With an impressive resume that includes sharing the stage with superstars like Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, and Alan Jackson, you can see why his music resonates with so many. In 2009, he earned the title of CMT’s 4th Annual Music City Madness, a testament to his undeniable talent and dedication to his craft.
Since then, you’ve probably noticed that McKinney has been steadily honing his skills as a songwriter. Drawing from a variety of influences from his favorite artists and personal inspirations, he released the 2021 EP Want ‘Em All. More recently, you can enjoy his latest single “What I Got,” which was released on May 17, 2024. This track is an uplifting anthem that beautifully encapsulates the joy of finding happiness in life’s simple moments, with love at its core.
In “What I Got,” McKinney embraces the idea of appreciating life’s priceless moments. The song advocates for valuing the riches that don’t come with a price tag. As you listen, you’ll discover that the catchy tune celebrates real love and the necessary wisdom hidden within simple lyrics. McKinney himself shares that the song reflects the beauty of everyday experiences—like the look in a lover’s eyes or a gentle dance around the living room. It emphasizes that true love requires dedication and sacrifice, not wealth.
You may also find it interesting that “What I Got” follows the release of McKinney’s earlier single “Urban Legend,” which gained considerable traction in streaming services. This newest release marks a return to McKinney’s roots, highlighting a philosophy centered around living a fulfilled life. He believes in the power of simplicity, which undoubtedly shines through in his music.
As you explore his discography, you’ll recognize the personal integrity and musical growth evident in each new song. After all, your experience as a listener is enriched by artists who continuously evolve while staying true to their core values. McKinney’s passion for crafting authentic tunes connects deeply with fans, leading to an impressive track record of streaming success. The title track from his 2021 EP, “Want ‘Em All,” has amassed over 1.6 million streams on Spotify alone, alongside charting singles like “Backyard,” which peaked at No. 53 on the Billboard Indicator chart.
As Chance McKinney continues to create and innovate within the industrialized country genre, you can expect more compelling storytelling and the authentic experience he so passionately delivers. Dive into his music, and you may just find a reflection of your own simple pleasures in life, captured beautifully in the melodies and lyrics that Chance has to offer.
Was there a particular song/performance that made you say “Woah! I know that music is for me and this is what I have to pursue”?
Strangely enough… Craig Morgan, Washington State Fair, 2007-ish. I remember hearing him sing “Almost Home” and I sang along with every word. I remember telling the girl I went to the concert with that I was gonna do that someday. She pretty much thought I was crazy and broke up with me not long after. I wrote “Be Real” right around that time, and within a couple of years I’d won CMT Music City Madness and started touring with everyone under the sun.
Tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind “What I Got” and what the song means to you?
It started out as a pitch to Joe Jordan (my co-writer) called “Good Enough.” I remember telling him how jaded I was looking at all the IG crap out there. How people had to show off their cars, diamonds, vacations, etc. to brag about their status in life or how much they loved someone. I was like, when is love itself, good enough? So we started in that direction and ended up with “What I Got” which seemed to hit me harder than “Good Enough” if you know what I mean?!
Any fun stories from the writing/recording process on “What I Got”?
Yeah, Joe and I would jump on Zoom calls to write. He was in Ohio, and I was in Utah at the time. So, we’d write on Zoom, and it sucked something fierce having the delay when trying to pass over ideas. However, we balled out on this one. We had verses done so fast it was crazy. Just because it was all the stuff online or on socials that was bothering us… so superficial. It’s easy to write “negative” stuff. What was tough was to spin the song so it had a “positive” feel and message. And I’m pretty sure we managed to do that AND make it super-fun in the process.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career thus far?
“Champions don’t take money… they make money.” Champions are people who make your career better because they love what you do. Whether that’s a fan or a manager or an agent. Champions may make money off of you, but if they ask to take your money… then they ain’t really champions for you, are they? Champions make their own way, and if you’re lucky enough to find one, or two, or 10,000 of ’em… you do your best to keep them in your life by just being who you are. I guess that’s more directed at artists just starting out. Become someone people want a piece of. Nobody will make you into something special, no matter how much you pay them.
If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?
Jordan Davis, Morgan Wallen, Posty, Kyle Hume, John Morgan, Adam Hambrick and Sam Hunt. I’m currently in a Kyle Hume phase, but John Morgan is quickly catching up.
What’s next for you? Can we expect more new music in the future?
Summer touring. We’ll get going in July and roll until October. I’m kinda waiting to see what “What I Got” can really do. It’s streaming well and goes to radio in mid-July, so I’ll see where that takes me. I’ve always got another song in the can waiting for release, but I think “What I Got” is special, so I’m gonna hold off on future plans until it runs its full course.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Under the Knife
You are a new addition to a crayon box. What colour would you be and why?
Sunset. It’s my mom’s favorite color.
What makes you nostalgic?
Sports. I may be a musician now, but I’ll always be an athlete in my mind.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Bitcoin or XRP?
If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?
Wifenese. I’d learn how to speak to my wife so she could tell what I actually meant instead of how it sounded. You tell me someone who can teach me that language, and I’ll show you a millionaire in the making.
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.
