Craig
Scott – this Florida native is one show stopping singer, songwriter, and
musician whose passion is infectious. A blend of rock, jazz, blues and
Americana to his sound and song delivery, it is felt through the bones that
Craig truly lives and breathes his first love – the gift of song.
Craig’s
EP entitled; “Push & Pull” allowed all listeners to hear that this
singer is here to stay for the long haul. The heartfelt lyrics and the music
hark back to when an artist truly poured his everything into a release.
The
2nd studio album from Craig is entitled; “A Story of Believers” (EP)
scheduled to release this year. Craig
truly shines in his originally penned tracks where his voice soars and is
within the story he is telling. This year will be yet another wondrous year for
Craig where he is on the road touring at a constant with so much more music for
us the fans to be hearing. One quote that truly told me that Craig is a
musician to pace on my radar and others is:
"I've
found that through the years, I just listen to what's going on around me.
And it's in those moments, when I do just listen, the story begins. I've
always wanted to bring others along on this ride with me--feel that with
me. And it is my passion, my dream that these songs I have written will
send you on an amazing journey."
Now,
let’s enjoy this very personal and exciting interview with the artist Craig
Scott!
Craig,
it is a true pleasure to speak with you. I must admit I came across your music
very recently online and became hooked. In this day and age of social media I
am positive that is one great medium to share your passion.
·
Speaking of social
media within your industry, how do you view the importance and necessity of you
being accessible every moment via social media?
Positive all
the way. I strive to stay connected to the listener, you know? That's always my
mission. Connect. So I look at social media as just another way to do that. To
connect with them. Share moments with them. Express how I’m feeling, where I’ve
been and where I’m going.
·
It is also truly
amazing how everything is at one’s fingertips; there come the pros and cons
with having it available such as being on Pandora and other sites for free. Do
you think there is a balance that can be made between the singer/songwriter
along with these sites in terms of compensation/providing a great medium to be
heard globally?
Sure. But I also think with power comes great responsibility
and I commend the big few that have made a stance. We need more of that.
Because I don’t think what’s going on is fair, per say. But I’m also not one to
be sour grapes about all this stuff. I try and focus on the music. On the
songwriting because, after all, getting the music heard, in my opinion, is what
is most important.
·
Wow, I got into
some more in-depth areas and apologize but these as you can see truly matter to
me which I know is the same for you. Ok, changing the pedals of the topics
let’s get into your music!
·
You released your
first EP “Push & Pull” with a very edgy alternative rock sound, is this
genre what you have found to be your sweet spot? It seems that many
singer/songwriters often gravitate to one area that simply fits their personality
and speaks to them. It honestly seems to me that you have a wide array of
influences and like to meld them into a fusion of sounds which is very
refreshing.
I’ve never been one to stay in my comfort zone. (Haha).
Especially artistically. But I also don't want to step away from what I think
works. I listened to a lot of storytellers growing up. Still do. I remember it
being what my parents played in the car growing up as well. I always liked the
Cat Stevens, Kenny Loggins, Billy Joel, Crosby, Nash, James Taylor guys. It’s
that kind of shit that just puts ya there, you know? It puts you in the moment.
It has a story to tell, and often a lesson to learn. So I have a hard time not
weaving that in somewhere along the way. But I also recognize I’m not that kind
of guy. I definitely have more spice to my sound. So I guess I try and take the
idea I have for a song with the fusion of sounds that I know and love and
create something for myself and for the listener that translates it best.
·
How would you
describe your sound?
It's funny. I get asked this questions all the time. And I’m
still working on an answer. But perhaps I am Rock Americana? Adult Rock? Who
knows. I make music. I just want to make good music.
·
What was the
writing process for your EP; “Push & Pull?” All writers have his or her own
way to get the creative juices flowing such as fasting, traveling alone to a
secluded area etc. What have you found works to get your creativity coming?
Some of the songs on the last record I did write years ago
when I was traveling alone quite a bit. So, that's definitely one of them. But
I live in a city where each day I live here, there are plenty of things going
on around me that can inspire you. I just have to open my heart and mind to
them. I’m still a student to songwriting. But one thing I’ve learned thru the
years is everyone has a story. So, if people follow the advice of many of our
parents to listen…. “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason” …I just
listen to what’s happening. I listen to what the human being is going thru. I
listen to the celebration of life. There are always good stories to tell.
·
I must congratulate
you with having your fans support you and your release of your first EP. That
is a true testament that fans want to back one as you and with a ground up
approach it can move mountains. Were you surprised on the amazing response that
it has and still receives?
Sure – It's always a humbling experience. You know, I try
and get over to this place, Ronald McDonald House, once a month or so to play
the kids and the families some songs to put them in good spirits. These people
are going thru things I could never imagine. I go there and play some music.
Try and take them away for a while. Even if it's for a few minutes. So knowing I
can do that with some of these songs is about as rewarding as it gets.
·
It is truly
exciting to hear about your new EP; “A Story For Believers,” what shall fans
expect from this EP?
Well, I think it's still me. So people can expect that.
(haha). But I definitely think, while my last record still had an inspirational
tone to it, it was definitely darker. And I don't think this album is as dark.
As mysterious. I wrote much of the last record when I was in a different place.
I wrote many of these songs in the now. So naturally they will take on a
different setting. I’m very proud of this material. It came together pretty
quickly too.
·
When recording an
EP, I know it gets very difficult to dwindle down the tracks since they are all
like children you gave life to. How did you choose what ended up staying and
others that were not ready?
You know, it's funny, I’m not like that at all. I like
things to be right. I don't grow a close bond with the song unless I think it's
a song worth sharing. If it’s a jam that I like playing in my living room, then
that's ok. But then that's where it's going to stay. A song, in my opinion,
needs to have a place. And it needs to be something you want to share. Because
once it's in someone else’s hands, you give them the right, and the privilege,
to do what they want with it. It can take on the same meaning. A new meaning.
Or no meaning at all. So, I try and put out a collection of songs are just that
– songs. Otherwise they are writings, I suppose.
·
Is your new album
going to have the same feel and story such as your first? Please tell us why or
why not.
For the most part. I try and write songs about things, we
as the human condition, can relate to. Life, Love and Heartbreak. The stories
might be a little different. But the outcome is the same. Any advice for me?
(haha).
·
Now, I am very
curious for tracks that you penned that did not make it onto the new EP, what
will end up to them? Is there a potential that some will be added to another EP
down the road?
Perhaps. When I put out records, even though it's a
different world we live in now, I still like the record to have a feel, a
theme. For it to sound like a collection. So right now, these songs that were
picked felt right together.
·
It looks as though 2016
will be yet another exciting year for Craig Scott, congratulations on that.
What are a few things that we as fans can look forward to in the remaining year
and maybe in 2017?
Well I have a lot of new songs so I look forward to the
shows. Playing the new material live. And even some of our other songs have
taken on a little bit of a new spin so we’ll keep things interesting. We’re
also going to be doing more shows in different parts of the country that I haven’t
ever been so it will be fun to introduce our stuff to new listeners.
·
When doing so many
gigs, appearances and recording, how do you maintain those all so important
vocal chords?
You know, while one might say I have a “raspy” voice and
should be careful, I find the more I sing, the better shape I’m in. So I’m
going to keep singing as much as I can. It seems to be good for the mind, body
and soul.
·
At the end of the
day, what do you think makes you standout for many like myself opposed to many
others that might be trying the same or similar musical journeys?
I don't really know what the secret sauce is. I’m surprised
all the time. But the journey you speak of is what, aside from my own therapy
of writing music, is what I hold close to me. Knowing someone can go on that
ride with me is what gets me going.
·
Who have been
mentors, people both personally and professionally that have had such an
amazing impact to you.
Well, I think I’m very fortunate in that regard. Especially
for a newer up-and-coming artist like myself. I have met some really cool
people. I have met people that have given me some great words of wisdom in
being in this business and I have also met some people, on a more personal
level, that have taught me great lessons that I don't take for granted. It’s
easy to get discouraged in this business. You need to surround yourself with
honesty, belief and inspiration to get ahead and I think I’m doing that.
·
Who are some of
your inspirations when growing up that helped the spark for falling in love
with music and why?
Well I think it started by falling in love with singing
first with the meaning music has to me coming later on. I loved Billy Joel,
Elton John, Lionel Richie, a lot of the 60s Groups. My parents were always
lovers of music so I always had music playing around me. But ya, it was
definitely later in life where I started to listen to music and I was like,
“Wow, I feel different. I feel something.” And music is the only thing that has
given me that feeling.
·
Musically, was
there a moment that another artist touched you deeply that perhaps confirms
your decision of making music?
Not really. I have shown a love for music since a very, very
young age. But yet I get reassurance that music is the most powerful thing in
my life all the time. Each time I go listen to the music and someone is able to
pull me in, I get that reassurance. I get that feeling that only music has been
able to do in such a profound way.
·
In keeping yourself in the best condition, what
is a must when touring to have before hitting the stage?
I’m sure my
manager wouldn’t appreciate this opportunistic question you are giving me. Let
me think….(haha). At the moment, I really like to just get into the right
headspace. And usually my excitement to play and the guys I’m playing with do
that for me. A scotch wouldn't hurt either.
·
What is one thing that you must have in your house?
You must have one item perhaps in the kitchen that you cannot do without.
Good call with the
kitchen. I love to cook so a chef’s knife is definitely something on that list.
That and a wine opener.
·
Do you
have any projects in the making that we can look forward to in the music album
arena?
I have been giving
some thought to recording a blues album. Some under the radar blues songs that
have been around a long time, and then some originals I have written. But I’ve
always thought it would be fun to record something faithful to my love for
blues music. Especially with where I live.
·
Is there
something that you have not as of yet conquered in your career that you still
have as a must?
Collaboration,
whether it be songwriting or singing. It has always been a dream of mine to do
that with a musician that I live for.
·
Walk us
through a typical day in the life of Craig Scott. What are some things you do
to stay in tip top shape both physically, mentally and vocally for your work?
Well I suppose my
day is a lot like yours, really. I’ve always tried to stress to people when I
talk to people on the road how important it is to exercise your passions. If
you love your job, love what you do. That's great. But you also have to have a
passion for something. And not all of us practice our passion for work. So it’s
important, I think, to do it in some capacity. Because I think it’s super
important for the mind, body and soul, ya know? So when I’m not playing my
guitar and singing songs, I’m exercising these other passions I have…for food,
cooking, drinking and experimenting with good wine. Things that make me feel
good. Isn’t that what life is all about? There’s too much that life brings that
is a bit of a buzz kill. So in the time we get to decide, we should do the
things that make us feel really good.
·
I am sure
you have people you admire, whom are a couple and why?
Through the years,
especially in this industry, there have been a lot of participants that, in my
opinion, have become sour grapes over the way the industry has become, over how
the music is distributed into people's hands, on how talent is discovered and
the list goes on. And over the years it has continued to surprise me, even a
few of the legends we wouldn't expect that I’ll leave unnamed, have a poor
attitude and outlook on the industry. And my feeling has always been, “Like it
or not, this is what it is.” And I feel I have a, sort of, gift to share with
people and I am not in charge of the industry. I am in charge of making sure I
can get people to listen to it. And I do that the best way I can. It serves no
one any good to have a bad attitude. Be a salmon swimming upstream. I try my
best to go with the punches. A lot of people are doing really well. A lot of
people are sharing their music. I want to be one of those people. So I admire
the people that are brand new, and have been doing it 50 years, that continue
to go with the wind. And evolve. I admire their courage. I admire their
tenacity. And I admire their willingness to succeed.
·
After
getting into the recording industry, what was the first “Aha moment” that truly
provided the moment you knew you were moving in the right path for yourself?
Was it perhaps a recording session, writing a particular song or live
performance?
I think I take
this on a project by project basis really. I mean, I can say that right now
everything feels super lights on. It feels right. It feels aligned. I am
writing the music at the right time, I am mixing it with the right engineer and
I am recording it with the right musician, some of which I get the privilege of
playing with live as well. It just all feels right. So when I get that feeling,
I know I’m doing the right thing at the right time.
·
Do you
have a vision for you and your music?
For my music to be
played in every single home, car, iPod, restaurant, gym, office, movie, show,
coffeehouse, arena….shit I will even be bold and go library here. I want my
music to be heard. I want the world to hear these songs. They tell stories I
think everyone can understand.
·
Is there
anyone you would love to collaborate with musically? I can think of some great
singers that would be vocally perfection with you and I am sure you do.
Stevie Nicks, Beth
Hart, Ryan Adams, John Rzeznik…
·
What made
you get into the music industry?
Encouragement from
loved ones first and foremost. It can be intimidating. But I also certainly
didn't want to be pissed off later on for not giving it a good shot. And I was
sitting on a lot of material. So it took working with people to compile it all
and make a first record out of it. A record that instilled a feeling and an
emotion that I wanted it to give. But I couldn’t be happier that I did this. I
am grateful to the fans. I am grateful for the therapy it provides me, the
comfort it provides me. And I am having a ton of fun.
·
What was your first gig?
Small club in the
art district in Miami.
·
When people listen to and/or watch Craig Scott,
what do you want them to remember about you as a singer?
Great vocals
coupled by great songs. I usually get great vocals coupled by great height.
·
How would
you want someone to describe a Craig Scott concert when seeing you live to
others?
An evening
celebrating what we as the human condition, go thru and relate to. An evening
of great melodies and songs you can rock to; songs you can perhaps ring thought
to. Reflect. But all in all, we are just a group of people having a blast on
stage in hopes that we play some great music for you to enjoy.
·
Is there a dream venue that you would truly love
to perform at and why?
Red Rocks
Amphitheatre. I’ve always thought, as a concert-goer it's a very special place
with very special acoustics. But it’s a favorite for all of the great
performers. And I’m dying to find out why.
·
Finally, what is one word that would be best to
describe you?
Believer.
playing?
One had to come first and perhaps led you down the path of the other.
