Today marks the release of Black River Entertainment artist Scotty Hasting‘s highly anticipated EP, “I’m America.” This collection features three new tracks, including songs co-written by Hasting himself. He also released an official video for “Whiskey in the Bottle” (Watch below!).
I sat down with Hasting to discuss the EP and he shared his heartfelt aspirations for the project, expressing his hope that it instills a sense of pride in listeners for their roots. “I hope that they see a little bit of me. A glimpse into my heart and soul,” he says. With every line of every song reflecting his personal journey, Hasting emphasizes that “I’m America” truly embodies his essence, inviting listeners to connect with his authenticity.
One of the standout tracks, “Good Ol’ Dogs and God,” penned by Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Doug Johnson, and Trent Fisher, strikes a chord with dog owners everywhere. Inspired by Hasting’s own service dog, Danny the Belgian Malinois, the song pays homage to the unwavering companionship and support that dogs provide. Hasting remarks, “He was the one constant no matter what,” highlighting the profound impact Danny had on his life during challenging times.
Another poignant offering from the EP is “Stories That They Tell (Acoustic),” which depicts the camaraderie and shared experiences of veterans. Reflecting on his decision to join the army, Hasting describes an “overwhelming sense of needing to do something bigger than myself,” which ultimately led him to pursue music and help other veterans as a means of coping with PTSD and finding solace. Beyond his musical pursuits, Hasting is deeply involved in supporting fellow veterans through organizations like Guitars 4 Vets and Operation Encore, embodying a spirit of service and community.
Hasting’s journey to music mastery has been marked by resilience and determination, overcoming the challenges posed by nerve damage in his hand sustained after being shot 10 times while in Afghanistan. Learning to play guitar with a velcroed pick attached to his thumb, he persevered through pain to find comfort in music. His involvement with Strum ‘N Comfort, testing adaptive picks for individuals with disabilities, underscores his commitment to helping others find their own musical path.
Ultimately, Hasting hopes that “I’m America” serves as a bridge of understanding between veterans and the broader community, fostering empathy and empowerment. Through his music and advocacy work, he strives to inspire hope and appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.
As “I’m America” makes its debut, Scotty Hasting invites listeners on a poignant journey of reflection, resilience, and reverence for the land they call home.
What’s Next for Scotty Hasting
Scotty Hasting is gearing up for a headlining show on May 10 in Dewey Beach, DE. Don’t miss the talented Jovon Newman opening the show, with a band composed of active duty Air Force members. It’s bound to be an incredible performance you won’t want to miss! Get tickets here.
For more information on Scotty Hasting, visit https://www.scottyhasting.com/.
“Whiskey In The Bottle” Official Video
“I’m America” Track List
- “Whiskey In The Bottle” – Written by Matt Alderman, Lee Brice, Adam Wood
- “I’m America” – Written by Wade Kirby, Phil O’Donnell
- “Runnin'” – Written by Doug Johnson, Scotty Hasting, Shannon Book
- “How Do You Choose” – Written by Scotty Hasting, Jesse Wayne Taylor in association with CreatiVets
- “Stories That They Tell (Acoustic)” – Written by Scotty Hasting, Doug Johnson
- “Good Ol’ Dogs and God” – Written by Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Doug Johnson, Trent Fisher
