A Conversation with Singer Scotty McCreery
A Conversation With Singer Scotty McCreery
Life is As “Clear As Day” for the Country Singer Who Performs at the Seneca Allegany Casino, April 13th.
Photos / Scotty McCreery
Singer/songwriter Scotty McCreery is living his best life since he won the 10th season of American Idol in May of 2011, going from an opening act for Brad Paisley in 2012 to headlining tours all over the world starting in 2013. Lucky for us he’s bringing his “Cab In A Solo Tour” to Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino on Saturday, April 13th.
The Best New Artist winner at the Academy of Country Music Awards in April 2012 debuted his first album, Clear As Day, in October 2011, making history as the first solo album of a country act to debut at #1 on Billboard’s 200, as well as the youngest man to open at the top of the chart with his debut release.
The singer/songwriter’s road to the top had him paying his dues with parade performances, tree lighting ceremonies and conquering the National Anthem before World Series games… but the biggest test came after the loss of his first record deal.
McCreery could have let that end his career, but instead he picked himself up and moved on, leading him to where he is now with the release of his new album, Rise and Fall, dropping on May 10th. “I feel like we’re on the rise now, but I’ve fallen pretty low as well,” said the singer. “I learned from every little part of that, and it helped me to know who I was as a person, let alone an artist. The rises and the falls helped craft these songs from the album… they made this album what it is.”
You already know the hits from the album so far such as “Cab In A Solo”, “Can’t Pass The Bar”, “Love Like This” (a song about his son, Avery) and the newly released single, “Slow Dance”, which you will hear at his show along with other hits like “It Matters To Her” and “Five More Minutes”.
I was very fortunate to be able to catch up with McCreery recently and we talked about American Idol and the impact that it has had on his life. We also talked about a dream come true - one he has had since a child - becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. During his performance in December at the Opry, out came one of his idols, Garth Brooks, holding a Christmas present with a big bow on it and offered it up to McCreery and officially invited him to become a member.
His actual induction ceremony will be on April 20th when another idol of his, Josh Turner, will officially welcome him as the newest member. Watching from the audience will be the two people that mean everything in the world to him: his wife, Gabi and his son, Avery, born in October of 2022.
McCreery is looking forward to his stop at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and he has a message at the end of the conversation for his fans. Don’t miss this one. Get your tickets today!
For ticket information visit SenecaAlleganyCasino.com. For more information on McCreery visit scottymccreery.com.
A CONVERSATION WITH SCOTTY McCREERY
HULICK: We’re looking forward to your “Cab In A Solo Tour” making a stop at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino on April 13th. I know your tour started with back-to-back sold-out shows. How is the tour going?
McCREERY: Thank you. The band and I are excited to come. The “Cab in a Solo Tour” is just a two-month tour, so it officially ends March 15th. But we’ll be using the same new set and show that we had on the “Cab” tour throughout the spring. We started off with three sold-out shows, which is a great way to kick off 2024, and have just kept on going!
HULICK: So many artists I have interviewed have a Buffalo/Western New York connection somewhere in their past. Do you have a Buffalo connection?
McCREERY: I do not. We’ve played at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino before and had a great time, but I don’t have a connection there.
HULICK: Did you always want to have a career in the music industry? What would you have been if you didn’t pursue music?
McCREERY: I knew since I was young that I wanted to be a performer. I would have gone to Nashville to study music business either at Belmont University or MTSU so that I could learn and pitch myself as a singer for the record labels if life hadn’t revealed a different path for me. I never wanted to be anything else.
HULICK: Your grandmother gave you a book on Elvis Presley when you were a kid and he is one of your music idols. It’s always fun at concerts when the artist does a cover song of someone they love. Have you done any covers of Elvis’ music?
McCREERY: She did, as well as a cassette tape that had Elvis on one side and Little Richard on the other. I wore that tape out. Those two artists were amazing. I do some Elvis from time to time, as well as Little Richard. You never know when I might be doing one of their songs.
HULICK: Let’s talk American Idol a bit. Whose idea was it for you to audition for the show? McCREERY: I was a fan of the show and watched it regularly with my family. I thought, “why not try it? Probably won’t make the first cut, but it will be a fun experience and a story to share with my friends.” And maybe, just maybe, I’d get to meet Jennifer Lopez! Little did I know...
HULICK: Do you think American Idol grounded you and gave you a solid platform to begin your career?
McCREERY: “American Idol” introduced me to the general public, gave me a great education in performing as well as things like media interviews and more. But I never set out to be the “TV guy.” I wanted to be a country music singer, so even though I got a record deal as part of winning the show, I had to prove to the fans that I belonged. I had some ups and downs along the way, but I learned a lot and I feel like my team and I have been able to have some success. One of the first things I learned was that you had to surround yourself with good, honest people who believed in you and would work hard with you. I’m fortunate to have a great team. You may just see my face and name, but there’s a team of people that stand shoulder to shoulder with me as we accomplish things together.
HULICK: You are a singer/songwriter, mentor and an author. Are there any other facets of the industry that you would like to tackle down the road?
McCREERY: I’ve executive produced a couple of Hallmark movies based on my song, “Five More Minutes.” It might be fun to do more of that. As I have learned more in the studio, it might be fun to actually produce my song or album at some point. But we’ll see… I love being a singer and a songwriter.
HULICK: 2023 was a huge year for you and your career. You were inducted into the North Carolina Hall of Fame joining Charlie Daniels, Eric Church, Ronnie Milsap, Randy Travis and more, along with being asked to join the Grand Ole Opry by one of your idols, Garth Brooks. WOW! Can you talk a little bit about those two experiences?
McCREERY: I am so proud to be from North Carolina, which is a state that has a huge musical history. I was very honored when I was told I was going into the North Carolina Hall of Fame. In addition to those great talents you mention, folks like James Taylor, Andy Griffith, Nina Simone, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, and Thelonious Monk are also past inductees. It’s a night I’ll always treasure. As for the Opry, I’ve wanted to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry since I was young. It’s my favorite stage to perform on because all the greats in country music have performed there. To have one of my musical heroes, Garth Brooks, surprise me on stage with the invitation was something I’ll never forget. I get to officially join the Opry family in a few months - a family that has included Dolly Parton, Josh Turner, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr,, Loretta Lynn, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, Bill Anderson, Charley Pride, and so many more. How amazing is that!
HULICK: You married Gabi Dugal in June of 2018 and your son, Avery was born in October of 2022. How much do you enjoy being a husband and a dad?
McCREERY: Gabi is my rock, my best friend, the love of my life. And together we have Avery who is the coolest little man. I love being a father - it’s my favorite and most important job. As long as I have the two of them with me, I’m good no matter what happens.
HULICK: Do they tour with you?
McCREERY: As often as they can. Sometimes they stay home to have a bit of a regular life, but they are out on the road with me the majority of the time. I don’t want to miss a thing with Avery.
HULICK: Your song, “Can’t Pass The Bar” is a fast-paced gem. How fun is it to do live? I imagine the audience really gets into it.
McCREERY: I enjoy it. I wanted a song like “Ain’t Goin’ Down Til the Sun Comes Up” by Garth or “Grundy County Auction (SOLD)” by John Michael Montgomery - that barnstorming 90s style anthem. It’s a lot of fun.
HULICK: What’s next for Scotty McCreery after the tour is done?
McCREERY: Well… country artists tour all year long, so we’re usually on the road from mid-January to mid-December with some breaks along the way. I have a new album coming out soon; the release date will be announced before long. My wife and I have a trip with friends coming up too, that we are looking forward to.
HULICK: Please describe what your perfect day would look like.
McCREERY: If I’m off the road, a perfect day includes hanging out with Gabi and Avery, playing a round of golf with my buddies, and grilling a steak for dinner. If I’m on the road, a perfect day involves being able to perform for great people in the audience. I’m a blessed man.
HULICK: Do you have a message for your fans coming out to see you April 13th?
McCREERY: I look forward to seeing y’all and hope you will enjoy the show!