Scotty McCreery’s fans have something to look forward to in 2017: new music from the former American Idol winner.

Scotty, who hasn’t released a new single since “Southern Belle” in August 2015, parted ways with his Mercury Nashville label earlier this year. Although his last studio album was 2013’s See You Tonight, Scotty has remained busy in the interim by touring and penning his first book, Go Big or Go Home, which was released in May.

However, it was the promise of new music that put a little extra pep in Scotty’s step on the red carpet at the CMA Awards on Nov. 2.

“We’re getting ready with new music,” said Scotty to Nash Country Daily. “I just signed on with new management and we’re close to getting new music out. The Idol contract is a really fun one to work out. We’re like one signature away from being free. A lot of the songs are already done, so we’re getting them back. We’re close. By January or February, we should have a new single out.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcbF4dNJAwo