Kate Hasting, known simply as “Hasting” in the country music world, has a knack for turning everyday moments into unforgettable stories. Branded the Farmer’s Daughter with a twist, she blends humor, heart, and just enough mischief to keep listeners leaning in for more. With roots in rural Ohio, a deep love of traditional country music, and an unapologetic approach to songwriting, Hasting is poised for a breakout moment with her new single Truck Talk, dropping August 15. We sat down for a Fast Tracks interview that covered everything from Crocs over high heels, to the heartbreak that reshaped her music, to the hometown festival she built from the ground up.
On the Story Behind “Truck Talk”
The inspiration for Truck Talk came from a surprising comparison.
“I’d asked someone what ‘pillow talk’ was,” Hasting laughs. “They explained it’s the kind of things you say in the heat of the moment that might not stand the test of time. I thought, ‘That sounds exactly like what happens in trucks back home with boys.’ That’s literally truck talk.”
She co-wrote the track with close friends in Nashville and says the decision to release it came down to trusting her gut.
“I’m doing this thing where I try not to let perfectionism get in the way. It felt right, so we ran with it.”
Finding Freedom in Crocs
Hasting jokes that she’s never truly been a “high heels girl,” but the Crocs she sometimes wears onstage are more than a footwear choice — they’re a metaphor.
“Somebody brought me Crocs because I couldn’t walk in the shoes I was playing a show in,” she says. “It was poetic. My family had been wearing them since the dawn of embarrassment. Being comfortable — in your shoes and in your skin — changes everything. There’s been a lot of freedom in this project.”
Loss, Authenticity, and the “Give-a-Damn” Busted Moment
After losing her father a few years ago, Hasting’s outlook shifted dramatically.
“There are bigger heartbreaks than being brave,” she says. “I couldn’t live another moment in the box I’d put myself in. I realized I was doing so many things for other people that had nothing to do with me. Loss has a way of freeing you.”
That freedom shows up in her unapologetic stage presence, her storytelling, and even her willingness to create “selfishly” — songs that come from her truth, without worrying about fitting a mold.
The Hardy Effect
One artist in particular gave Hasting the push to fully embrace that unapologetic side.
“Hardy was like the country Jesus I needed,” she says with a grin. “When he made The Mockingbird & The Crow, the whole point was to be unapologetic. I thought, ‘That’s the vibe I want — gym shorts on stage, try me.’ He reminded me that you can be fearless, funny, and completely yourself, and it can work. It was highly inspiring and gave me permission to lean even harder into my redneck side.”
Songwriting: For Herself vs. For Others
Having written for other artists, Hasting knows how different the process feels when the song is hers.
“When I’m writing for someone else, I try to bring a hook and then reel it back into their story,” she explains. “With my own music, there are no rules. I know what I’ll cut before the song’s even finished. I love the craft and the three-minute storytelling frame that makes country music so special.”
Hasting Farm Fest: Bringing Nashville Home
Hasting’s love for her hometown inspired the creation of Hasting Farm Fest, held in Clark County, Ohio, the birthplace of 4-H. Can you get more country?
“My mom is an organizational genius,” she says. “She took my loose artist ideas and made them happen. We bring a little Nashville to Clark County with music, food, and community outreach. Last year we had incredible songwriters like Deana Carter and Brian White. It’s about connection and making country music accessible to the place that raised me.”
This year’s festival takes place September 26–27.
Trash, Not Trashed
Hasting describes the spirit of her upcoming album as “trash, not trashed.”
“I don’t drink anymore, but I can probably still stay up later than you,” she laughs. “I’m still a little trashy in the best way and I’m done trying to outrun that part of me. It’s where I come from, and I love it.” We love it too, Hasting!
What’s Next
With Truck Talk premiering on The Country Note August 15 and a growing reputation for fearless, heartfelt songwriting, Kate Hasting is charging ahead on her own terms.
As she puts it: “Country music is one of the last places you can still get lost in the storytelling. It’s not about who’s more country — it’s about everyone being welcome. And I’m here for that.”
Follow Kate Hasting: Instagram | Facebook | Website
Stream “Truck Talk” August 15 and catch her live at Hasting Farm Fest in Clark County, OH, September 26–27.