Scott Gardner – What You Do to Me

By starrymag | September 2, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

NYC-based pop dance artist Scott Gardner springs back onto the music scene with not one but two new singles, “Daydreaming” and “What You Do To Me” that are out now on all major streaming platforms. Written, recorded and produced by Gardner, both songs give a taste of the independent artist’s new EP, set to drop later this fall.

 

 

​Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as family-friendly and always fun. I grew up listening to artists like Mandy Moore and Britney Spears, Meghan Trainor, Michael Buble, Michael Jackson, Carole King, etc. So, I love happy music that gives you a place to escape to somewhere positive.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Well, to name a few more, I really respect Selena Gomez and her stand on mental health, and I love watching Lizzo be herself with no apologies. I love Elton John and Sara Bareilles for their classic songwriting. I was inspired to be a serious songwriter when I saw Beautiful, the Carole King musical. The music and lyrics resonated with me, and I knew I could create something that could be personal to me.  I’m also a diehard Max Martin fan when it comes to quality music production. Also, I love Bonnie Mckee; she’s a brilliant songwriter and performer.  I truly hope to be like her someday.  Finally, Zara Larsson…I love her voice and production. She’s a dream.

 

Q) Talk about the stories behind your new songs “Daydreaming” and “What You Do to Me.”

 

A) “Daydreaming “came from a memory of a boy that I worked with at cheerleading camp, everyone was in love with him and I HATED that I had a crush on him too, especially because I was FRIENDS with his girlfriend and I am a very loyal person so it was hard to not be daydreaming about him.

“That’s What You Do to Me” is so funny! Everyone is in love with Shawn Mendes and, again, it drove me crazy that I thought he was cute because EVERYONE DOES! [laughs] So, that’s why I say I try to hide and avoid the feelings that you’re giving to me…also mixed with memories of boys I would crush on in school. I’ve always been the very shy type. When I would meet boys, I thought they were cute. I would freeze up and not know what to say, butterflies can’t stop it! [laughs]

 

Q) How do the videos for the tracks play into the message behind them?

 

A) Well, I don’t have a music video yet, but I am planning and conceptualizing one for “Daydreaming.”

 

Q) Both of these singles were written by you. What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) My songwriting process is different. Sometimes I have a melody in my head and then I mix it up because I want to make sure my subconscious isn’t thinking of another song. Then, I go into my poems and see if anything would fit. I also think about things I would want to talk about or an important message I would like to share, and I start writing.

I have a new track coming out that I wrote to a beat that my producer prepared, and I found that so easy! It was nice coming up with just the melody, as the beat is sometimes the hardest part.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) When it comes to the production of the music, I’m so blessed to have Arturo Cabrera Brambilla and now Hector Fonseca. I have worked with Arturo for years and he always asks me exactly what I want. How I want it to sound is very important to him – he’s great! And with Hector, we just started working together, and he’s amazing as well. With him, I don’t give very much direction. He just makes amazing remixes and is the king of house music in my mind, so I let him do his thing.

 

Q) How did you connect with DJ/producer Hector Fonseca for a remix on “Daydreaming?”

 

A) I met Hector Fonseca through a mutual friend from my modeling days and he was more than happy to connect us!

 

Q) With two new singles out, will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I am releasing an EP in September or October. I am so excited about it; lots of fun dance songs always pop, of course, and more to come from Hector’s remixes as well!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I was fortunate enough to perform at The Municipal in Nashville opening for Lizzo, making Nashville very special to me. I also was able to open for Zara Larson at iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball in Miami and in Washington, D.C. So, those are very special places in my heart. My dream is to perform back in California where I’m from and in NYC, where I live now.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) In the future I would love to collaborate with so many people so it would be hard to choose, but I do love my icons such as Britney Spears, that would be a dream. Or Madison Beer, I think she is perfection. But there are so many others like Elton John or Bonnie Mckee – to write a song with them would be heaven.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) Band I’m listening to?? I listen to everything! I love Disney music! My dream would be to be a Disney Prince [laughs], but I also love Marina and the Diamonds as her voice and her beats are always so amazing. Like I said before, Madison Beer – I love her messages of female empowerment and owning herself. There’s just something endearing and confident about her that I adore.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Being on social media is a good way to connect with fans, but there are restrictions on some music and rules on posting so I find photos easier to share than music. But I pray it gets out there and brings people joy. That is the goal.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) One thing I would like to say to anyone supporting my music is thank you! This has been my dream since I was eight years old and I couldn’t be happier receiving your love!

 

 

For more info:  https://scottgardnermusic.com/

 

Scott Gardner on Spotify