Fifteen seconds into his upcoming album Good to Be Here (out April 25), Phillip-Michael Scales sings, “Toes pointed toward the road / Hard times picking at my bones,” before launching into the anthemic chorus: “I couldn’t walk away if I tried / I’m gonna light up the sky.” The song sets a determined tone for the album, reflecting Scales’ journey as an artist.

In Chicago, Scales honed his craft, playing 308 gigs in 2018 and crediting the city with teaching him how to hustle. This drive carried him to Nashville, where he gained traction on the radio station; Lightning 100, released his debut album Sinner-Songwriter, toured Europe, appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and opened national tours for Keb’ Mo’ and Caravan Palace. Grammy-nominated producer Dan Knobler (Lake Street Dive, Allison Russell, and Bahamas) later joined forces with Scales to produce Good to Be Here.

Without a label or viral hit, Scales has built his career through relentless effort—long drives behind tour busses, self-management, and learning the business firsthand. His music channels the grit of Stax-era soul, cataloging the journey of building a dream brick by brick. Make no mistake there is an undercurrent of fun throughout whether he’s finding love in  “Can’t Get Enough” or getting his swagger back in “Be My Own Man.” As Scales puts it: “I wouldn’t say that I’ve ‘arrived,’ but... it’s good to be here.