What is your name?
My name is Coco Scott.
What is your genre of music?
The genre of my music is a combination of pop / solo piano
Give us a little bio about you.
A little over two years ago, I turned in my day job at Porsche for a home recording studio and a whole new way of life on a warm, secluded beach where I began my music career from scratch. Over the span of 8 months I wrote, arranged, produced, recorded, and published each of my own demos for a whole album. I also taught myself to play the piano while I was doing it.
Tell us more about your music.
I am a solo musician and play every instrument excluding drums. My music is a combination of piano, guitar, bass, drums, synthesizers, and solo female vocals. It’s bass-driven but balanced by airy, effortless vocals. Some say I sound like Sarah McLachlan or Enya while others say it’s more like Norah Jones or Dido.
You have released your latest album ‘Smolder’, tell us more about it.
I wanted the album to be special, and I especially wanted it to be recorded by someone special. So I hand-picked a producer in San Francisco by the name of Cookie Marenco of Blue Coast Records to record Smolder, my debut album, as she specializes in recording to analog tape and DSD256. She is a 5-time Grammy nominee and has been a leader in the high resolution audio world for decades. Cookie, her team, and I recorded and mixed the entire album in 6 consecutive days–something that had never been done at Blue Coast Records. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!
Take a listen to Smolder
What was the naming process for album like?
The name of the album is also the name of the lead song—one I wasn’t sure I wanted to add to the album at all. Boy, I’m glad I did! I’m not sure what I would have called it otherwise! I brainstormed a whole lot before choosing a name, but it seemed fitting once the lead song was decided.
What was the writing process like?
Every song was written differently. Some songs started out as poems or short stories while others began anew. Some songs evolved by using the existing verses but combining the chorus from a completely different song. Somehow it worked better that way.
What was the recording process like?
Recording with Cookie Marenco was a treat. In my home studio I could cut and paste parts, auto tune vocals if needed, and quantize piano or synth notes, but recording to analog tape was completely different! It was exhilarating and in my mind ‘how it should be’. We’d record a song in its entirety and use the best take. We’d edit it a little but not much. I was really able to learn that it’s best to be ‘real’ than ‘perfect’ and that it’s all about the vocal performance, and the instrumentation is secondary.
Cookie was an amazing producer, and she was never without a smile. She was the best person for the job, and I’m honored to have been able to work with her.
What I wasn’t expecting was the amazing sound and feeling that came from her 1885 Steinway & Sons grand piano. I had recently taught myself to play the piano (on a Yamaha portable grand that I purchased for my home studio), and to be able to play THAT piano for the album was surreal. Cookie told me later that the piano loved me—that many other trained musicians had played the Steinway but couldn’t get the sound that I was able to get from it. It felt alive in a way I wasn’t expecting—a completely incredible experience from start to finish.
Who did you work with on the album?
Just me. I’m a solo musician, and I wrote, arranged, composed, produced (demos), and co- produced (album) the entire thing. Although at times I would have liked to have others’ input, I’m glad it was completely and authentically me and my sound. It was what my heart and soul had to say purely on its own.
What is the message you are trying to tell us?
My message is one of bravery and courage. It’s one that tells you it’s okay to feel deeply. It’s okay to be original and broken. It’s okay to leave bad situations to take care of yourself. It’s okay to breathe your own dreams. It’s okay to give what you have to offer.
Describe each track in two words.
Smolder — sensual curiosity
Truth About You — caught red-handed I’m Leaving You — no more
A Song for Judith — remembering grandma Wait for Me — I’m sorry
Falling — young love
Shake You Down — seductive temptress Obsession — stalker’s fantasy
Stay — forever love
Black Eyed Boy — new dawn
Take a listen to TRUTH ABOUT YOU right here;
What else can we expect from you?
You can expect me to continue to tell my story through music. I have so much more to share and can’t wait to see how my expression evolves. Also, I’ve been creating a mini magazine of my own for seven months now (in lieu of a newsletter) that shows visually (and explains) the inspiration behind my songs. I plan to continue this until my fans tell me it’s not working anymore. Furthermore, I’m working toward a full youtube channel with live videos and interviews with other inspirational people.
Will we see any more shows or a tour maybe?
You’ll see more shows on Youtube but not likely a tour anytime soon. I lived through 7-8 years of stalking by someone I knew and had to move away from where I was living to find safety. It was at that time when I began my music career—from the safety of my own private, secluded beach where I hope this person never finds me. So touring—hence announcing my whereabouts and being out in public places where he may find me—is not an option at the moment. Maybe if this person is arrested I will consider touring, but not for now.
If so where will you be heading? (see above answer)
Are you a signed artist?
I am an independent artist at the moment.
Who are your influences?
I have many influences including Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones, Ray Lamontagne, Stacey Kent, Gregory Porter, Curtis Stigers, Dustin O’Halloran, Mark Jordan, Madeleine Peyroux, The Civil Wars, Henri Salvador, John Mayer, Taylor Swift, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, and many others.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself with another album or two and a fabulous Youtube presence. Everything else is going to be a surprise…
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I create my own graphics for social media, write my mini magazine, and create all my own videos, so I’m always researching new ways of being effective and relevant. I also love spending time in our private pool and beach, taking shelter at the end of every day with a cocktail with my husband. My husband is a cancer survivor, so whether it’s shopping for fresh fruit and bread for our little home or watching whales jumping in front of our home—I cherish every moment I have with him.
What would your dream venue in your hometown be?
I’m not sure—I grew up in a small town with very few venues. I’d rather play at a place like the Troubadour—a place that is enchanting all on its own.
Would you be up for collaborating with an unsigned artist or band? If so how can they contact you?
I’d love to collaborate with another artist. I’m very selective though. If anyone’s interested, they can reach out to me at info@cocoscottmusic.com.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
I’m not sure I can attribute my desire to get into the music scene but rather the experience of singing backup for other artists and thinking ‘they should be singing backup for me’.
Where is your dream festival to perform?
I’d love to perform at the Jazz Festival in Montreal, Quebec.
What made you go in to music?
I’ve always been musically sensitive—I’d get chills or be moved by music more than anyone I knew—and I always felt my heart spoke best through sound and music. Though I loved writing poetry, I found it was never ‘enough’—that it couldn’t quite encompass my soul like music could. When I decided to leave my corporate job, I had my shot at pursuing my dream of being a musician. So I did and haven’t looked back since.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
If I don’t live my dream, someone else will. And it’ll hurt like hell to watch someone else do what I so badly want to do. So just do it.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not just about the industry also just as an artist/band?
You have your own unique sound. Stick with it and see how you evolve. There are fans in the world who will love your particular sound.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
My sister once asked me regarding an argument/difference in point of view, ‘Do you want to be right, or do you want to be reconciled?’ I knew right then that (in a mutually beneficial and loving relationship) being right wasn’t the point. It’s ideal when both parties understand this and agree that being reconciled is of utmost importance for the relationship to grow and evolve.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Warm clothing (I’m often cold)
Hot tea
Water
My husband (best supporter)
My Cartier watch
When you come off tour…
1/ Where is the first place you go? Back to my secluded beach home
2/Who is the first person you see? My husband
3/What is the first thing you eat>
Beef bourguignon made by my chef husband
Where is the go to place in your hometown?
Our house—awesome food, atmosphere, and whale watching!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you? Sure do!
Twitter personal
Twitter artist
Instagram personal Instagram artist
Facebook personal Esther Scott
Facebook artist Page
