Scotty McCreery has been hard at work in the studio getting ready to release new material and we got a taste of his most personal song to date. McCreery released his latest single “Five More Minutes" early last month and the response has been unbelievable. Scotty is here to discuss being on the road, writing new material and some new goals for the year!

 

ZACK TREMBLAY | It's been about a year since our last interview, how have you been? You've been a busy guy!

 

SCOTTY McCREERY | I'm good. Love being busy and traveling the world to perform. I can't complain. I'm a blessed man.

 

ZT | Tell us about the new single, "Five More Minutes”. You performed it live last year at the Grand Ole Opry in honor of your grandfather. What was it like writing this song?

 

SM | This is my favorite song I've ever written. I wrote it with Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell two weeks after my granddaddy Bill died. He was such a great guy and obviously that was on my mind. Frank and Monty and I got to talking about all those moment you wish you had five more minutes with both the good and the sad. 1 think we can all relate to it.

 

ZT | What are some of the best memories you have with your grandfather and in what ways has he impacted the man you have become today?

 

SM | Aw man- he was a cool cat. At 86 years old he was still jumping off the diving board every day in his swimming pool, drinking his Coca Cola. I loved being around him and especially playing golf with him. He met my Grandmother Paquita in Puerto Rico when he was in military service and he taught me a great respect and admiration for our military men and women and their families.

 

ZT | You can really relate "Five More Minutes" to almost any situation. A lot of us often take little moments for granted. At this point in your life and career, what are you most grateful for?

 

SM | Everything. I'm a blessed man. To get to go around the world and sing for people? That's all I've ever wanted to do. I'm grateful for my family and friends, for my girlfriend Gabi, for my fans, for my team who work hard every day with me, for health, for life, and ultimately for God. help bring out some of the best material.

 

ZT | With tracks like this, pulling from personal experiences can help bring out some of the best material. What has inspired you recently as you write and record in the studio?

 

SM | Sometimes I write from personal experience while other times I create a story. It just depends on what's on my mind and my co-writers' minds. We've written a couple of songs lately that have a nostalgic feel looking back on things from just a few years ago. My lady and I have been together for five years, so sometimes I'll write a song inspired by her or our relationship. It just depends.

 

ZT | You have mentioned previously that this is one of your most personal releases thus far. What have you learned the most about yourself as an artist over the past few years?

 

SM | Wow, good question. I have learned that I really enjoy writing songs and I can see how I'm getting better at it the more I write and have the opportunity to learn from other writers.

 

ZT | You have a busy summer coming up as far as touring is concerned. What has been your favorite part about being on the road and what do you look forward to the most?

 

SM | Performing for people is one of my favorite things to do. Getting to travel the country, see different cities and places, meet different people - I love all that. I also really love my band guys, so we have a great time wherever we are. 

 

ZT | Up to this point, you have had an incredible journey. What are some goals you have set for yourself and what else can the fans expect from you for the rest of the year?

 

SM | Oh I'm a goal setter. I want a No. 1 hit and then another.... I want to headline an arena tour one day. I want to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry - if I can reach that goal, I think I'll have achieved many goals along the way. Eventually I want to be a husband and a father and build a family of my own. I have many, many goals.

 

ZT Thanks again for taking the time to catch up with us today, Scotty. It's always a pleasure speaking with you. Hopefully we'll get to do this in person again sometime soon.

 

SM | Great chatting with you again too Zack! Hope so!