Catching Up with Scotty Hasting at Country Radio Seminar: A Story of Resilience, Music, and Magic
Nashville’s annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is always buzzing with artists, industry insiders, and the latest in country music. But one of the most compelling stories this year comes from rising artist Scotty Hasting, a songwriter and Army veteran whose journey to the stage is nothing short of remarkable.
Scotty Hasting | Photo Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
“For me, the demons of PTSD knock the loudest when it's quiet. When I have a guitar in my hands, I find peace,” Hasting shares. His story is one of survival and purpose—narrowly escaping death on the battlefield, he has since turned to music as both his refuge and his mission. His goal? To help others struggling with loss and mental health find solace through song.
A Song That Changed Everything
Hasting has been making waves, but nothing could have prepared him for the moment he recorded a song that changed his life—this time with two legendary voices joining him. Teaming up with Lee Brice and Dolly Parton on a new version of a song that first touched him during his time at Walter Reed Medical Center, Hasting was overwhelmed by the full-circle moment.
“The first time I ever heard that song, it was Trace Adkins’ version. I was at Walter Reed after I got shot. That song came on during an event, and it touched a part of my heart I didn’t know existed. I cried like a baby for two hours,” Hasting recalls. “That moment, I decided I wasn’t going to let my injury define my life. I was going to live for my best friends who never got the opportunity.”
A decade later, Hasting found himself sitting in the office of Doug Johnson, one of the song’s co-writers. Johnson pitched the idea of recording the song, and Hasting jumped at the opportunity. Initially a solo project, the track soon attracted the attention of Lee Brice.
“Lee was like, ‘I don’t care what part I play, I just want to be a part of this.’ And I mean, Lee Brice is one of my favorite artists ever. Of course, I said yes.” But the surprises didn’t end there. Just weeks later, Hasting received another call from Johnson. “Hey man, Dolly Parton wants to be on this song,” he said. Hasting was floored. “Why are you calling me, dude? Let her do whatever she wants! It’s Dolly Parton!”
Hearing the final cut, Hasting was once again overcome with emotion. “I had to pull over on the side of the road and just cry. Lee and Dolly—two artists whose music will live forever—could have said no. But they wanted to be a part of this, my story, my journey. That realization hit me hard.”
Showing a Different Side with “Pro Beer”
While Hasting has built his artistry on deeply personal and emotional songs, he’s also eager to show his fun-loving side. His upcoming single, "Pro Beer", is a complete shift in tone—a lighthearted, good-time anthem with a purpose.
“With my first EP, I needed people to see all of me—the struggles, the pain. But I’m not just that serious, sad guy all the time. I love to have fun, and Pro Beer is about bringing people together,” he explains. “It’s silly, goofy, and exactly what people need.”
The song also includes a subtle tribute to the late Toby Keith, an artist who had a profound impact on Hasting. “The first song I ever played on stage was a Toby Keith song. That moment changed everything for me, so I wanted to pay my respects in the video.”
As he continues to carve out his place in country music, Scotty Hasting is proving that his journey is about more than just making music—it’s about making a difference. Whether he’s singing about resilience or raising a glass to good times, one thing is clear: his voice is one worth listening to.
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