Country artist and songwriter Chance McKinney has a love of performing that not only has taken him on stage with superstars Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson and more but also scored him the title of CMT’s 4th Annual Music City Madness in 2009. Since then, he has honed his skills as a songwriter while absorbing the various influences of his favorite artists and his lifetime inspirations, leading to his 2021 EP Want ‘Em All. Earlier this year, McKinney released his latest single “What I Got” – an uplifting track about finding happiness in life, with love being the most important factor.
We recently caught up with Chance to talk about his musical journey and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
CM: Montana boy turned All-American javelin thrower turned CMT Music City Madness winner turned touring artist turned husband and father. The last two being my biggest accomplishments.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
CM: I’d say Jake Owen and Dierks Bentley early on… then Jordan Davis and Kyle Hume most recently.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process?
CM: Get an idea. Work up a hook. Pitch it to my co-writers. Have them shoot it down and tell me why it sucks. Then get inspired from my horrible idea and write something with the fellas that’s more what I meant.
CN: You had to deal with situations regarding bullying when you were younger; something that should never happen and yet these days seems to be even more prominent during one’s growing up years. Have you ever used songwriting as a cathartic tool, even in the present day?
CM: The more I think about it… the more I’m happy I was bullied growing up. Yeah, it was traumatic and yeah it sucked during the time, but it drove me to do things I wouldn’t normally have done if I were comfortable with my situation. I made All-State basketball teams and All-American track teams. I got a track scholarship and qualified for two Olympic Trials. I won a CMT Award for Music City Madness. And, I made a lot of dreams come true along the way BECAUSE of my experiences in my youth. I’m not saying being bullied is for everyone, but I can guarantee you greatness comes from discomfort more than comfort.
CN: “What I Got” is a great message about appreciating what you have and how you spend your time. Outside of music, what is your favorite thing to spend your time doing?
CM: Lake Powell with my family. I’m telling you it’s heaven on earth for us. I happen to be here with them right now as we do this interview and the stories we accumulate down here make everything else in our lives pale in comparison.
CN: You’ve had great streaming success, what do you think it is about your music that connects with listeners so well?
CM: “Great streaming success” is a little too flattering. I’m a great regional success… nationally and worldwide, not. I connect well with people I’ve been in front of doing shows. Something about the stories I tell and the “who” I am is what pulls people to my music. And to be honest, I’m good with that.
CN: What is your favorite song at the moment?
CM: “Don’t Worry, be Happy” by Adam Hambrick. If you haven’t heard his rendition of it… do yourself a solid. Adam and I were at CMA’s together in Vegas a few years back and I’ve been cheering him on ever since. But, I could put his version of DWBH on repeat for an entire day and never get sick of it… I might stop it out of jealousy, but that would be it.
CN: You have played many shows throughout your career, do you have a favorite venue you’ve played and a dream venue you still hope to?
CM: My favorite venue would still be Northern Quest in Airway Heights, WA. I’ve done a couple shows there with Hank Jr and then most recently with Brad Paisley. Both are in my Top 10 all time.
And recently, I had the opportunity to watch a show at Tuacahn Amphitheater in St. George, UT. I’d love to play there someday.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
CM: Jake Owen. I know I’ve had some strange ones in the past when asked this question (Elvis, Will Smith, Post Malone), but in all honesty… Jake Owen. If nothing else, it’d be a great hang.
CN: What was your first concert you ever attended?
CM: Maybe Craig Morgan in 2005-ish. But to be honest, I really don’t know.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
CM: Competitive. Because we’re at our best when we compete. If there’s no competition, there’s no progress.
CN: What else can fans look forward to this year?
CM: Touring… and maybe a surprise right around September.
Download/stream “What I Got” here.
For more information on Chance McKinney, visit his website www.chancemckinney.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.