Scott Helman – Nonsuch Park

By starrymag | October 4, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) It changes every day. Every time I write a song, I ask myself what “sound” that song calls for, building on my experiences, drawing inspo from other places. I don’t really like the word “brand” or “sound” because I think it puts art in a box. The most important thing for me is creating strong messages and being honest. Sometimes that honesty needs cellos. Sometimes it needs a sample of my cat!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) So many! Woodie Guthrie, Crowded House, Nina Simone, NAS, Carly Rae Jepsen, Skrillex, Arcade Fire… I love music, of any kind, as long as it speaks to something in my heart.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Papa.”

 

A) I was on tour on the west coast of the U.S when I found out my Papa had passed away. It was crushing. I was so broken that I couldn’t be by his side, but he explicitly told me not to come. He was my biggest fan and preferred I be on the road. When I got off tour, I tried writing about it a couple of times. Nothing good came of it. I don’t think I was ready yet. I was trying to find some resolve, some kind of answer to all the trauma. 

 

I finally got back with my team – Simon Wilcox, Tawgs Salter and Gordie Samson. They really encouraged me to just write from the heart, for me, and be honest and vulnerable. It all happened pretty quick after that.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think vulnerability is such a crucial part of art. Even if you’ve never been through the same trauma, it’s always beautiful to watch someone unfold their pain in an honest way. It tells the listener “it’s ok to be broken.” I’ve been saved many times by art in that way, and I think it’s a gift to be able to reciprocate that.

 

Q) As a tribute to your grandpa, how does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I had never seen those movie clips in the video before. The video is genuinely me watching them for the first time. I like that that video now stands as a real time stamp in my life, that no matter when it’s watched it will always be an unapologetic return to the raw feelings that the song portrays.

 

My Papa was really a wonderful person – hilarious, life-loving, insightful, and stubborn. He influenced me in so many ways. Most importantly, he taught me that life should be lived to its absolute fullest.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Yes and no. I have a list of lyrics and titles that’s always growing and changing. I have themes I like to write prose about. But the magic really comes for me when I build off them musically. I like to have a vibe before I start inserting my “ideas.”

 

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

 

A) I’ve always been hands-on, but I don’t like to bite off more than I can chew. I’m heavy into production now and I love the control I have over my music. But I’ve learned so much from others, especially Tawgs (who has mentored me so much) and I always love to collaborate and hear other sides. At the end of the day, I produce/co-produce almost every song in some way.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new album Nonsuch Park?

 

A) Love. Loss. Politics. Divorce. Sex. Climate change. Family.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day in the studio, after paying such beautiful tribute to someone so special to you?

 

A) I’m not sure! I think I felt relieved. I knew after Papa had been written that I had done well, and I felt his spirit was really alive in that song. I was happy to have captured the moment.

 

Q) All of these songs must hold such a special place in your heart. Which do you think you may find too personal to perform? 

 

A) “Papa” will be hard. I sometimes can’t listen to it. “Good Problem” is also pretty raw, even though it’s the oldest song on the record. We’ll see. [smiles]

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album as a whole?

 

A) I hope they take away whatever it is they need! There are so many themes and ideas on Album/Side A. All in all, I’m just happy they’re along for the journey and I’m so excited for them all to hear Side B!!

 

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

 

A) Halsey. Neck Deep. Remi Wolf. Bazzi. Tyler Childers. Vampire Weekend. (To name a few!)

 

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

 

A) Tyler Childers. Gosh. The lyrics. 

 

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

 

A) I just love being connected. They give me so much and I love that I can reciprocate. So much of what I do is planned, timed and rolled out, etc. It’s nice to just say hi and be there for folks who love what you do.