Cadre Scott
Interview conducted on Feb. 11, 2021
by Dan Locke
All eyes on Cadre Scott. She is an emerging Singer/Songwriter with her first debut single release of “Special Kinda Love”.Her imagination paired with her gifts, as a vocalist and songwriter, are her alchemical ingredients that she feeds into her music and budding entertainment career. In our recent interview with Cadre Scott, she shares her history, inspirations and hints of what is yet to com
What is your upbringing?
I was born and raised in Long Beach, California. In a neighborhood called Carroll Park with my parents, brother and two dogs.
How did you discover music?
I’ve been exposed to music and singing ever since I was born. I’ve always known that I wanted to be a singer. My mom worked in the music industry when I was about 7. I got to grow up around musicians. I loved it which made me want to be a singer even more. In my 2nd grade class, we were asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I remember being the one kid to say, “I’m going to be a pop star!”
How did you start to write music?
I think I wrote my first song when I was 10. My mom used to push me as I got a little older, She would say, “if you wanted to be a singer, you need to keep singing and start doing something about it.” At Thanksgiving, I made it my tradition each year to name then turkey and write a song about it (haha). This was silly and fun; but, it was good practice for me in terms of songwriting. At about 16 or 17, I started really exploring writing my own music first with my ukulele in my room. Then, I began recording and producing my music on GarageBand.
I see you have some jazz and opera training.
Yes. Currently, I am studying jazz vocals at Santa Monica College. I am in an applied program that allows me to work with a vocal coach once a week. The jazz focus is super cool. I am learning to explore my voice and find my style a little more. The classical opera aspect is challenging…in a good way. I get to push myself to learn a style of singing that I used to be scared of. In addition, I am building a strong foundation for my voice.
Describe your music.
This is a tough one…haha. Currently, I am not completely sure yet what my music is. I don’t want to box my musical style into one category. I think the beauty of music is getting to try something new with every song. My recent single release, “Special Kinda Love” is really light and fun and maybe a little sassy. It has some surf rock sound to it with the guitar. My next song that I’m working on right now is a little different. I’m having fun trying new things.
How did you get your first ukulele, and do you still have it?
I remember, I really wanted my own ukulele after my best friend Gigi introduced me to it. Then, I further taught myself to play on my mom’s uke. When I graduated middle school, my mom surprised me, she took me to this guitar shop and let me pick my own out. I got my ukulele in about 2016, and I still have it. I don’t play it as much but sometimes I’ll bring it out. I just play and sing in my room when I’m bored.
What was your first performance at like?
My first performance was in middle school. I sang, ‘Part of Your World’ from the movie, ‘Little Mermaid’. I felt super nervous before. However, I had a lot of fun and was proud of myself.
What makes a good songwriter?
My songwriter comes from the ability to find personal inspiration in my life that becomes the seed to the song. Whether those “things” are people, dreams, nature etc. For me at least, writing a song is a very random process. Inspiration will come to me out of nowhere. I just write something down or record a snippet on my phone and build from there. I feel songwriting is not something you can force.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
I belong to BMI.
How did you start doing the Indie Creators in the Joyzone?
I am a contributing artist to Indie Creators in the Joyzone.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
My very first original song is called “Happy place”. I wrote it with my uke. It was my first music composition and song that I wrote. I never recorded it because my taste has changed. I still like the lyrics but not the sound as much. I’m hoping to use that song in my EP, if I can come up with some sick new sound for it.
Tell me about the making of your first single “Special Kinda Love”?
This process was really exciting for me. I had written this song in July of 2019. Next, I did a rough recording on GarageBand in my home studio. Originally, it had my simple ukulele for accompaniment. Then, my brother’s friend Ryan offered to add some guitar over it. This is when it really came together. In August of 2020, I met Dante Marino, a very talented artist himself. I showed him my song draft and he said he’d love to help me finish it. I went to his recording studio in October. We worked with the song a bit, came up with some ideas, and recorded the entire thing that same day in about 3 hours. Haha! I remember he said, “That was the fastest I’ve ever recorded a song with anyone”. I was so excited because this was my first time recording in an actual studio. Dante mastered the song for me and shortly after it was done!
How are you planning to do anymore original music?
I am currently working on my EP. I hope to have it finished before summer. I am also collaborating with a few other artists.
Are you planning to do any music with your brother who plays guitar?
I would love to! My brother, Kesic, is a very good guitarist. I love singing while he plays. However, he is focusing on his acting
What are your feelings about streaming music?
Well, I love streaming music. I grew up with it and only have memories of CD’s from my early childhood. Yet, I do like the idea of being back in the 70’s and spinning vinyl.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Cheek to Cheek by Ella Fitzgerald This was the first jazz piece that I learned and performed in College.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I worked on my music.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I picked up roller skating.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
Either Hulu or Amazon Prime Video
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on live streamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses. The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only. How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Honestly, I do not even have a Facebook account. I feel musicians and their fans will find a way to enjoy live music via private live-streamed events.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
There are a lot of ways to build an audience online with membership only areas on their websites, private on-line events, and/or online march stores.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
Yes. When the music industry opens back up for live shows, this will still be a possibility.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
No. I think that is weird. I prefer the in person experience. That is not a concert or live show
In the past if a musician stop doing music they find a new career. For example David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
Traveling the world.
What is your happy place?
Wide open spaces in nature.
Would you be willing to play these shows and what precautions would you like to have in place?
I would be happy to play any shows. I would leave the precautions up to the venue
Spotify just deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. Was your saved?
Yes.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
I already do use TikTok
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you so much for having me in your publication.
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