Matthew ‘Matt’ Scott is a Scottish singer-songwriter from Kilmarnock, Ayrshire whose genre is blues/folk music. I’ve reviewed Matt Scott’s music, which you can check out here, here and here.
Where are you from?
Good old Kilmarnock. Although technically from a wee village out with, but Killie will do for now.
How long have you been playing your respective instrument(s)?
I’ve been playing guitar since age 14. And kidding on to sing from about 19 or 20 years old.
What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
Verging on Blues / Folk music. However, it is very difficult to bracket it. Those are perhaps most applicable.
What are your influences?
Frankie Miller, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Bruce Springsteen, Townes Van Zandt… the list truly does go on and on. I have a true love of the folk movement from 40s through to 70s.
Do you do covers and if so what’s your go to?
Ah, every now and then. Sometimes they are a good change in a set. However, they’re not the most recognizable of the artists I wouldn’t say:
Tom Waits – Home I’ll Never Be
Bob Dylan – Changing of the Guards
John Prine – Blue Umbrella
Bruce Springsteen – Thunder Road
Do you have a process for writing your songs?
I’ve been trying to figure that out. People tend to speak of strictly writing lyrics first or chords or whatever then building. My songs tend to come altogether from a rough melody idea… I think. I don’t quite know. Maybe that’s the beauty and frustration of it. If there was a solid formula that worked then I’d be on to a winner. Alas, however, I remain in Kilmarnock playing to my dear cat.
Do you have any interesting/funny stories about gigging or touring?
There are a few, but I shall be terse.
I played a gig in Fife once. Following my set a lad came up asking “Wiz it you that just played there, ae?!”
I responded, “Indeed it was, thank you very much for watching man!”
The Fifer became excitable then proceeded to lift a bar stool and throw it through the pub window.
I think he enjoyed the gig.
What has been your biggest challenge as a performer? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so then how?
Not drinking before going on stage.
Drinking before going on stage.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can hear my music on Bandcamp and Soundcloud.
Have you released anything yet/if they have how has it gone down and are you planning anything for the near future?
I released a debut EP a wee while ago. Managed to sell out a good venue in Killie for the release show. I’m glad to say it has been well received, but maybe you’d need to ask people who’ve bought it.
Aye, I’ve some ideas and have been in the studio of late. It’ll be gid I think.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
Last year I played a good bit in North America and Europe.
Typically, however, it’s not that glamorous. I do love playing anywhere in Scotland. Anywhere in general actually.
Crap places are those with crap managers who don’t know anything about music, but have heard it must be good to get some jobber into play, no matter who it is.
Good places are those who have listened to you and book you for you. No for shite / ‘novel’ covers of terrible, terrible songs.
What do you think about downloading music online?
Why no? We can bark about this and that, but if folk are recognized and hopefully creativity, then I’d imagine it should be fine – this opinion is perhaps variable though. It’s good when people buy your stuff online though, aye.
What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
A grand place where talent is awarded, and thievery condemned.
Na I don’t know. The closest I’ve got to industry is thinking about what I would do if someone offered me a cigarette outside Columbia Records. I’d probably accept it.
First Published on: https://www.newhellfireclub.co.uk
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