‘The Voice’ Alum Lana Scott Opens Up About Debut Album, ‘Bigger Than Me,’ Her Breakthrough Year, And Life In Music City [Exclusive]

Since competing on Season 21 of The Voice, independent singer/songwriter Lana Scott has used her passion and determination to keep the momentum going and achieve anything she sets her mind to. That same kind of dedication shines in her debut album, Bigger Than Me, which dropped over the summer.

When putting together her very first full-length collection, the songstress opted to feature only seven tracks in order to make it feel “digestible.” Each of these songs offers listeners a perfect glimpse into her artistry and rising star power.

“I wanted to keep it authentic and portray who I am and what I’m about. If you listen to it, you can hear themes of perseverance, faith, love, family, and hope. My thinking was that it’s a difficult world to navigate through sometimes, so my wish as an artist is that my music can offer a refreshing perspective that points people to something good, something onward and upward,” Scott told Country Now with excitement in her voice. 

Offering Her Mission Statement In The Title Track

The title track is a great example of the kind of raw, emotionally charged narratives that present a glimpse into Scott’s personal life and the mission she has set for herself. “Bigger Than Me” was the second song Scott wrote when she moved from L.A. to Nashville alongside Hunter Leath and Tyrus Morgan. She recalled driving up to the write with that song title in mind, ready to be written.

“It’s about as real as I could get for my first title track. I sing about my nana, my dad, my childhood best friend… how they each have vastly different giftings and career paths and yet they intertwine in how they serve others. In some ways, they are the quiet heroes. And I think that message encompasses a bigger picture, in a way, a mission statement,” Scott explained. “The song sings, ‘If I’m lucky enough to leave a legacy, let it be a little bigger than me,’ meaning I hope that by the time all is said and done in my career, I will have made an impact or difference that’s beyond myself. That’s my real hope.”

Reaching A Larger Audience With “Bar Tender”

Each of these tracks on this album offers something that anyone can relate to, but it seems that one track in particular titled “Bar Tender,” has especially stood out to fans all across the world. It takes the word “bartender” and separates it to create a new and much deeper meaning surrounding the painful effects of a breakup. 

“I oftentimes hear bar culture songs that celebrate ‘drinking the pain away’ or ‘drinking to forget’ and I wanted to challenge myself to write a different perspective; one we hear less of in country music but that so many of us can relate to, which is: going out with friends for drinks on a broken-heart and realizing that the more you drink, the more the truth comes out… and it turns out you might’ve been a little too ‘tender’ to go to the bar.” 

The song paints an entire scene where she unexpectedly sees her ex walk in the bar with a new girl. “The relatability and play on words made this concept so fun to write,” Scott continued, “and I was able to do that alongside Curt Gibbs and Tiffany Goss.”

Getting Airtime On UK radio For The First Time

As this track from the album displays a more country-pop leaning song, Scott knew that “Bar Tender” would be the most “radio friendly.” So not only was this song Scott’s first placement on Spotify’s All New Country playlist, but it also expanded her listenership when it got featured on UK radio with Absolute Radio Country.

“I’ve had listeners around the world from being on The Voice, but I’d never been played on the radio in another country until this song made that playlist. It was surreal to find that out and then to see that Absolute Radio Country, in addition to playing my song, called me ‘One to Watch’ next to Ella Langley and Tigirlily Gold.”

The rising star has yet to perform for her fanbase across the pond, but she did tease that there are plans for her to finally make her way overseas next year. 

Finding Her Place In Music City 

After living in Nashville and honing in on her craft for nearly three years, the Chesapeake, VA native can confidently say that the best part of Music City is the incredible songwriting culture she’s immersed herself in. Without these talented writers, her album would not have become the project we hear today. 

“I feel really blessed that I’ve been able to write with hit songwriters like Billy Montana, Kylie Sackley, and Tony Wood, to name a few. These are writers who have written for Blake Shelton, LeAnn Rimes, Natalie Grant, Tim McGraw, Sam Hunt, and the list goes on. For me, the best part about being in writing rooms with them is that their passion for songwriting is just as bright as their gifting. They breathe it. And I have personally grown a lot as a writer because of them. Nashville has this sparkling magic tied into the songwriting culture and the passion that everybody has for it is infectious.” 

“The Year of Firsts”

Releasing her debut album is just one of many exciting milestone moments that have taken place throughout what Scott calls “the year of firsts.” She also performed for her biggest in-person crowd yet and appeared in a nationwide commercial on NBC partnering with Xfinity and The Voice that aired numerous times during The Voice finals in the spring.

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For this year’s 150^th Kentucky Oaks at the renowned Churchill Downs, Lana Scott was invited to sing the anthem in front of over 100,000 people. 

“When I got the invitation to sing at the Kentucky Oaks, I cried because I know just what an amazing event that is, especially for Derby Weekend,” she shared humbly. 

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While on The Voice, there were millions of viewers watching from home, but only about 100 or so in the room, as Scott explained. So getting the opportunity to sing at such an important event with thousands of people watching was something Scott will understandably never forget. 

“I had someone who mentioned to me that day, ‘You know, the Super Bowl seats about 60,000 people and you’re singing in front of 100,000.’ It’s an experience that truly may only happen once in a fortunate lifetime,” Scott said. “The crowd was roaring in applause through every high note I sang. And I felt so connected with them and, again, honored.”

In addition to singing the anthem, she got to perform two original songs – “Miracles” and “Permanent” – for the Survivors Parade later that day, which happens annually at The Oaks and honors women who are still fighting or who have survived cancer. 

“I sang for all of those women walking the parade and I was choked up at times, truly inspired by their strength. There wasn’t a dry eye around. I will say, being a part of that particular event will go down as one of the greatest honors of my career. ‘Cause that’s, for me, what it’s all about. Sharing meaningful moments.”

Receiving Advice From Wynonna Judd

The excitement continued when Lana Scott returned to the Kentucky Derby, but this time as a guest. She got to walk her first red carpet and meet the second anthem singer of the weekend, Wynonna Judd. Once she got over the starstruck factor, she asked the country icon if there was any advice she could offer to an independent artist gearing up to put out her debut album. 

“Wynonna is a country icon, so I thought, what better than to ask for her advice? She looked me in the eyes and she said, ‘Never let anyone steal your joy.’ And then she emphasized, ‘Hold onto that joy.’ 

Scott enthusiastically shared her appreciation for the kind words she received from Judd. “I really appreciated that. It struck a chord for me because I do think that joy is so important to hold onto, in general, and especially in the music industry where nothing is ever guaranteed. As an independent artist, I’m having to work in some ways twice as hard to keep growing a name for myself and all in good faith. Finding true joy in the process of it all is what carries me and allows me to keep going. So when she said that, I took it as an emphasis moving forward from an artist I really respect.”

Will 2025 Be Another Milestone Year For Lana Scott?

Scott is always continuing to strive towards the next thing, and as this “year of firsts” nears the end, she revealed that her next big dream is to make her Grand Ole Opry debut. “The Grand Ole Opry is my favorite place to go and I hold it in high reverence. It is a dream to one day step into the circle, but that’s a dream that I surrender totally into God’s hands.” At the same time, she’s embracing each moment that comes with her journey and remembering to be thankful, too, for what’s in “the rearview mirror.” “Every step and every milestone that I cross, I celebrate,” she noted. 

The best part of it all is that the “Where You Go” singer gets to live out her dreams with her husband, who also happens to be her best friend and guitar player, by her side.

The feeling of gratitude and overwhelming support from those around her is what’s carrying Lana Scott into 2025, which is slated to bring even more promotion of her latest album as well as some exciting new opportunities and firsts that fans should “stay tuned for.”

Scott ended our conversation on a hopeful note, sharing her belief that next year will be “another record year,” filled with more music, milestones, and growth.