Singer-songwriter Scott Swain prepares to release his captivating and compelling debut EP, Goodbye Country, Goodbye Home, on May 20th (2018) via Resonating Wood Recordings.
There are two dimensions to this genre-defying EP, the main aspect being that the entire EP – including track order – is about Brexit. Swain is not ignorant to the fact that this is a topic that some are tired of hearing and therefore, he has created an alternative dimension; each song is about a particular film that has inspired him. The cinematic soundscapes of ‘Rachel’ are inspired by Blade Runner, the anthemic vibrations of ‘Its Too Late’ are based on the French film Irréversible, next track ‘Bury Bones’ reflects the same rollercoaster energy of Mad Max: Fury Road, ’All Is Well (Until You’re On Your Own)’ is an emotive ballad channelling Forty Days of Summer and lastly, ‘Oil!’ brings out the Johnny Cash in Swain as he shows off his country twang via There Will Be Blood. Each track on the EP has something undeniably unique to offer and yet Swain’s powerful lead vocal remains a welcoming constant. Fans of The National and Radiohead will feel at home here.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Scott Swain about the new EP, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I think the main thing which attracts me to whatever genre or style my music is categorised into is two-fold: the rich sound of an acoustic guitar (especially the Taylor baritone I’m lucky to have); and thinking of myself as a musician rather than a guitarist.
As a guitarist I think there’s a tendency towards using particular chords which you know are going to produce a chunky sound, or can be used in combination with particular fx pedals for a fuller sound; or you may want to bust out a 4 min solo full of tapping and other crazy techniques to show how great you are. However, as a musician you need to take so many other things in to consideration than just what one instrument is doing. My focus is far more on the overall sound of the song, and if it’s communicating what it ought to be communicating, in a cohesive way. Often I find it far more interesting to play around with subtle time signature changes in a bar, or writing in a chord progression in a mode I wouldn’t normally go to (like the locrian mode – Bjork’s song ‘Army of Me’ does this so incredibly well).
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
Going solo back in 2016 was a big decision for me. Being in a band is great for loads of reasons, but at the same time (in my experience) you have to compromise on the sound you want to get, and therefore I felt that I’d never really had the freedom I wanted to experiment and cultivate my ‘sound’. Being a solo artist however, I feel I’m now on the right path to achieving this.
In terms of pushing it out to the public, I’m not entirely sure, without going in to an existential psychoanalysis of myself. I guess, quite simply, I’m creating something and I want to share it in the hope that people will enjoy it, or even connect with it.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
I find that I’m more creative when my mind isn’t on music. Most of my songs have come to me whilst I’ve been something completely menial and totally unrelated to music, like hoovering, cleaning my van, or driving. I do however find cinema/film incredibly inspiring.
My tastes in music have definitely changed over time, and this perhaps shapes my sound somewhat. When I was younger I listened to a lot of grunge and metal and consequently the music I wrote then echoed this. I still listen a lot to rock music, but I also listen to Country, Americana, folk, and singer-songwriters, and I feel like I’ve found some sort of home in this area as a writer. I can’t deny my rock roots though, and I think this still comes across in my songs (although this is probably quite subtle).
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
The main thing I wanted to achieve with my debut EP was to present a footprint. To give people a taste of my sound. I wanted to create something that I feel I’ve not had to compromise on in anyway so that the music is exactly what I want it to be. Ultimately, I wanted to present myself as a musician and a song writer.
What was the last song you listened to?
‘Freakshow’ by Ghostpoet.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Difficult question to answer. Some genres/songs/albums are better on certain formats. For example, if I were listening to Slint’s masterpiece ‘Spiderland’, or Calexico’s ‘Algiers’ then it would have to be vinyl all the way; but there’s something really practical and convenient about MP3s. CDs hold a sentimental value to me (almost as much as tape cassettes) as they are what I grew up with.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’d go for Spotify. I love that I can have access to a ridiculous number of songs, and can be listening to one song and then select ‘listen to song radio’ and then be exposed to a heap of other songs which I’d perhaps never have come across otherwise. That said, as an artist, the financial return from having your music on Spotify sucks!
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
I think one of the biggest challenges for me, or anyone else trying to connect with new fans, currently is the over-saturation of alternatives. Nowadays you don’t need to play an instrument, or have much musical knowledge/ability, to be a ‘music artist’. Programmes like the X factor or Britain’s Got Talent encourage anyone who believes they can sing to become a performer. Even if they can’t sing, once they are in the studio auto-tuner can work its magic and make them sound as though they are pitch-perfect.
Why would you go out to see live music, for a band or artist you don’t really know that well, when you could stay at home instead and watch singers’ on a talent show and pretend that you yourself are the judge.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
My website has recently had a bit of a spring clean, so I’d direct people there first: www.scottswainmusic.com
As I find Reverbnation to be a great platform (and it’s been especially kind to me), I’d also encourage people to head over there: www.reverbnation.com/scottswainmusic
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Thanks for reading. If there’s anything you agree/disagree with, or wanna challenge me on something I’ve said then let me know via twitter: @scottswainmusic Alternatively, I love meeting random people at my gigs and chatting about films and music, so why not come along and say ‘hi’.
