“North Country” An Honest Album by Brandon Scott

Brandon Scott (Smith) wrote, recorded and produced his first solo album, North Country, during the quarantine. He is known for playing with Climbing Stars and Grey Tide and is involved in other ongoing collaborations. We sat down and talked about how this bass and guitar player wrote an entire album on his own. He composed music and was playing slide on it. He had about half an album. So he decided to take the time to “deliberately write more songs. If I enjoy it that’s what it’s for. Music for the purpose of pleasing others is always a let down,” he explained. “Having toured and been through that, I did this for me.” He found the lyrics, played multiple instruments and mastered it all at his home studio. He ended up with eight tracks. Here’s his story.

“I listened to a ton of Allman Brothers. I was looking for a way to challenge myself with slide. Warren Haynes and the Railroad Earth collaboration was especially inspiring. I try to start with what feels rustic and rootsy and add to it. I use Nashville tuning – up an octave.  I’d sing all these songs I wrote to my kids at night. My daughter started playing keys and inspired me to use piano.”

This is a different genre for the rock musician. Writing lyrics and pairing them with a stripped down country feel brought forth new challenges. “I wrote about real stuff, relationships and being a father etc. I wanted to attack this genre that is historically disrespectful. I looked to Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton who are more lyrically driven. This album’s theme is honesty. It’s about things I’m uncomfortable with in my life or out in the world.” He quoted a saying, “If you tell the truth then you’ll always rhyme.”

“The American Dream took me awhile to figure out what the song was about. It was the end of last year with racial uprising, kids in cages… the commonality is white men and their role of abusing power in society. It’s systemic, a culture problem. I want to stop bullying, oppression and small mindedness. I can fight it more internally. You have to challenge people. But I need to keep myself and my family safe. Tom York, Jason Isbell and Bob Dylan are writers who make an impact and share messages with their songs. People listen to the lyrics and voice first and that was what I had the least experience with. But music is meant to challenge you. Daughter Don’t Behave and American Dream have the strongest messages … I asked myself are you prepared to say this and be judged for it? If not, scrap it because then it’s disingenuous. I was exposing myself on so many levels. I’m a born critic of melodies, composition, lyrics… can I put myself under that same microscope?”

“Ocean Floor is different because it encapsulates a moment in time a long time ago. The sky is like the experiences. The water is the baggage. The higher the sky the deeper the water. How much can you take on of someone? It was more like poetry, dumping out feelings like exhaling. Wedding Day is more upbeat; it’s for my kids. It’s in a major key, kinda cheesy but it’s part of where I am. It shows my sentimental side. People often share what’s convenient. In order to be honest you have to share the full picture.”

“The American Dream” They attack the schools So they can lead the fools A Bible and a gun in your hand The only things you need to understand Cowards don’t like science Or their women in defiance Question them once more they’ll say the brown folks will break down the door They put party before country, and their power before honor But nothing else before themselves And it’s time to clear the shelves If you can hear this call From your side of the wall The American dream ain’t just for me It’s for all Why are there working poor Needing 3 jobs or more Why are there slave wages Why are there kids in cages Willing to crawl and bleed For less than you even need If you can hear this call From your side of the wall The American dream ain’t just for me It’s for all “There’s so much noise out there to compete with. A successful musician is not being a millionaire but having the time to make all the music. If I could, I’d play a thrash band and reggae. You’ve got to challenge yourself, grow and try new things. I’m a very energetic performer. I enjoy it. But creating is where it’s at for me. Maybe I’ll perform these as stripped down solo acoustic versions. I don’t see teaching parts to other musicians. Conducting is not it for me. Creating is the rewarding thing. Directing others to play is kind of the opposite of art.” “I would love to play slide on other’s music. I’m the most expressive with that. I love collaboration. Quarantine has given us unique opportunities to grow.” Smith is working on a progressive rock project with Big Sexy’s Joe Salazar and Climbing Star’s next album. Give him a follow to keep up.