Indie artist Scott Riggan has had a long career making music independently. He’s best known for the radio hit, “I Love You, Lord.” For years, he’s lived in Nashville, writing songs for a publishing company while touring with a Christian band. Eventually, he moved his family back home to Idaho where he launched his ministry as a solo artist.
Scott thought that moving away from Music City was going to be the death knell of his music career. But, instead, he had a run of—very unexpected—hit singles on Christian radio, which changed everything. He’s grateful for the many amazing opportunities that have emerged from that period of his life. I connected with Scott to talk about the challenges of working in an ever-changing musical landscape, his songwriting, and his new single, “Not Right Now.”
You talk about writing songs that you need to hear. What are some constant truths that you need to keep writing about?
I think it’s true for most songwriters that, as we dig deep for inspiration for our lyrics, we’re forced into self-examination. As I look over the songs I’ve written over the years, there’s a theme that I keep coming back to repeatedly: Can God be trusted? Is He faithful? Can I count on Him?
At each stage of our walk with Christ, that’s the question to be answered. As we wrestle with trusting Him, it’s the act of remembering what God has done—His past faithfulness—that gives us the courage to continue following Him and trusting Him.
You’ve been creating music for a while now and have watched the music industry change drastically? What have been some of the challenges you’ve had to navigate?
Our relationship with music has changed dramatically during my years in the music business. Now, we pay for access to all the music that’s ever been made instead of curating a small collection of CDs or downloads. That’s great for the consumer but it changes everything for the artist.
In the past, I only knew one way to maintain a music career: record, tour, repeat. Physical CD sales were a big part of my income. I had years of touring full time, traveling all over the world, and even having songs on Christian radio. But over time, I found that my tried-and-true strategies were no longer keeping my career going.
And to be honest, I began to wrestle with self-doubt as an artist. Fearing that I might be past my "sell-by" date—that's a powerful thing. Do I still have any good songs in me? Is there even an audience for those songs? And is there any way to connect with those potential fans?
Now, I've been learning how to connect with people that are already inclined to respond to the kind of music that I create. I’m building a community—The Rigganators—that isn’t about hype but instead revolves around relationships and a shared love of music.
I’m seeing steady growth in my fanbase, and those fans are really into what I’m doing. Connecting with me personally and with my art. Having to rethink everything turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Your latest single is “Not Right Now,” a cover of a song by contemporary artist Jason Gray. Why this song?
I first met Jason when he was still an indie artist (I was in the middle of my second record deal, which would end disastrously later that year). Jason won me over with his talent and kindness. And he is, hands down, one of our very best songwriters.
“Not Right Now” expresses something that I know very well, unfortunately. When you’re amid grief and heartache, the last thing you need is the advice and “cheering up” of your friends. We so often fumble when we try to offer comfort—and the truth is that grieving friends mostly need to know that we love them. They don’t need to be fixed. They just need to be loved.
How is leading worship continually influencing your songwriting?
It’s funny because I’m a worship pastor, but not really a worship songwriter. I find that it’s difficult to write a good worship song. It must have a melody that an entire congregation can catch onto quickly and sing along with, a lyric that is clear, immediately understandable, memorable, and yet somehow not cliché. That’s a tall order, and those who can do it well have my deep respect.
What’s next?
I’m finishing my next project, “Bright Hope.” It will come out next summer—although, if people join my Rigganators mailing list, they can get it this December instead. The songs are about heartache, hope, lament, and joy. I can’t wait to get it out into the world for people to hear.
How can we be praying for you?
This has been a year of big transition for me. I was the worship pastor for a great church for 16 years, and after stepping down in January (without a clear plan for the future), I’ve been hustling every day to fill up my calendar with shows, worship leading, and worship team coaching gigs.
It’s a lot of work, but also very fulfilling to be doing what I’m called to do. That said, I’m eager to join the staff of a local church again. I miss the deep fellowship of working together with a team to serve God’s people. So, I’d be very grateful for your prayers.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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