Intro
I had the privilege of catching up with Seth Costner, currently the keyboardist for Chris Young, who recently released his first solo single in years. His new song and video, “First of Many,” mark a heartfelt reintroduction to his own artistry after years of helping others shape theirs. We talked about the story behind the song, the meaning it carries, and what it feels like to step back into the spotlight.
Q1: It’s been a while since you’ve released your own music. Why did “First of Many” feel like the right song to come back with?
Seth: “It felt like a declaration of hope. I wrote it with my buddy Steve Seils, who plays bass for Chris Young. He had quit drinking for a month, and I said, ‘Man, I hope it’s the first of many.’ That line just stuck. Later that night, I went to my bunk and wrote most of the song. When I played it for him the next day, he cried. That’s when I knew it was something special.
It’s not just about addiction. It’s about anything we’re trying to overcome. We all have struggles, and I wanted this song to speak to finding hope in dark places.”
Watch Michelle’s exclusive interview with Seth above!
Q2: The video is both beautiful and emotional. What was the inspiration behind it?
Seth: “My friend Zach Swon from The Swon Brothers directed it. We shot it in a bar, which at first didn’t seem like the right setting, but it ended up being symbolic. It’s about putting your past to rest and saying goodbye to the things that used to have a hold on you. We filmed it all in one night. I had to put on my acting hat, but it turned out exactly how I imagined it.”
Q3: Faith seems to show up quietly but consistently in your work. How does it influence you as a songwriter and performer?
Seth: “I grew up in church. I’m a believer. Even though ‘First of Many’ isn’t technically a Christian song, it mentions God in the last chorus. Jeremiah 29:11 says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ and that verse really captures what the song means—hope and a future.
I think it’s important not to hide your faith. It’s part of who I am. And lately I’ve noticed more artists being open about faith and sobriety. That kind of honesty creates connection.”
Q4: You’ve spent years touring with incredible artists. How have those experiences shaped you as a solo performer?
Seth: “It’s influenced me more than I probably realize. Watching other artists take creative risks with their audiences has been a huge lesson. I’ve been lucky to play for Chris Young, Luke Combs, Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, and The Swon Brothers, and each of them approaches music differently.
Chris isn’t afraid to sing songs that carry emotional weight. Every night he performs ‘Drowning,’ a song he wrote about losing a friend. It’s not a typical radio single, but you can see how deeply it affects people. Watching that made me realize that not every song has to be lighthearted or about having a good time. Country music fans want something real. They want to feel something. That gave me confidence to tell my own story honestly.”
Q5: You co-authored Hired Musician: A Guide to Getting and Keeping Gigs, with Matt Maxwell, who plays bass for Luke Combs. How did writing that book influence your own career?
Seth: “It reminded me of the basics—show up on time, be prepared, and be professional. We wrote it for musicians, but honestly, the lessons apply to anyone trying to make it in their field.
We also talked about things that aren’t often mentioned, like post-gig depression. When you’ve been on tour and suddenly the structure disappears, it can be tough. Writing about that made me more mindful of my own balance and mental health.”
Rapid Fire with Seth Costner
Song on repeat right now?
“Choosing Texas” by Ella Langley. And Chris Young’s new record. I love what he just put out.
First album that made you fall in love with music?
Speechless by Steven Curtis Chapman.
Studio or stage?
Stage. The energy is different and it is in the moment.
What does “First of Many” mean to you musically?
It is a re-emergence. It is me saying I am back and I still have more to say.
What fans can look for next?
A Christmas song. More writer’s rounds in Nashville. More singles in the coming year. And you can still catch me on the road with Chris Young.
MC: What’s next for you?
Seth: “I’m in the studio working on a Christmas song that should be out soon. I’ve got a lot of music written and plan to release more singles next year. I’ll also be back on the road with Chris for his first Christmas tour, with stops in the northeast in Westbury, New York, and Montclair, New Jersey. I’m excited to keep creating and to share more of who I am.”
“First of Many” isn’t just a comeback for Seth Costner—it’s a moment of clarity and purpose. It’s the story of an artist rediscovering his own voice after years of helping others find theirs. Through his honesty, faith, and hope, Seth reminds us that every new beginning starts with believing there’s something worth beginning again.
Links to “First of Many” below: