indie Twang and Beyond</strong></a>” from the last year. You can check it out <a target="_blank" href="https://linktr.ee/happymediumtn?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn92TNw4fK0umrcmqvmvturXrJJFbLeku2L1POHG_EIV8e4w7YCvQNvyI4EYE_aem_0nIvbtVw-ubZCfLCHsZi8A"><strong>here</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://linktr.ee/happymediumtn?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn92TNw4fK0umrcmqvmvturXrJJFbLeku2L1POHG_EIV8e4w7YCvQNvyI4EYE_aem_0nIvbtVw-ubZCfLCHsZi8A">.</a></p><p>* Some <strong>Legit</strong> Era Smitty merch is still up for grabs on <a target="_blank" href="https://legitsmitty.bandcamp.com/merch">Bandcamp</a> now! Good Grief CD’s, Binder Clip Tees, and Share A Song Today Tees.</p><p>As always, <strong>shoot me an email if you want to work on music,</strong> remote or in-person, here in Nashville, TN.</p><p>Support me and this newsletter by becoming a <a target="_blank" href="https://legitsmitty.substack.com/subscribe?"><strong>paid subscriber</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://holymolyrecords.com/"><strong>buying merch,</strong></a><strong> or by </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://album.link/us/i/1741075141"><strong>streaming my music!</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/legitsmitty/p/i-love-you-help-me-love-you-more?r=1lkwll&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web"><strong>I.L.Y.H.M.L.Y.M.</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/legitsmitty/p/nothing-is-lost-on-me?r=1lkwll&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true"><strong>N.I.L.O.M.</strong></a></p><p><3</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://legitsmitty.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">legitsmitty.substack.com/subscribe</a>
July 19, 2025
Hope(lessness).
<p>Hello, and welcome to Volume 46 of the Underground Binder Clip Society.</p><p>It’s a sad thing. Our desire for digital confectionary over spiritual sustenance. Dopamine more than knowledge. A quick laugh more than long peace. I am a guilty consumer. And a perpetual perpetrator. </p><p>In one hand I wield a flip phone. A signposting of digital abstinence. A practical solution to addiction. </p><p>In the other, I wield an ultra-portable super-computer. The iPhone. A tool. But also, a crack pipe. </p><p>My dear friends, </p><p>don’t we all know this?</p><p>It’s hard to tell which direction is up while being thrashed by a wave of this size. But I have found ways to come up for air. Life vests. Life boats even.</p><p>I have finished songs, and albums. Poems and Essays. Made friends with neighbors. All the while keeping the algorithm mostly out of my mind. Yet, I have been bred to live in a never ending assessment of my life’s potential for monetization. In my research I have come to find many hard truths. One of which being that art being good does not mean that it will be consumed. This is old truth. But I feel it reigning ever-more-true as I see my quite talented friends lose their spots in line to folks who have simply become greater “players of the game.” I feel, and have been told — without asking — that my work is easily consumable and likely even enjoyable at times. Yet, without continual content creation, I lose my spot in line. If i’m not willing to show up, there are plenty of people who are. Their music might not be half as good. But they’re showing up to try and sell it. </p><p>Let me try and put it another way.</p><p>Have you ever heard of “yellow meat” watermelon? Probably not. But if you had, you’d know that it tastes a lot like the watermelon you know and love. You’ve just never given it a chance. Not because you’re prejudice towards it. Just because you’ve never heard of it. But say it was offered to you by a trusted friend, and they said to you “try this, it’s quite good.” </p><p>You’d probably try it, enjoy it, and pass on the recommendation. </p><p>S<strong>ocial media</strong> is the one big party that everyones gonna be at for the rest of all time.</p><p>I’ve been trying to bring my funny little watermelon to this party for years now. And I still feel a little weird about it. It’s my thing. And some people are down with it. But a lot of people have never even heard of it.</p><p>Nowadays, I know better than to stay at the party for too long. It drains me. Starts to make me question who I am, and what i’m worth, and who my friends are. Besides, this was meant to be a drop-in sort of thing anyways. I was just coming to show my face, and I did. So I can leave now. Right? But wait. It seems like there are some pretty interesting people here. I bet there are some folks here who might really “get me.” At least some people who’d be willing to taste this weird little watermelon i’ve brought along. </p><p>I mean, I did drive all the way out here, </p><p>so I guess I should stay awhile. </p><p>Has anybody got a knife? Time to cut this bad boy open.</p><p><strong>Yours Truly,</strong></p><p><strong>Jake Smith</strong></p><p><strong>Here are this week’s</strong><strong> “Quick Clips”</strong><strong>:</strong></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://song.link/i/1817284498"><strong>My new song “Talk About” is out now.</strong></a> <strong>Check it out and share it with a friend!</strong></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2nIeG5-yaSuwKoucf_-V0Q"><strong>Subscribe to my youtube channel</strong></a> to listen to me ramble in my backyard while you wait for these newsletters to arrive. </p><p>Support me and this newsletter by becoming a <a target="_blank" href="https://legitsmitty.substack.com/subscribe?"><strong>paid subscriber</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://holymolyrecords.com/"><strong>buying merch,</strong></a><strong> or by </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://album.link/us/i/1741075141"><strong>streaming my music!</strong></a></p><p>As always, <strong>shoot me an email if you want to work on music,</strong> remote or in-person, here in Nashville, TN.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/legitsmitty/p/i-love-you-help-me-love-you-more?r=1lkwll&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web"><strong>I.L.Y.H.M.L.Y.M.</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/legitsmitty/p/nothing-is-lost-on-me?r=1lkwll&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true"><strong>N.I.L.O.M.</strong></a></p><p><3</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://legitsmitty.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">legitsmitty.substack.com/subscribe</a>
29 total episodes available
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