Scotty Hasting

From the venue:

Scotty Hasting live at Eddie's Attic!

"For me, the demons of PTSD knock the loudest when it's quiet. When I have a guitar in my hands, I find peace."

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky native Scotty Hasting is no stranger to walking the line of two different worlds. From growing up on the border of northern Kentucky and the southwestern edge of Ohio to teetering between army and civilian life, his journey has always been marked with choices — a journey characterized by hard work, resilience, and his innate desire to be part of something bigger than himself.

Hasting's debut EP, I'm America, on Black River Entertainment, set the tone and a trajectory for the songwriter, artist, and army veteran that exceeded anyone's expectations. Nearing eight million cumulative streams, from notable tracks including the EP's title track, "Whiskey in the Bottle," and more, this project grew legs and took the veteran artist to a worldwide stage.

The Purple Heart recipient released the patriotic and heartfelt "I'm America," and the song's accompanying official music video on Feb. 9, 2024. Following the song's release, Hasting's whirlwind of a year began. Hasting joined Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and Robin Roberts on Good Morning America (3/7), as they were celebrating the grand opening of his new bar on Broadway. Later that month, Hasting traveled to New York City to be a featured guest on America's Newsroom in support of National Vietnam War Veterans Day with FOX' Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer (3/29).

Spring brought Hasting to Napa Valley, CA for the 2024 Live in the Vineyard Goes Country (April 23-25), before the rising country artist headed to Dewey Beach, DE to perform at his first headlining show.

In June, Hasting partnered with Operation Democracy and had the experience of a lifetime. He traveled to Normandy, France and represented the U.S. with multiple performances including "Red, White and Blue" during a week-long celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Marking his first appearance with People magazine, this exclusive photo diary offered readers a glimpse into the emotive and priceless experience with WWII veterans including Dennis Bolt.

Hasting's hot streak continued as he was surprised with the ultimate offer for every aspiring country artist: to make his Grand Ole Opry debut. Personally invited by Gary Sinise, Hasting stepped into the coveted Circle on July 28 to help the Opry celebrate 30 years of "Forrest Gump." Hasting earned multiple standing ovations from the sold-out crowd, including one before he sang a single note. His emotional performance of "How Do You Choose," left Opry goers in tears and on their feet.

October brought the follow up to I'm America, as Hasting enlisted the help of country music hitmaker Lee Brice and the iconic Dolly Parton on the thought-provoking notable release, "Til The Last Shot's Fired" (10/18). Originally recorded by Trace Adkins, the haunting ballad honoring our fallen veterans is deeply personal to Hasting.

"The first time I heard this song, I was at Walter Reed," shared Hasting, who spent six months at the National Military Medical Center in recovery after being injured in combat.

"It was like something inside of me flipped. I started sobbing, and I couldn't stop. In that moment, I knew that I had to live life to the fullest for my friends that would never have the opportunity to."

With nonprofits and Veteran organizations at the heart of his mission, Hasting rounded out 2024 by partnering with Crown Royal, CreatiVets and fellow Country artist Nate Smith during the 58th CMA Awards this past November. His first appearance at the awards show, Hasting joined Smith in celebrating a $50,000 donation to CreatiVets on behalf of Crown Royal. Later that month, Hasting honored fellow veterans with a performance during the Second Annual National Veterans Day Parade in Washington, DC, previously accepting the great honor to serve as the parade's Grand Marshal.

Hasting's debut single on Black River, "How Do You Choose" (11/3), and its accompanying official music video, strike a chord with anyone left to pick up the pieces from a life-changing moment that's left them asking God that age-old question. Hasting confesses that although he is a Purple Heart recipient, writing "How Do You Choose" following a conversation with his best friend Adam Hamilton's mother was "one of the scariest things I have ever had to do because it made it real." It was also one of the hardest songs for Hasting to write, as it is his "survivor's guilt put into words." The "promising, impactful debut" (Billboard) details his first visit to Adam's tombstone following his death, about one month after an ambush that left Hasting fighting for his life flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot ten times in April of 2011.

Narrowly escaping death, Hasting was left with severe nerve damage to his right hand and a loss of purpose as he was unable to continue his journey in the army. He filled the void with a newfound love for adaptive sports as competitive archery became his primary outlet to cope with PTSD.

"I found when I was shooting archery and was at full draw, about to release that arrow, nothing mattered. All the depression, the PTSD, all the demons that knock every day that I have to deal with, they all disappear. So for those seven seconds, I found peace."

Things started to look up for Hasting as he was recruited for the U.S. Paralympics program until 2020, when COVID-19 hit and shut down most of the world. Not one to lay down and accept defeat, the former Army Infantryman with the 1st Infantry Division 4th Squadron 4th Calvary picked up the unused guitar that sat in the corner of his room, opened YouTube, and set out to teach himself how to master the instrument in hopes of fighting the isolation and silence.

Hasting was immediately overtaken by this new passion after learning his first song, "Should've Been a Cowboy," by Toby Keith. He began to write his original music and attended his first open mic night in Cookeville, TN — a night that changed his life forever as he became enraptured with the calmness he felt when performing on stage.

"That seven seconds of peace I found during archery was magnified ten-fold. I knew that it was something I needed to do even if it didn't go anywhere."

Another example of unexpected foreshadowing, Hasting's upcoming single "Pro Beer" (3/7/25) finds the veteran finally "taking a stand." Written by Jimi Bell, Josh Jenkins, and Bryan Simpson, Hasting loved the lighthearted tune upon first listen.

"It's all about having a good time and not taking ourselves too seriously," shared Hasting. In the accompanying music visualizer, Hasting raises a red Solo cup in a nod to the late Country music legend Toby Keith. Watch it HERE.

Despite only first picking up a guitar in 2020, the "I’m America” hitmaker" (People Magazine) has now opened for incredible artists, including Lee Brice, Dave Grohl, Chris Janson, Jelly Roll, Craig Morgan, Parmalee, Tanya Tucker, and more. Hasting also earned his place in the writing room with well-known and respected country artists, hit singer/songwriters, and country music's most promising up-and-comers.

Now on a mission to help anyone struggling with loss or their mental health find solace through his music, Hasting strives to connect with his listeners by producing music that doesn't need an explanation.

“I want to show people that it may be bad now, but I promise you it will get better. Music is supposed to be a bridge that connects people. I want my music to not only tell stories but also to be that bridge for people. You don't have to talk if you don't want to - you can just push play."

Having found his escape from PTSD through archery and music, Hasting devotes his time and talents to several organizations, including Pen Fed Foundation, CreatiVets, Guitars 4 Vets, Operation Encore, Patriot Fund, Project One Vet at A Time, Tunnel 2 Towers, and more.

As the sun sets on a tremendous 2024, Hasting has his sights set on an even more meaningful 2025 with new music, tour dates, and hearts touched.

For more information and tour dates, please visit scottyhasting.com and follow Scotty Hasting on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.