Country artist Chase McDaniel hit two personal milestones this past weekend. On the day of his debut album release, “Lost Ones,” McDaniel set out to bench press 250 pounds—self-imposed challenge inspired after a powerlifting accident several years ago left with amnesia,
“I got a show tonight. Got a lot of things working against me, but we’re gonna see what we get today,” McDaniel shared, slightly confident but showing nervousness. The climate in Arizona, where he was performing later that evening, was different, the pressure was on, and the weight—both literal and figurative—was heavy.
McDaniel’s warm-up was methodical: “Alright, 185, 205, 225… 225 felt easy. Let’s try 240.” Each set was a step closer to his goal, but also a reminder of the obstacles he faced. “I think it’s gonna be the first one to give me a challenge, which is kind of cool. Didn’t expect that,” he admitted after 240 pounds.
Before attempting 250, McDaniel took a pause. “I’m gonna ice myself a little bit, give myself, like five minutes rest. I’m having a ton of anxiety right now. I think my body is confusing, the excitement, the panic, and that’s not good.” He described the moment as a battle between excitement and panic, reminiscent of his competitive days.
Form was on his mind, too. “I did watch the last video. I did raise my butt up a little bit. I’m trying to keep my butt down… I think I’m doing that because I’m scared, like I haven’t even put this kind of weight on yet.”
With his friend Miguel recording, McDaniel pushed through. “You can do any fucking thing. I just saw myself out of a panic attack and did exactly less that I was gonna do… Don’t let anything hold you back. You are stronger than you think you are.”
While the won’t shatter any PRs for the former powerlifter, the 250-pound lift was more than a number—it’s the first time he challenged himself in the gym since blacking out at the top of a 300-pound power clean attempt, before collapsing to the platform as the weight crashed down on his then 155-pound frame. The accident left him in the hospital with a severe concussion, followed by amnesia. Hitting this bench press is only the beginning, he hopes of getting his strength back to peak levels. “Whatever it is you’re going through you can overcome,” he says. “For me, this is one step forward and getting back into the gym panic attack free, and getting a part of my life back that I miss so much.”
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Along with his weightlifting feat, was the drop, McDaniel released his debut album, Lost Ones, is marked by changes in his life, including his battles with mental health.Immediately following his powerlifting accident, the Kentucky native’s life took a sharp turn. The incident triggered a cascade of challenges—crippling panic attacks and anxiety made even simple tasks feel overwhelming, and the gym, once his safe haven, was suddenly out of reach.
McDaniel eventually began channeling his struggles into music. “The only place left to go was in my head,” he shares, describing how songwriting became his way to process pain and confusion. His debut album, “Lost Ones” is a deeply personal collection that captures his journey through hardship and healing. The title track, paired with an emotionally charged video, offers listeners a glimpse into his world and speaks to anyone facing their own inner battles.
McDaniel’s honesty has resonated widely—his single “Burned Down Heaven” quickly climbed into the Top 3 most added tracks at Country radio, earning him MusicRow’s “DISCovery Award.” Additional releases like “Heart Still Works” and “Made It This Far,” along with an upcoming tour with Jason Aldean, mark new milestones in his career.