If you're looking for a new artist and don't know where to start, BEN SCOTT might just be the one for you.
The LA-based singer-songwriter is a genre-crossing artist who effortlessly moves between folk, acoustic, indie rock, classic rock and even grunge influences. Think Peach Pit, The Backseat Lovers, MGMT and Red Hot Chili Peppers as influences.
At Band Together, that's exactly why we love Ben's music. We enjoy listening across all genres, and depending on our mood, we can jump between completely different sounds while still finding something in Ben's catalogue to connect with.
Right now, our favourite BEN SCOTT track is "Say My Name". It has that classic rock feel. Smooth, catchy and carrying just the right amount of swagger. What makes the song so appealing is that it never feels like it's trying too hard. It flows naturally, and that's often what separates a good song from a great one. Sometimes simplicity really is best.
The guitar work and Ben's vocal performance are what make this track stand out. In fact, that's true of most of Ben's music. His greatest asset is undoubtedly his voice. It has a warmth and authenticity that brings every song to life.
Our recommended starting points:
Say My Name
Afterglow
Green Love
Gentle Hands
Wilting Flowers
Walking
Angela
Summer Song
Fresh Soap
Together, these songs showcase the many different sides of Ben Scott as an artist. Whether it's folk-inspired storytelling, indie grooves or classic rock influences, there's plenty to discover.
Our recommendation? Put these tracks on during a summer afternoon on the deck, grab a few drinks with friends and let the music do the rest.
As we've spent more time getting to know Ben's music, we thought it would be a great opportunity to get to know the man behind the songs as well and explore what makes him tick as an artist and a person.
The Beginning
1. When did you first get into music, and what got you
hooked?
I first started playing guitar when I was 7 years old. Was
playing on a crappy nylon string guitar but really wanted to be playing rock n’
roll. At 11, my parents got me a Mexican strat, and I started learning Black
Sabbath. That was my first real introduction to music.
I think I was into playing before I was into “music”. But
around the age of 15, I discovered Radiohead, and really came to know what
drives people to write music. It completely changed me and I started to make my
own songs.
2. You play as BEN SCOTT, did you ever consider a
different name?
Scott is my middle name, and I wanted my stage name to be
different from my real name, almost like an alter ego. The version of me that
is never afraid to say how I felt, which is why I chose all caps.
3. you are a solo artist, have you ever considered
creating an actual band? Or have you been part of a band?
Well in many ways, BEN SCOTT is a band! We play live as a
5-piece group all the time, mostly around Los Angeles, but hoping to make it
nationwide and eventually global. I’ve been playing in bands and groups my
entire life, in fact it was one of the reasons I started releasing music at
all, to give me an excuse to play out the songs I loved.
4. For anyone who hasn't heard of Ben Scott before, how
would you describe your sound?
I like to say I’m a multi-genre artist. Classic rock is my
home base, but when I feel called to write something more indie or folk
sounding, I won’t hesitate to get it out there. In astrology, I’d be a
classic-rock sun, folk moon, and indie-rock rising.
The Music
5. One thing we love about your music is how many
different styles and genres you touch on. Who are some of the artists that have
influenced your sound over the years?
Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Beach Boys, Radiohead, Frank
Zappa, and Jeff Buckley. And it doesn’t really end there, I could go on and on.
For some of the more modern artists, lately I’ve been into Geese, Magdalena Bay
and Turnstile. When it comes to folk, Nick Drake and George Harrison have
always been my muses.
6. We're always fascinated by the songwriting process.
Where do your ideas usually come from? And how do you know what genre they will
end up?
When I started, my songs almost always came from some
emotional pressure point. I felt that if I didn’t get it out or express the
idea in some way, it was gonna take over my life. So I would just write stream
of consciousness until I couldn’t anymore, pull out the bits and pieces I
liked, and shape them into some kind of prose. After that, I’d pick up a guitar
and try to paint the sonic landscape of whatever I was feeling in those
phrases.
These days, I’m much more prone to saying, “Hey, I’ve really
been wanting to write something with a shuffle beat, let’s start there,” or
“Hey, let’s do something in 6/8 today.” I’ve become much more open to the entry
points in songwriting. And I don’t usually decide what genre a song is going to
be. I like to follow the idea and see where it lands. I think it’s helped
expand the capabilities of my own music.
7. Do you have a favourite song you've made ?
“Say My Name” is one that shocked me. I wrote it after
working out and drinking a bunch of caffeine, and the barebones of the song was
done in about 45 minutes. I often like to say “Gentle Hands” is my magnum opus,
just because I loved what I achieved production-wise with that one. The riff in
“Fresh Soap” is so dirty (ironically) and feels so unique, so I was quite proud
of that one. And “Angela” is one of my
favourites to do live. We like to end our shows with that one, and we even added
a Queen-like guitar harmony solo at the end.
Clearly, I have a hard time picking favourites…
Life as Artists
8. Music in the US is massive to rely on music only is
tough do you have a day job, how do you make it work?
I work on film sets recording on-set sound! It’s great
freelance work and gives me plenty of time to write music.
9. What's the toughest thing about being an artist in
today's music industry?
Making real connections when so much of the industry is
focused on numbers and attention rates. Numbers matter, because they can show
you when a song is reaching people. But a high view count or follower count
can’t tell you what the song means to someone, or whether they’ll be back for
more. It’s easy to prioritize what you can measure, and the industry puts a lot
of pressure on artists to do that. Building a real relationship with listeners
takes longer, and it’s harder to measure, but that’s what I’m after. I don’t
just want people to hear a song from me. I want them to feel like they’ve found
an artist they can stick with, someone who’ll continue to grow alongside them.
10. How important has social media been in building the
Ben Scott fanbase and getting your music out there?
I attribute a lot of my growth and success to social media.
It’s been incredibly important in getting my music in front of people, and I’ve
had the chance to interact with people I likely would’ve never met. Social
media really helped me open a door, but like I mentioned earlier, the music and
the connection you make with fans are ultimately what give people a reason to
stick around.
I’ve become known to many for livestreaming on TikTok, and
when I’m introducing my originals to someone for the first time, I often invite
them to send me a message afterwards and give me their honest thoughts on my
songs. I love hearing how a song lands in someone’s life. It gives me a chance
to get to know the person on the other side of the screen.
11. As an Upcoming artist, what is your dream for your
music?
Tour! I’ve had the gift of touring with other artists’
projects, but never my own. I’d love to take these songs on the road, play them
in new rooms, travel, and shake people’s hands.
Live Shows & Festival Life
12. What's been your favourite place or venue to play so
far?
The LA scene is pretty electric. We’ve had some great gigs
at Davey Waynes, The Viper Room and Gold Diggers, but honestly, the house shows
are usually my favourites. There’s something about them that feels more intimate
and it makes the whole night feel more personal.
13. And where have you found the craziest crowds?
It’s often the house shows. People come to hang out and have
a drink, and then you see them turn around and say, “Holy shit, who are these
guys?” It’s one of my favourite moments to watch happen.
14. Is there an artist you've shared a stage or festival
with that you've had the most fun hanging out with? Or that surprised you?
This year, I got to share the stage with Arlie, whose music
I’ve been a fan of for a long time. It was awesome to go from admiring his
music to actually getting to know him. Such a sweet guy.
15. What's the best part about getting up on stage and
performing live?
The second the lights come on, it’s pure presence. Whatever
was going on before the show disappears and there’s no room to overthink. You
just have to play. I love sharing that with my mates onstage. We laugh at the
little slipups, or cheer each other on during the solos, and I love when the
audience feels like they’re in on it with us.
16. Do you have any pre-show rituals, traditions, or
superstitions before a set?
No elaborate rituals or superstitions. Recently, I’ve been
taking one deep breath right before I go onstage. That’s about it.
17. What's the dream gig? Is there a venue or festival
that's on the bucket list?
Madison Square Garden or the Hollywood Bowl in my lifetime.
Either one would be a dream, especially with the band I’m playing with now.
18. What’s the weirdest gift a fan has ever given you?
Bars of soap after I released my song “Fresh Soap.” Which
was honestly super fair.
Quick Fire
• Favourite artist
Led
Zeppelin
• Favourite Australian artist
King
Gizzard
• Favourite sporting Teams
None
• Favourite album
Pet
Sounds
• Favourite old‑school song
Dogs
- Pink Floyd
• Favourite post‑gig meal
Cheeseburger
& Milkshake
Looking Ahead
19. Finally, With the Upcoming release of your new EP.
Can you give away what's next for Ben Scott? Any new music, tours, or exciting
projects that fans should keep an eye out for?
Pulled Back In comes out October 23rd. Full EP will be out
before the end of the year.
Expect many shows before the end of the year. September to
December always seem to be when I’m playing out the most.
20. Will you get out to Australia?
It’s on the bucket list. Just need to get the band and all
our gear onto a plane!
We have a feeling this is only the beginning for Ben Scott.
And who knows? In the future, everyone just might be saying his name.
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