Full Review

VÂN SCOTT, Almost Gone Review

Scott Oatley, aka Vân Scott, is an alt-pop singer/songwriter that has been heard worldwide, but many people probably did not realize they have listened to him. As a sought-after singer in the Hollywood session scene, Scott has had the chance to perform on some of the industry’s most notable projects, starting with Capitol Records in 2008 for Disney’s High School Musical 3 soundtrack. Since then, he’s recorded for renowned film composers like Danny Elfman and Michael Giacchino, sung on blockbuster scores for La La Land, Mulan, Jurassic World, and Sing, been a featured singer on ABC’s Black-ish and The Goldbergs, and has performed as a background vocalist for The Voice, to name just a few of his credits. Scott began releasing singles and videos at the end of 2019 while finishing songs for the album. During the recording process, he was fortunate enough to be mentored by influential music producers Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and Mike Elizondo. “There was one afternoon that I spent with Rodney where we talked for hours about production philosophy,” says Scott. “I played him several demos that day, and he gave me some tips on how I should approach the production.” “As for Mike,” says Scott, “I used to meet with him pretty regularly at his studio to share my latest demos. He helped me uncover more of my own unique voice and gave me invaluable feedback while introducing me to obscure artists I’d never heard of for personal inspiration. Eventually, I reached a point where I walked in with my first three singles off the album, and we both knew it was time to record and share these songs.” This summer, Scott will move to New York City after being selected as one of only forty people worldwide to participate in Berklee College of Music’s new Master of Arts in Creative Media and Technology at BerkleeNYC, where he will specialize in Songwriting and Production. The program is headed up by Will Wells, a Grammy and Oscar-nominated writer, producer, and performer. Scott is now releasing his first full-length solo album called Almost Gone.

Bottom Line: Now, with Almost Gone (AWAL / Oat Brand Music), Scott’s ready to bring the spotlight directly onto himself and put his musical talent and songwriting skills front and center. The ten-song album releases on July 23, 2021, and is a collection of many styles, themes, and of course, terrific singing. All of the songs on the album were inspired by deep conversations he had with family and friends about their feelings, relationships, circumstances, as well as his own personal experiences. “Poster Boy” is a song about the challenge Scott faced at his job overseeing music at his church where he was often revered, a situation he was never comfortable with. “I was put on a pedestal,” Scott explains. “I was constantly treated like I could do no wrong, and that’s a dangerous place to be. I felt like I had to play a role and hide my flaws, so it was hard to be myself. ‘Poster Boy’ calls out that unhealthy expectation of perfection, whether self-imposed or brought on by others. It’s meant to give the listener permission to be human since mistakes are inevitable for us all.” The song features a slick groove and rich vocals, and vocal harmonies. Scott has a full falsetto range.

“Tough Love” is a direct appeal for a true friend. “I was stuck in some pretty unhealthy patterns in my life,” says Scott. With a piano filling the harmonic role, Scott’s light, agile vocals reveal the melody and lyrics. The vocal fills around the melody show Scott’s range and vocal skills. “Don’t Know the Words” is a lively jam with a vintage groove that will make you want to dance. The words poke fun at Scott’s lack of lyrical knowledge and serve as a metaphor for having no idea what you’re doing in life. In the choruses, he references two of his musical heroes, Elton John and John Lennon, and their creative counterparts, Bernie Taupin and Paul McCartney. Scott’s vocals are packed and filled with confidence as he effortlessly navigates the large leaps and ornaments within the melody. This is where Scott shines brightest; this tempo is energetic while still allowing him to display his vocal chops without rushing or losing the quality. Scott hopes that his music encourages others to embrace who they are and to be their best self. “I want people to feel less alone and to be reminded that there are plenty of other people out there that share their same worries and fears. I want them to feel better understood and have a stronger sense of belonging. I want them to have hope and to be inspired to be the best version of themselves. I think that people will discover this through my own vulnerability, and I hope that they’ll be able to see and discover more of themselves within my songs.” Overall, Almost Gone is a collection of pop tunes filled with singing that will grab your attention and hold it. That’s the short of it!