Buy a Record, Make a Difference is a new series we have created to help local musicians generate income during COVID-19. It is based on the principle that we should support and reward the hard work local artists have already put into recordings, as it is an immensely difficult undertaking to be creating new material under current circumstances. There is currently a lot of emphasis on livestreaming and innovation in our industry, and while those things absolutely have their place, we think it’s also important to boost projects that have already been completed.
In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask them to talk about other local musicians whose work they admire. It’s our hope that you’ll take the time to listen to & purchase the work of local artists, or at the very least share their work with others.
SHANNON SCOTT
1. Who are you?
I’m a vocalist/pianist from Alberta, but have been calling Vancouver home for nearly 2 decades. I came to the city to study vocal jazz at Capilano U, and the music community and old growth forests here have essentially become my extended family.
2. Describe your music as best you can.
Honestly I’ve never known what to call it! It was recently called jazz-adjacent on a bill. I love strange chords and progressions that go where you don’t expect them to go, and weaving a pleasing melody through them; but I also love simplicity and allowing a lyric to stand out, unhidden by instrumental complexities. It’s the product of listening to Townes Van Zandt, Neko Case, Brad Meldhau, Bill Evans. Cohen and Joni, like every good moody Canadian. Billie Holiday today, Jeff Buckley tomorrow. Depends on the day which name jumps to the top of the list and there are so many names… I have an undeniable soft spot for a moving folk ballad, yet in my more recent music I’ve been exploring grittier, heavier textures, and my bandmates Jeff Younger and Skye Brooks are fabulous at just digging in and “getting” where the song is going.
3. What’s your latest recording (or a recording you’d like to promote)? Where can people get it?
I’m currently working on a new recording; my most recent recording for sale (Carvings) is on Bandcamp and CDbaby, via my website.
4. Is there another local musician whose work you’d like to give a shout out to?
My aforementioned bandmates both have multiple projects and recordings that should definitely be checked out! Jeff Younger (guitarist) leads Jeff Younger and the Sensitive Gentlemen, and is featured on nylon string guitar with the group The Dreaming Skies. Skye Brooks (drummer) leads the band Copilots (singing and playing guitar), is currently working on a solo drum recording, and drums with Fond of Tigers.
