Calum Scott – My World

By starrymag | October 7, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Who are some of the musical artists that influenced you when you were growing up?

 

A) Mum definitely influenced my music taste! It was the big folder of CDs that she had in the car that we’d make our way through, and they were all huge voices like George Michael, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Elton John and Celine Dion! Of course. I found my own taste with pop music but I think those big classic voices have influenced the way I write and perform!

 

Q) Where did the concept for your new single “My World” come from?

 

A) I’m back with a ballad and I love this one! It can be a challenge to find a different way of saying ‘I Love You’ but the production really helps make this one sound so fresh whilst keeping the classic heartfelt songwriting at its core.

Q) This is another heartfelt song – a genre you seem to excel in. Do you go into songwriting with the notion of a type of song in mind that you want to write?  

 

A) Not anymore. I used to think after the success of “Dancing On My Own” that I might be the “ballad guy,” but having experimented and evolved into the artist I am today, I have learnt not to stand in the way of the song. Of COURSE, I’m always going to want to hit people straight in the feels and make ‘em cry, but the song is the most important thing and if it’s a bop, I don’t make it sad with a cello and a heartbreaking lyric! It depends on how you feel too because I’ve definitely written songs that speak to how ever I’m feeling at the time or what is occupying my mind and as a sensitive lad, I’m not shy of a heartfelt topic!

 

Q) Speaking of songwriting, do you need a lyric before you can craft a melody/beat around it?

 

A) It just depends, it can be entirely random. There are some songs that come from a conversation like in “Cross Your Mind” I literally made a call on the way to the studio which kickstarted the whole song, ‘we haven’t talked for a year or so, I could tell from your voice that it’s not the call you wanted, if you were honest.’ Other times, you’re playing around with sounds or chords and the lyrics fit the tone like in “Roots” where we were led by the beat and a cool whistle noise.

 

Q) With your recent song “Roots” and now “My World” coming out, how hands on have you gotten on the production side of the music that you make?

 

A) “My World” was pretty much there when I got involved and the production was one of the reasons I loved it so much, that big chorus release after those heartfelt vulnerable verses just hits different! “Roots” was a bit different in the sense that we kept pushing the production in that pop direction. I’d love to say that I’m like Mark Ronson and I’m in the studio pulling out old synths and guitars and making the sound myself, but I leave that to the people that know best because if I got in the studio to do it all, I’m that much of a perfectionist I’d probably be releasing one song a year!

 

Q) Could these two new singles be a prelude to a full album or EP in the near future?

 

A) Oh, I’m definitely writing an album! I always will. I love albums and as an artist it gives me the opportunity to collect my songs together in one place and almost close a chapter in my life, immortalising my feelings in that period of time. This one feels confident and I feel like I have grown into the artist I want to be!

 

Q) You’ve just come off a run of festival dates overseas and hitting stadiums across Asia and Europe with Ed Sheeran.  In October, you’ll kick off your “The Songbook So Far” headline tour of North America.  Are there some stops along your tours where you are really looking forward to performing live?

 

A) I’m very lucky that I get to travel across the world and perform my music. These stadium shows across Asia and Europe with Ed have been some of my favorite memories of my career, but there’s nothing better than performing at your own shows! I have a quick US tour coming up in October and I must admit, I LOVE touring America, and I think I’m bringing my Mum this time as I’ve been able to retire her from her day job!!

 

Q) Who are some artists that you would love to collaborate with on a song in the future or even ones you think fans should keep an eye out for?

 

A) I can’t say anything about upcoming collaborations, but I think I can tell you I’ve worked on more collabs in the last two years than I have in the rest of my career!! But in terms of dream collabs, I’d love to duet with another male artist in the same genre and sing a massive power ballad! I always go back to “Under Pressure” with Freddie Mercury and David Bowie and how amazing that sounds with those two recognizable big male voices!

 

Q) Certainly, your song “You Are the Reason” continues to touch so many fans and has become a part of so many magical moments from proposals to weddings. What does it mean to you have a song that remains so timeless and plays such a significant role in so many special occasions? 

 

A) It means everything. There’s a choice of millions of songs that exist, so the fact that two people decide that they want to immortalize a moment between them, in front of all their loved ones with one of MY songs is just an unbelievable feeling – one that humbles me each time I hear it. It is the highest accolade to have people soundtrack my music to important moments in their lives. Forever grateful.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the incredible music that you make?

 

A) I would just say thank you, a million times. I am so incredibly grateful for my life being changed because of the support and love I have received during my career and the only way I can repay that love is by striving to make music that resonates with people, that helps people feel seen and heard, that helps people forget their troubles for a couple of minutes or helps them heal. That is my duty.