Artist Of The Week #262 - Scout
This week’s Artist of the Week is London based singer-songwriter and producer Scout - who has just released their debut EP ‘Everything Will Make Sense’ via Sweat Entertainment, home to the likes of Dolores Forever and kid apollo.
The project condenses a period of personal turmoil into a body of work spanning an eclectic range of influences and will feature previously released singles "Who" and "The Best". Through their cathartic lens and alternative-leaning pop soundscapes, Scout aims to be to a beacon of defiance and their own biggest champion by knowing their own worth and their power as an artist.
Have already had tumultuous experiences in the music industry, this new chapter hones in on Scout's ideals not only for themselves but for society. Scout shares some of the same ideals as the project's namesake - Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird - and goes further to reflect on their own wrestlings with femininity, societal expectations and the power found in telling your own story.
Hamburg born, Sweden raised and now firmly London based having moved to the capital at the age of 17, Scout's creations are continuously evolving as they dive deeper into their psyche and the world around them.
While holding the cores of these songs close to their heart, over the past few years, Scout opened up their sonic world through a period collaboration, working with producers and mixers including Gethin Pearson (Charli XCX, Bloc Party, Orla Gartland), George Glew (Emie Nathan) and Oliver Wright (Hot Chip, Ashnikko, Anna Of The North) to make Everything Will Make Sense make the most sense.
They took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there Scout - how are you? So your EP is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Hi there! I’m great thanks - thanks for having me! It feels amazing to have it out in the world.
It is called ‘Everything Will Make Sense’ - what is the meaning behind that?
For me it simply means to trust the process. It's a reminder that it’s impossible to accurately judge a situation when you’re in the midst of it. When I started Scout I’d just came out of a band project I’d been in since my teens and life really humbled me for a minute. Most of the songs on the EP are about that time. It used to feel like I was going through a never-ending setback but ultimately it led me to people and places much better suited for me. I think the biggest thing is that it kinda forced me to develop my craft more but also process and develop a sense of self outside the music industry. It's made me more resilient and fearless as an artist.
So, in a bit of an airy way, it's named after the perspective that was gained. “Everything Will Make Sense” is also the name of the first song from the next release so it’s quite mapped out - at least in my head haha.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
Originally it was a real patchwork of demos and different versions, then George Glew tied it all together with his amazing production. I genuinely loved every minute of making it - the people I work with are amazing and a huge part of it for me is doing it as a team. Everyone adds a bit of themselves to it along the way and that’s the beauty of it. Last Time nearly didn’t make it on the EP as I didn’t think it was good enough - I’d added it to a folder called “backup demo ideas” or something like that and somehow it was found at the last minute by Pete or Adam who I work with. Now it’s my favourite on the EP, its amazing to play live as well. Goes to show you don’t always know what’s best for you.
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
I’d say the underlying theme is struggles with self worth, communication and boundaries. Music wise most of the my influences for this EP came from other female or queer and non binary artists but it’s really all over the place in terms of eras and styles, which I think is important.
If the EP could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
Probably some kinda 90’s - early 00’s rom com, maybe Crossroads but in modern day? Something nostalgic, human, cheesy and ever relevant.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP - if so, which one and why?
'Not even the world can entertain me' from Gemini Baby feels like a solid self-observation/nod to my screen time that still holds true a year after I wrote it.
Now the EP is out there - what next?
I’m starting to play live this spring which is super fun! Rehearsing is probably my favourite thing right now. I’m also working on the second EP which is coming out in close succession to this one so it’s looking pretty busy!
