Shelby Scott
Shelby Scott has just dropped her debut single “For Now” and she will quickly become an artist you will want to watch. The r&b single feels nostalgic and new at the same time. The hook feels like listening to an r&b record from the late 80’s while the verses feel more modern. Shelby Scott delivers a unique and promising debut single by showcasing her soulful vocals and her beautiful songwriting with the help of Tim Ryssemus in production.
“For Now” is available now :)
Photo credit: Shealyn Jae
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi, I'm Shelby! I grew up on the East Coast and now reside between Nashville and LA. I love pizza, my people, traveling, laughing until my stomach hurts, all the good things life has to offer! I've been doing this music thing for my whole life. It's who I am. I've spent the last year really honing in on my artistry, developing my sound, and educating myself on all things life as an independent musician.
What did you grow up listening to?
I had a bunch of musical influences growing up - my Dad is a big classic Rock guy, my Mom is a country lover, my brother was into Rap/Hip-Hop, my Grandfather was a jazz fan, and my uncle was the classic R&B listener. I had all kinds of music from all kinds of eras in my tiny ears from a young age. I think this is part of the difficulty that I had in finding my own sound and really fitting into a genre - but I am so thankful for that variety I grew up with.
When did you realize you could sing?
From a young age, my parents recognized my love for music and got me into performing around the age of 5. I got a karaoke machine for Christmas around that age and we have tons of video tapes of me belting out Britney Spears. A true 90s kid!
At what point did you decide to be an artist and release your original music?
I went to an arts camp in New York City when I was in High School for songwriting. That was the first time in my life people outside of my friends, family and community were recognizing my talent! I decided to pursue music in college and that was a challenge, but was also super inspiring! I've always known I was going to be an artist and release my original music, but it really came to life in the last year or so.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
Cliche or not, it was my Mom! She still is my number one fan and biggest believer! I'm thankful for her and my family's unwavering support.
How would you define Shelby Scott, the artist?
Soulful Rn-Pop. But really, she is a badass, confident, tell-it-like-it-is woman who still manages to be laid back with swagger (do people even use that word anymore??)
"For Now" is your debut single - how's it like to release music for the first time?
It has been quite the process, as any independent artist will tell you! I work in the Music Industry and have worked on other artists releases, but it is a totally different experience releasing your own music. Exciting, nerve-wracking, cool, stressful...But, as I always say, I truly do have the best team and such amazing people around me that endlessly support and assist me - I could not do it without them!
What's the story/inspiration behind this single?
This song is about a relationship I was in that just felt like it couldn't continue any longer. There wasn't any specific cause, fight, conversation that sparked that feeling. No anger or fighting, just felt like our relationship had run its course and "there are no hard feelings, but that's it" kind of thing. I hate break-up songs. Like I really do. But, I feel that this brings a unique perspective to that topic, and puts you in a way better mood!
Could you describe the songwriting/production for this particular song? Who helped you create it?
I literally started this song with a 4 bar loop and a vocal. The lyrics really just flowed conversationally because, admittedly, I am one of those people that pre-plans conversations and what is going to be said when the time comes. So, I just recorded everything I was rehearsing for the real conversation in melody form. All I had was that loop and a scratch vocal. I sent it to my good friend, Tim, at Altru Creative in Nashville and we jumped in the studio a week or so later. Then it was born.
What's your favorite thing about this song?
The conversational tone is my favorite element of the track. The lyrics are seriously all the things I said in real life. And the fact that it's not a sad break-up song, because we know the world didn't need another one of those.
What made you want to release "For Now" as your debut single?
I had shared some of the tracks I was working on with Tim with my people and this was one people were really responding to. It also has content that is so personal to me but is really relatable to others. And the outro...you better not skip the outro!
What is your goal for this single?
I want it to be a song you sing in the car with your friends, windows down! I want it to resonate with people, even just one person. It's the beginning of my musical journey, so even just putting it out in the world is an accomplishment!
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
Being an artist to me is just being myself and staying as authentic as possible. I don't want to feel like a persona - I want my words and visuals to come across like who I am in 'real life.' But it also is a calling - a calling to create, and a calling to share art.
What does singing make you feel?
There is nothing like it. It is the most infectious drug I've ever experienced. It makes me feel joy, it makes me feel connected to my band, to the audience.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I work in the industry as my day job, alongside being an artist. I feel like I have a unique view of the industry because of that. As much as I love working and being a part of the music industry, it is a crazy territory. It has changed so incredibly much in the last even 3-5 years. The aspects of virality on social media, the importance of a social media footprint, the mentality change of major record labels shifting from valuing the development of new artists to valuing the numbers they can bring upon signing them - are just a few of the nuances that can make or break independent musicians. I think we are in such a unique time of the industry, especially with COVID, and needing to think outside the box in terms of fan engagement, revenue streams, and live music. If I could change one thing, I wish that the many veins of the industry - publishers, labels, PR firms etc - would really shift their partnership with independent musicians and work alongside them.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
I am a passion enthusiast. I'm an Enneagram 7, so I'm pretty much passionate about everything. I'm passionate about writing, traveling, learning other cultures, my friends, my family, disability rights, meeting new people, game nights, social justice, and finding the best pizza places everywhere I visit.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
This lesson is something I truly live by. I think it is something that is relatable to everyone - but especially for musicians. Let me say this loud and clear: There is room at the table for everyone. Life is a game of Solitaire. Not a game of Chutes and Ladders. Someone else's success does not equal your failure. Someone else's achievement doesn't mean you lack achievement. You can go through life genuinely happy and celebratory for your friends (and even your enemies) knowing that their success has nothing to do with you. The cards that you have been dealt are between you and God. They are not dependent on anyone else's cards. Your time is coming. You don't have to step on anyone's toes or climb, tooth and nail, the ladder to success as the expense of others. There is enough room for everyone to experience success. Success is not exclusive.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Empathy. Seeing beyond the nose on your face and looking beyond your life's circumstances. What the world needs now - is love, sweet love.
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
You can do anything. You can achieve everything you ever dreamed of. All it takes is hard work, prayer, and the belief in yourself that you can do it. Because you can.
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