Formula Indie Sessions Interview Cadre Scott
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I think my earliest memory connected to music might be watching Hannah Montana when I was six. I loved Hannah and absolutely knew I wanted to be a rock star like her when I grew up. I’d also have to say listening to Adele in the car on the way to school with my mom. I loved to sing “Someone Like You” any chance I got. My mom loves to tell people that I was singing Adele with perfect pitch in the shower at age seven, haha.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I have always loved to sing for as long as I can remember, and I would have fun making up silly songs when I was little about the food I was eating or the trees outside. But when I turned 15, I remember watching the Bohemian Rhapsody Queen movie and feeling so inspired that as soon as I came home from the theater, I sat down and wrote my first real song. From there I never stopped writing. It kept growing, and then when I was 18 I got the chance to record my first song in a studio and I was hooked. Writing and creating music is like therapy to me, and now I cannot imagine a life without it.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I just put out a new album called, Higher. This collection of songs is so special to me because it’s the first time I got to be the full producer on one of my projects. I wanted this album to be recorded in live takes, totally ’70s style, and to feel very stripped-down, raw, and real. I had the chance to record with Steve Ornest at Total Access Recording in Redondo Beach, and he made sure my vision came to life exactly how I wanted it to. We had so much fun recording eight songs in two days—Steve is the best! The songs themselves are inspired by my own life experiences of love, heartbreak, and fun, but the overarching theme for me is self-love. It’s about learning to accept the good and the bad and really just living your life for you. I wanted the raw sound to reflect human nature in the way that we are all perfectly imperfect.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would say I have a nostalgic folk-rock sound! I love the ’60s and ’70s, and I think my music is reminiscent of that era. Though I wasn’t alive during those times, I do believe I am an old soul. Sometimes I get compared to Stevie Nicks, which is the greatest compliment ever.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Hmmm. I think learning that a song doesn’t have to fit a set “formula” helped me get more creative. When I first wrote a song, I googled “how to write a song” and found that I needed a few verses, a chorus, and a bridge. That was helpful to start, but as I kept writing I learned that there are no rules. Sometimes I’ll write songs with no bridge or no
Cadre Scott Interview
chorus at all! Playing around with different phrasing and cadence can change a song completely, too. I like to have fun so that it doesn’t just have to be words put to music. Once I let myself do that, I opened up a whole new world of creativity.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I personally love to write with just my acoustic guitar and paper. I have a journal filled with songs. I used to write with a ukulele, but once I taught myself guitar I never looked back. I’d say my voice memos app on my phone is pretty essential, though. Sometimes I’ll get an idea for a sound in a song, and it’s so helpful to record it quickly and build on it later.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I have been loving the band The Something Specials! They don’t have a ton of music out yet, but I love their dreamy sound. The lead singer Taylor Olin also has such a unique tone, which I love.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Just about all of my music comes from my own personal experiences! I write to process things I go through or to pay tribute to things that have touched me deeply. The ’60s/’70s sound and aesthetic I love so dearly definitely comes from the fact that I drive a ’64 VW Bug. When I got my license in high school and started driving my grandpa’s old Volkswagen, I quickly became interested in the music of my car’s era. The memory of learning to drive stick with my dad while listening to Linda Ronstadt will stay with me forever.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I always say I want my music to be whatever people need it to be for them. I think everyone consumes music for different reasons, and I hope my music can provide someone a moment of feeling seen—whether that’s through happiness, sadness, or laughter. Certain songs mean a lot to me because maybe the bridge melody pulls at a heartstring, or the bass line makes me want to get up and dance. I hope my music will find the right person at the right moment so it can be something special just for them.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
As I mentioned before about my creation process, music has taught me that there are no rules and it’s okay to have fun. I have also learned it’s good to know exactly what you want and to be proud of that. There are always going to be people giving their input on your art and wanting to insert themselves, but as long as you’re good with it and you stand by your vision, you’re golden. Your art doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but yourself.
Cadre Scott Interview
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Red Rocks!! And definitely the Hollywood Bowl, but Red Rocks? Come on, such a dream! I will play there one day, most definitely!
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to sing with Stevie Nicks! Just to harmonize with her would be a dream, but to write a little bit together and share ideas would be so cool. I just adore her songwriting style—it feels very in touch with her heart. I think she would agree with me that art doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but yourself.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0WOurp3pYnmzdLDWYJ0VZG?si=iZDyNn xSWOMVmYRqMYn_g
Website: https://cadrescott.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadrescott/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3f_JuS4Vlzh2WXodQnWDA
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I plan to continue playing shows anywhere and everywhere! I would love to head out on tour with my band, and then soon enough a world tour. 😉
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope listeners can feel my true love for music. I plan to make it big, but the reason I create music and perform is really because I just love to do it. I love to sing more than anything else in this world.
