#INTERVIEW: SCOTT HELMAN

21-year-old Singer/Songwriter Scott Helman has given us a taste of what he’s capable of with a refreshing brand of airwave-friendly Indie Pop-Rock. His hits Bungalow and Machine have been unavoidable on Canadian radio and some of that buzz spread stateside even with the likes of Teen Vogue stamping him one to look out for last year. Helman is priming the release of his debut full-length album Hôtel de Ville through Warner Music Canada, who were quick to spot his talent and sign him to a development deal at the age of 15. Hence while he is rather young, he has long been an artist in the making and you sense that when you hear him speak.

We had the pleasure of sitting-in on Helman‘s intimate open rehearsal held at Coalition Music today, getting a chance to preview some of the material off his new album. In attendance were a few select journalists and also students from Coalition Music‘s The Music Business High School Credit Course. Warner Music Canada President Steven Kane also was on-hand to present Helman with a platinum plaque for Bungalow.

We got a quick minute to chat with Helman post-rehearsal, asking him a few questions about what’s changed since we last heard from him and what’s next for the emerging talent.

 

1. Three years have passed since you released your debut EP Augusta and now you have your debut album coming. What different can we expect this time around?

Helman: “I think the difference is I really know who I am now and that makes it easier when you want to make a record that dives deep.”. “I’d say sonically, I am a bit older now so I wanted to experiment more with sounds and sonics. My Alternative and Rock and Roll bone is definitely in this record. And a lot more poetry I think.”.

2. How has the creative process changed?

Helman: “Nothing’s really changed. Just like on Augusta, I am still collecting thoughts. The only thing that’s changed is my maturity and being able to access more things that are relevant to myself.”.

3. What is shaping your sound right now?

Helman: “I really like The 1975. I really like the epic-ness of it.”. “I like that Amy Winehouse did what she really wanted to do and wasn’t influenced by anybody but herself.  I kinda try to take that with me.”. “I’m creating a show and not writing so I’m not really listening to music like that right now, but I really like how Tom Waits builds his sets because it really takes you into his world. It’s kinda a weird place that he built for you and I really want to create something like that.”.

4. You spent much time touring, especially in 2015.  What are some of the crazier fan experiences you’ve encountered?

Helman: “Most of them are people just pouring their hearts out and telling me things – just having one-on-ones with fans and getting to talk about stuff that matters.”. “In terms of the crazier things, it’s usually the moms. The moms don’t have that shyness or this is someone older than me. They have that ‘you could be my son’ type of thing going on.”.

5. What’s next?

Helman: “Touring. I’m really excited to get out of the cave. There’s a whole world out there. I’m gonna collect some postcards I think.”.

Watch our Chat:

Check-out the brand new Video for Helman‘s latest single, Kinda Complicated below:

See our Snaps:

 

 

 

 

Loved sitting-in on Scott Helman’s open rehearsal today where he received a platinum plaque for his single “Bungalow”. We previewed new music from his debut album Hôtel de Ville, out next week. He tells us his best fans are the moms! Chat coming soon.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2017 at 3:41pm PDT

Warner Music Canada release HÔTEL DE VILLE by Scott Helman Friday, May 12, 2017. Download it here.

For tour dates and VIP packages, click here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Music Canada)