Jake Scott goes record shopping, talks influences from Noah Kahan and Coldplay
Madison, Wisconsin - September 27th, 2023
Photo: Connor Dwyer & Rachel Dwyer
It was a “Good Day” with Singer-Songwriter Jake Scott on a rainy September morning in Madison, WI.
In a time of oversaturation in pop music, Scott shared that he aims to make music that is genuine to him, no matter the genre. In 2020 Scott released a song a month, which helped grow his online presence. In 2021, he collaborated with Russell Dickerson on “She Likes It,” nominated for CMT “Collaborative Video of the Year.”
Now, Scott has been taking his time to perfect his new album Lavender, which will be released on October 20. He nods to Noah Kahan as an artist who inspired him in the process of songwriting.
“[Noah Kahan] is exploding because it’s authentic to him and you can really feel it,” Scott said in a radio interview with WSUM. “I want to make music that resonates with me as a musician and as a songwriter.
Between a UW-Madison campus tour and a taste test of Food Network’s number one-rated Wisconsin cheese curds, I joined Scott for a quick vinyl shopping spree at B-Side music shop.
Photo: Jordan Grob
What is one album that has inspired you as a musician?
John Mayer - Heavier Things. John Mayer was the reason I started writing music altogether. This isn’t Continuum, but when I heard Continuum for the first time, I remember where I was. I was riding in my friend’s car and the world just stopped around me. I was like, “What is this? I need to do this for the rest of my life.” Then, it obviously opened me up to Heavier Things, Room for Squares, and everything John Mayer. He definitely changed my life that is fo
What is one album everyone should own?
Taylor Swift - Red (Taylor’s Version). I know the controversy, but I mean, I think everyone should own Taylor Swift’s Red. It is just so good top-to-bottom. “All Too Well” is on it. I know this is Taylor’s Version of it. Swifties unite— all over the world.
What is one album that reminds you of your wife and kids?
Kings of Leon’s Entire Discography. We listen to Kings Of Leon all the time in my house. My wife loves it. I love it. They are on constantly in my house. Kings Of Leon makes me think of my family.
What is one album that inspired Lavender?
Coldplay - Ghost Stories. This album in particular, whether you love or hate Coldplay— I’m an obsessive Chris Martin fan. The way that they wrote this felt really authentic and honest. He was opening up about his divorce and everything that was going on. This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It certainly inspired my approach to my album Lavender. It’s just a really amazing, storytelling album top-to-bottom. All of this stuff, man, Parachutes, A Rush of Blood to the Head— Chris Martin, we stan.
You can catch Jake Scott on the Dance With You Tour with Brett Young until the middle of the fall. Be on the lookout for future tour announcements. Lavender is available for pre-order and will be released on October 20.
This interview was made in association with Warner Music U