"For me, the demons of PTSD knock the loudest when it's quiet. When I have a guitar in my hands, I find peace," says songwriter, artist, and Army Veteran Scotty Hasting. In April of 2011, the former Army Infantryman with the 1st Infantry Division 4th Squadron 4th Cavalry was left fighting for his life, flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot ten times. Narrowly escaping death, Hasting is now on a mission to help anyone struggling with loss or mental health find solace through his music. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky native's notable release, a special version of the deeply personal "Til The Last Shot's Fired" with Lee Brice and Dolly Parton, is out now (10/18). "The first time I heard this song (recorded by Trace Adkins), I was at Walter Reed," shared Hasting, who spent six months at the National Military Medical Center in recovery. "It was like something inside of me flipped. I started sobbing, and I couldn't stop. In that moment, I knew that I had to live life to the fullest for my friends that would never have the opportunity to." Hasting bares his heart to listeners in his debut EP, I'm America (5/3). After hearing the project's title track, "I'm America" (2/9), written by Wade Kirby and Phil O'Donnell, Hasting knew he had to record it. "Every single line of this song is why I decided to enlist in the Army," says Hasting. Hasting's debut single on Black River, "How Do You Choose" (11/3), strikes a chord with anyone who has been left to pick up the pieces from a life-changing moment that's left them asking God that age-old question. The "promising, impactful debut" (Billboard) details Hasting's first visit to best friend Adam Hamilton's tombstone following his death. Having found his escape from PTSD through archery and music, the "'I’m America' hitmaker" (People Magazine) devotes his time and talents to several organizations including Guitars 4 Vets, Pen Fed Foundation, CreatiVets, and Operation Encore, to offer other veterans the same tranquility. Despite only first picking up a guitar in 2020, Hasting has already opened for incredible artists, including Dave Grohl, Tanya Tucker, Jelly Roll, Lee Brice, Chris Janson, and more. Hasting recently partnered with Operation Democracy and represented the U.S. with multiple performances in Normandy, France, during a week-long celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day (exclusive People photo diary HERE). Hasting then stepped into the coveted Circle for his Grand Ole Opry debut (7/28) during the Opry's celebration of 30 years of "Forrest Gump" and celebrated fellow Veterans at the second annual National Veteran's Parade in Washington, DC (11/10) this Veteran's Day as Grand Marshal and with a special Opening Ceremony Performance.
For more information and tour dates, please visit scottyhasting.com and follow Scotty Hasting on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
“I am so honored to be involved with G4V… the guitar is a friend to us always – ready whenever we are, never impatient, never asking too much. Pick one up and the relationship will be there forever. Together, we can help so many vets get the joy back in their lives through the power of music.”
My heart swells knowing that through Guitars For Vets, I get to pass on the healing power of music to these amazing men and women. People who have lost so much in order for us to live out our dreams every day. This is more than giving away an instrument, it is giving an outlet for peace and light in the darkness.
I am honored to support and bring awareness of G4V to our growing community. I have a tremendous amount of respect for our veterans and as G4V’s first High School Ambassador, I hope to spread awareness to high schools and communities throughout the country. Playing music and learning to play guitar is my passion, and I hope to change the lives of many veterans in the same way music has changed my life.
The Imaginaries is an Americana band formed in the open plains of Oklahoma. Consisting of husband & wife duo Shane Henry (guitar, vocals) & Maggie McClure (piano, vocals), their debut album was released March 26, 2021. It was recorded in famed Muscle Shoals, AL with legendary “Swampers” & serves as both an introduction to The Imaginaries and the beginning of their journey as a band after both singer songwriters have enjoyed their own successes as solo artists. The songs are filled with effortless harmonies, heartfelt lyrics & real-life lessons. Maggie, with her subtly sweet vocals and piano-driven style fuses seamlessly with Shane’s blues-rock grit to form their own unique blend of Americana/Singer-Songwriter music. The Imaginaries were selected to open for the Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks! Tour in 2019. The duo has recently opened for artists like Judy Collins, John Waite, Alain Johannes, Sixpence None The Richer and more.
Maggie and Shane wrote/produced the soundtrack for and made their debut as Film Producers with feature film, A Cowgirl's Song written/directed by Timothy Armstrong. The film stars Cheryl Ladd, Savannah Lee May and Darci Lynne. Maggie and Shane also co-star in the music driven family feature film, distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films, on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Starz & more. The duo has had over 75 placements with their songs featured in film/television/ads. They currently have 2 songs featured in film Mending The Line on Netflix (#1 Movie on Netflix in March 2024) and have a track featured in (and appear on camera performing it) in biopic Reagan starring Dennis Quaid, in theaters August 30, 2024.
Their newest single "Whole Lotta Livin'" features fellow Okie Vince Gill on guitar and is the first of many new tracks from The Imaginaries' upcoming album. The 2nd single from the new album is "Crossroads" feat. Joe Bonamassa out October 4th, 2024.
The Imaginaries are releasing their heartfelt tribute song and music video for "Carry Me, Carry On (Veterans' Song)" on November 8th, 2024, honoring the sacrifices and the enduring pride Veterans instill in the nation. In conjunction with the release, The Imaginaries will be partnering with Guitars For Vets to raise awareness and funds for the organization.
“The power of music never ceases to amaze me and the work G4V is doing to help our Veterans overcome PTSD, depression and other personal demons is nothing short of miraculous. I have undying appreciation, love and support for these heroes and for me to be an Ambassador to raise awareness for this program is nothing less than an absolute honor. Keep up the good work, G4V! Thank you!!”
I am proud to support Guitars for Vets. I have personally experienced the healing power of music on many occasions throughout my life, and I also know how therapeutic playing (and even practicing!) can be. Guitars and vets are a match made in heaven, and may you be blessed for your efforts, G4V.
“My time as an instructor for the Guitars for Vets chapter at Jesse Brown VA in Chicago confirmed for me that G4V is building communities in which veterans of all ages and backgrounds can connect through the power of music and share their experiences and stories. I’m beyond proud to continue my involvement in the ambassador capacity and work to bring G4V to as many facilities and individuals as possible.”
I’m a combat veteran, a Purple Heart Recipient, a musician, and a professional stand up comedian. Comedy healed my soul after I came home from war. Just like music does too. Guitars 4 Vets is helping other vets like myself find some healing through music, and I want to help them keep taking soldiers like an NCO does.
We have all benefited from the healing powers of music, and G4V has proven that music is indeed the best therapy. We are proud to be Artist Ambassadors because the willingness of our brothers and sisters who have sacrificed for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Hearing just a few notes of a song can transport you to a peaceful and serene place. It’s an honor to be part of this beautiful organization that focuses on spreading joy, healing and peace through music.
Guitars For Vets Processing Center
13400 Bishops Ln Suite 120,
Brookfield, Wi 53005
