An Interview with Bad Owl Records’ Goldie Scott
With her single and music video, “Little Robots,” out now, we took some time to hear more from Goldie Scott. Read below to learn more about Goldie Scott, the story behind her latest single, and what’s to come.
Hi Goldie Scott! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Well, this is a very complex story, so I’ll try to simplify it. Scott Drive is where I came from. It’s the street I grew up on, the limits I used to impose on myself about my image, and what I am capable of, my anxieties, etc — essentially, the “dark” parts of my life that made me who I am. Goldie is where I am headed now. It’s my authentic, free-spirited self, who I feel represents the best version of me — the “light” parts of myself. But, the light wouldn’t exist without the darkness and “Goldie Scott” is how I embrace both.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I was born and raised in Marlboro, New Jersey and am currently floating from place to place as needed for my music. I mainly spend my time in New York City and New Jersey at the moment.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I was singing for as long as I could remember. I was also obsessed with poetry and rhyming since age six. I picked up the piano in middle school and the guitar in early high school. I always knew that I wanted to do music, but did not think it was attainable until I got to Syracuse University, and realized I was on a very different path than most of my friends there and wanted to take my career seriously.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
I have been surrounded by music my whole life. My father is a jazz bassist, my mother sings, my sister can sing, and my great grandmother and great aunt were accomplished singers and performers in Poland. Music is definitely in my blood.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I find it difficult to sum up my sound; however, I definitely have a husky voice with smoky vocals reminiscent of the past. If I had to describe my sound in one word, I would say “Soulful.”
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I love fashion. I am a huge thrifting and vintage shopping connoisseur, and love to find unique pieces that allow me to express my individuality. I am also big into health and wellness, which is not just exercising (I love to run) and (trying) to eat healthy, but getting time outside is so important to me. I am a huge nature lover and feel the most connected to myself in the mountains. I love adventures.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I grew up listening to Adele and Miley Cyrus religiously. Adele has definitely influenced my tone. Lady Gaga has been a big influence for me in inspiring me to lean into my theatrical side. She’s over the top with everything and so am I. I get compared to Amy Winehouse quite a bit, which is such a compliment, but I only started truly listening to her music (other than her main hits) a few years ago.
What are some of your future music career goals?
I am really excited about releasing an album in the near future, so it can be a project where I have the opportunity to truly tell my story. I am very excited to tour and hope to do a world tour where I can travel, make an impact on people, and do what I love. My favorite thing to do is write, and I would love to write for others as well as have my own career in music. I would also love to have a sustainable fashion company of unique consignment piece that coincides with my music and artistry.
Now onto your release, “Little Robots.” What inspired this song?
The Netflix documentary, “The Social Dilemma.”
What is “Little Robots” about in your own words?
“Little Robots” was my response to watching “The Social Dilemma.” It was a pinnacle moment for me when I recognized that these big corporations like Facebook are actually manipulating our thoughts and actions. They are profiting off of our reliance on their apps, and we are being negatively affected by it in so many ways (specifically mental health and our self-perception). On the other hand, chaos is ensuing in the world and people are paying attention to the wrong things. “Little Robots” is a wake-up call that if we do not open our eyes to what is really going on in the outside world, we are going to become little robots.
How did the music video for “Little Robots” come about? What was your vision for the video?
Like most independent artists, I did not have a huge budget for it or a huge team helping me. I was unsure if it would even turn out good enough to release. Luckily, I had a vision and two amazingly talented people assisting me. I knew that I wanted a super futuristic, minimalistic white room for one scene, an epic robot outfit, and two outfits/color schemes — one representing reality and one representing the digital world.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from “Little Robots?”
From my music — well, each song has a different message, but overall, they are all centered around truth. Some songs are anthems to my fans reminding them to never allow ANYONE to dictate their choices, feelings about themselves, or your life paths. This song is about exposing the truth and addressing the current state of the world. I hope people hear this song and feel inspired to get in touch with the real world — to go for a walk outside and breathe, and to take social media breaks and put their phones down at dinner.
What’s one of your proudest moments of your music career so far?
Still to this day, performing an original song for Lionel Richie on American Idol and having him tell me it was “genius.” I got through to Hollywood Week, which was incredible.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that for most of us, and definitely for me, it won’t be an overnight success. Small improvements every single day is what it’s all about. Celebrating the little victories because each one is monumental. I’ve also learned that I will never have as much fun releasing a song as I will recording it in the studio and creating it. The creation process/the journey is the best part.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?
I have a very funky song coming out in the late spring/early summer that is probably my favorite song that I’ve ever worked on. It’s a totally different vibe than what I have out now. I have another single coming after that, and then my first EP will probably come out in the fall/winter.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missgoldiescott/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missgoldiescott
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldiescott
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMsivyZtk5FXofGiN1OSVcw
