Edwin McCain Breaks His 15-Year Silence: The Story Behind Lucky and Why He Finally Returned to the Studio.

March 19th, 2025

Edwin McCain on His Return to Music: The Journey Behind “Lucky”

After 15 years away from the studio, Edwin McCain is back with Lucky, a new album that reflects both nostalgia and newfound inspiration. In a recent conversation, McCain opened up about what reignited his creative spark, his approach to making music, and what fans can expect from his upcoming shows.

Lee Brice: The Catalyst for a Comeback

For years, McCain resisted the idea of recording new music. “Lee Brice has pestered me into doing it,” he admitted with a laugh. Brice had been encouraging him for over a decade, but McCain always assumed audiences weren’t interested in new material. “When I listen to AC/DC, I don’t listen to the new stuff—I listen to Back in Black,” he explained.

However, the resurgence of 90s nostalgia and Brice’s persistence finally convinced him. “I was like, alright, why not? It’s a lot easier to make records than it used to be.” What followed was an incredibly rewarding experience. “Honestly, it was the most fun I’ve ever had making a record.”

The Recording Process: Creativity Meets Comfort

McCain credits Brice and fellow artist Jerrod Niemann for making the process enjoyable. “They have great musical instincts and studio chops. It took a lot of creative pressure off.” Recording at Brice’s farm provided a laid-back atmosphere, allowing McCain to focus on the music without industry pressures.

Collaborating with Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey and powerhouse vocalist Rebecca Lynn Howard also added energy to the project. “Rebecca is a force of nature,” McCain marveled. “I’ve never seen anyone walk in and one-take vocals like that.”

Gratitude and Reflection: The Meaning Behind Lucky

The album’s title, Lucky, reflects McCain’s appreciation for his career. When asked about a moment where he truly felt lucky, he reminisced about his early days playing at a beach bar in Hilton Head, South Carolina. “I was 19, playing with an ocean view, thinking, ‘I don’t know if it gets better than this.’ 35 years later, I still get to do what I love. It’s been an incredible ride.”

Edwin McCain – Lucky

This sense of gratitude is especially evident in Don’t Go Chasing a Memory, a track reminding McCain to stay present and enjoy the music itself rather than chasing past successes. “When I started out with Atlantic, everything was numbers-driven. We lived and died by radio reports, and it was hard to enjoy the gigs. Now, I just want to love what I’m doing on the way out.”

Setlists, AC/DC, and Fan Expectations

With three decades of music under his belt, balancing old hits with new songs in a live set is a challenge. “For live shows, you kind of have to keep the new stuff to about three songs,” he said, taking a cue from AC/DC. “They’d open with something new, put one in the middle, maybe near the end, and then fill the rest with the classics.”

His approach changes depending on the venue. Playing at an intimate spot like The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton allows for spontaneity. “That place is like a living room scene. We can stray all over the place. If the audience is into it, we could go for two hours.”

McCain also admitted that his setlists are more of a rough guide than a strict plan. “I might follow the first three songs, but then I just call audibles all night long, depending on the crowd.”

A Surprising EDM Influence?

One of the most unexpected tracks on Lucky is Empires, which carries an EDM influence. “I got taken to an Illenium concert, and it blew my mind,” McCain revealed. “The show just kept growing, from a small stage in the middle of the arena to this massive spectacle with fire, lasers, guest artists like Ariana Grande, and live musicians blending with electronic beats. It was wild.”

Despite the inspiration, don’t expect him to be behind a DJ booth anytime soon. “Never,” he laughed. “I’ll stay in my lane.”

Looking Ahead

With Lucky, McCain isn’t aiming for a massive comeback—he’s simply making music for the love of it. Whether it’s playing a nostalgic hit or debuting a fresh track, he’s grateful for the chance to keep doing what he loves.

Fans can catch McCain at The Funky Biscuit or on tour with Train, where he’ll continue delivering heartfelt performances with the same passion that’s defined his career.