Life Through Roses, the focus track, is about finding closure within a relationship. It’s often hard to find that closure with the other person especially when you don’t want to talk to them, so scxtty guess he found it through the past years of working on himself and growing older. The song speaks his story and the difficulties of moving on but reassuring yourself that it is okay to move on. The EP is an accumulation of songs from the past few years. The outline of scxtty’s life in his early 20’s and how he grew to understand himself and relationships in general.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey scxtty, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hi there! My dad was a musician. He played guitar in a band and also was a producer so I was always surrounded by music. After going to my first concert, I fell in love with live music and wanted to do it myself so I started learning bass guitar and continued to learn other instruments as well.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
Balancing time is incredibly hard. I am currently getting my masters degree in music therapy as well as working as a pre-preschool teacher in the morning. The mix is tough but I enjoy staying busy. I do most of my school work during the day and music at night so it’s well balanced i think.
Your latest release is 'Life Through Roses'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
I remember writing this song specifically because I was going through photos on my Mom’s old computer. Some photos of my ex and I came up and from that it gave me an uneasy feeling that I never really closed a chapter of my life. I sat down and started just writing and finished the song in under an hour. Each line felt so natural and real to me and hopefully you guys can relate to the feeling as well.
Where did you get the inspiration for this EP?
The inspiration came from my relationships that I had growing from 20-23 year olds. The songs are about different people and my point of view on what happened / my feelings to the relationship. Reflecting on these songs, they all have a very special place in my heart because I remember the mindset I was in when I wrote them. Even dating back to three years ago when I wrote “I Don’t Think You Love Me” I remember where I was and what I was feeling.
How long did you work on the 'Life Through Roses'? Was it an easy process for you?
It took me three years to write. Some songs I stumbled upon more recently that fit the theme of the EP so I recorded them and other songs I wrote with the intention of releasing it with the EP. The process was tough. Many breakdowns and tears were shed but also many goosebumps and dance breaks were had.
How do you know when a work is finished?
Honestly I don’t. I think if something feels right then it’s ready to go but I don’t think any of my work is ever finished. There’s always something that I could have added but as long as the song drives an emotion out of me, then I think it will drive an emotion out of a listener.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
My favorite performance was when I was in a band called Malibu. We were sophomores in college and threw house shows. We played to around 80 people in our living room during Halloween and it was crazy. I crowd surfed, the floor almost caved in, and the cops showed up and busted the party. But playing to that atmosphere and feeling that energy was electrifying.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
In highschool I started to join different bands. To book our band I became very involved in the DIY New Jersey music scene and from that I started meeting people. I went to college to get a bachelors in music industry at Monmouth University and from there formed a band called Malibu. We played all over Asbury Park and met some amazing people who connected us to other people.
Who is your favourite musician?
My favorite musician right now has to be Noah Cyrus. Her melodies are extremely captivating and she also has a beautiful voice. Lyrically the songs relate to me and because of that I have been streaming her music non stop the past month.
What are your plans for the future?
Hopefully put out another EP and then an album. I’m still working on my sound and what I like so think will be changing but overall I’m excited to show people the new sound and continue to write and play live for people. Thanks for having me!