Scotty Hasting is back with a new song that’s all about having fun and enjoying life — “Pro Beer” — a track that brings out the lighter, more carefree side of the country music artist. With the song’s release tomorrow, fans can expect a catchy, feel-good anthem that’s perfect for good times with friends, a cold drink in hand, and a celebration of togetherness. I sat down with him at CRS in Nashville to talk about the song.
Written by Jimi Bell, Josh Jenkins, and Bryan Simpson, “Pro Beer” was a song Hasting immediately loved when he first heard it. “It’s all about having a good time and not taking ourselves too seriously,” Hasting shared. While the song wasn’t written by him, it quickly resonated with him. “The first time I listened to “Pro Beer,” I loved it, but I wasn’t sure if it fit me. The more I listened to it, the more I realized, ‘This song is awesome. It’s so much fun.’”
Hasting has always wanted every song he releases to be a true reflection of who he is, and Pro Beer fits right in with that goal. “‘Pro Beer’ is very much me in the sense that it’s fun, happy, and go-lucky,” he explained. “At the root of it, it’s a song about everyone just coming together and having fun.” After diving deep into his soul with his previous work, the I’m America EP, Hasting is ready to show his fans a more lighthearted side. “It’s important to show that I’m more than just this serious, sad guy all the time,” he said.
The fun doesn’t stop with the song itself. The music visualizer for Pro Beer features Hasting raising a red Solo cup, which is a subtle nod to one of his biggest inspirations, the late country music legend Toby Keith. “His music was such an inspiration to me,” Hasting reflected. “The first song I ever played on a stage was ‘Shoulda Been A Cowboy,’ and that’s the moment that being on stage became a sanctuary for me.” To honor Keith’s legacy, fans can even spot an Easter egg on Hasting’s Solo cup in the video.
Hasting’s musical journey has not been without its challenges. A Purple Heart recipient, Hasting narrowly survived being shot multiple times while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. His music became an outlet to cope with PTSD and to help others facing similar struggles. Since picking up the guitar in 2020, Hasting’s career has flourished, and he signed with Black River Entertainment in 2023.
As for what’s next, Hasting has plans for more fun songs this year, as he continues to develop his country/rock, southern rock vibe that has started to shape his live performances. He’s particularly excited to hit the stage with his new setlist, which will be on display starting March 15.
Fans who have been following Hasting’s journey know that his music carries powerful messages of patriotism, loss, and mental health. But “Pro Beer” shows just how versatile he can be. It’s not all about the serious moments—sometimes, it’s about kicking back, enjoying life, and bringing people together.
