Following the release of his debut single, we caught up with Bertie Scott.
Premiering ‘The Way You Loved Me‘ via BBC Introducing, the young alt pop artist from Essex stepped into the music spotlight.
Taking a full DIY approach, Bertie writes and co-produces all his tracks mixing piano, synth pads, drums and vocals to create his sound.
With the hype surrounding the release of his debut single, we had a chat with Bertie to find out more about his music, future live shows and plans for 2016.
Can you tell us more about your musical journey to-date?
I’ve always been in bands for years starting back when I was in school, playing shows around my local area. I started off playing keyboard in the first group, and then moved onto guitar, and then finally onto vocals. We had some big ups, playing some really big shows, and supporting some of our favourite bands, but also some big downs. With the last project I was in, I used to write most of the instruments and work on a lot of production/arrangements myself so when the band finally came to a close, it seemed like a natural continuation to go forward myself as an artist in my own right. I wanted to try something different as well. I’ve always written/performed rock tracks, but I actually listen to a lot of different types of music in my own time. The songs that I write currently are tracks that I would like to hear if I was listening to an album or the radio; I’d only put something out if I was really excited about making it.
Are there any artists/bands in particular that influence your musical style?
Absolutely. I’ve got so many different artists on my iPod (some of them pretty embarrassing) but I really like listening to a lot of the 80’s classics at the minute, Whitney Houston, Prince etc – my all-time favourite is definitely Michael Jackson though, such an amazing and diverse performer. It’s more the production than the actual songs that I’m influenced by, like how they use the instrumentation, and effects. There’s a lot of current artists that I get ideas from too: The Script, Taylor Swift, Marina and the Diamonds…the new Bring Me the Horizon album is absolutely wicked as well!
You recently revealed your debut track ‘The Way You Loved Me’, for those who have not heard the single how would you describe the release?
‘The Way You Loved Me’ is a mix of pianos, synths, powerful drums, and belting vocals. It’s a ballad track, with lower key verses, but with a big emotional chorus and ending. If I had to pick two artists, it would be like a cross between The Script and Adele, with a bit more electronics.
With support from BBC Introducing and various online publications, how does it feel for your first track to be received so well?
It’s been absolutely wicked. Being the first track I’ve put out on my own and without any labels or management support behind me, I’ve been really proud of the response so far. BBC Introducing were kind enough to premiere the track on their show before I fully released it online, and I got some great comments from that as well. I’m really excited to put out more music soon in the future.
You’re currently working fully DIY from writing to co-producing, can you tell us more about this process?
I am indeed. Normally I’ll get an idea in my head for a chorus or verse, sometimes I’ll record it into the voice memos on my phone if I’m out, and start to work on it at home. I’ll normally write the rest of it on a guitar or piano, then start recording a demo on my own and putting different layers around it (drums, bass, synths etc). Once I’m really happy with how it sounds, and if the vocals all match up, I’ll take what I have to a recording studio and re-record the layers there to get them to a higher quality – sometimes we’ll add in some new production ideas too, but only if it’s something that really makes the track better. I always co-produce the mix at the end too, I think mixing is really important and can sometimes be the difference between a good track and a really great track – especially if you’ve got a vision for the song and you know how you want it to sound.
What do you have planned in terms of releases for the coming months?
I’ve actually just finished up recording a new track in the studio the other day! I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but there should be more information on it coming soon in the next week or so. I’m really excited to release it out – it’s definitely a bit different to my first single, but it’s a really great track and I’m looking forward to seeing what people think. I’ve got a couple of other tracks I’ll be going into the studio to record as soon as possible, as well as more music videos, and I’m also looking at doing a live session as well.
Are there any live shows in the pipeline?
Definitely. I’m looking to get out and around the UK as soon as possible, hopefully starting near the end of this summer. It will be with a full band as well, so I’m really excited to be able to play these tracks live!
How would your recorded material transition to a live set?
I’m looking to try and get the live show as close to the recorded material as possible. With a full band it’s definitely a reality: using pianos, synths/electronic effects, drums and guitars to get the layering right. I always think an artist should try and aim to get their set sounding similar, but with just enough rawness that people go away wanting more. It’s gonna be really cool, and I can’t wait to show people.
What is your one aim to achieve with your music by the end of 2016?
For me at the second, I think exposure is going to be the key thing. I’m still quite an unknown artist, and I definitely want to put the music on the map by the end of the year. So my one aim for 2016 is to get the songs out to as many people – whether that’s online, through social media, articles, or live shows. I want to get as many people involved as I possibly can.
Anything else you wish to add?
Thank you very much to everyone that’s been sharing the track around, if you haven’t heard it yet head over to www.bertiescott.com; it’s available to buy/stream now over on iTunes, or you can get a free download if you click on the sign up button/link over on my Facebook page.
Watch the music video for ‘The Way You Loved Me’ below: