Singer/songwriter Greg Scott has been making a name for himself in the music industry for several years now, however, recently he became a household name across Los Angeles and the rest of the United States when he appeared and won during season two of NBC’s Songland where his song “Miracle” was chosen by Bebe Rexha.
Working alongside hit-maker and producer Ryan Tedder, Scott’s track with Rexha’s voice not only became an instant hit, but it was chosen by NBC as the official 2021 Tokyo Olympics theme song.
From Miracle helping to inspire us during these times ahead of the games in 2021, to how LA has inspired him, to the state of the music industry right now, Scott gave us an exclusive one-on-one interview about his life here in Los Angeles during the pandemic, which happened right after his big win on Songland.
How has your life changed since winning NBC’s Songland?
Life has changed a lot but not at all – if that makes sense? I get recognized on the street, do more interviews and get pulled in way more directions but the crazy thing is, I’m still the same dude losing my mind over the same old things, haha. Still I’m getting up early to make sure my kids login for virtual learning and keep their heads above water during this crazy year!
Obviously the music industry is at a stand-still somewhat because of COVID-19. How have you been handling it?
It’s been a struggle to say the least but I’m trying to keep a positive mindset and stay hopeful. I think that’s all we can do right now. I’ve been working behind the scenes and pivoting like crazy. I’m learning many new things about myself and new skills I never knew I had. There’s so much we ALL can learn from this.
What are you most looking forward to once stuff “clams down”?
Like most of us, I’m looking forward to things opening up. I’ve been miserable not being in front of people and feeling their energy. I plan on going on tour like my team and I planned for 2020. Also, I’ll be releasing a full length album around the Olympics in 2021 when NBC and Bebe Rexha release ‘Miracle’. My hope is that 2020 opens everyone’s eyes to see the change we truly need. There’s NO denying that mother nature got us all on time out!
It was also recently announced that one of your songs is going to be the theme song for the 2021 Olympics for NBC. What was going through your head when you found that out?
It’s almost Impossible to describe the feeling that came over when I heard that. I freaked out so hard haha… The first thing I could think about was my wife and kids. It felt a lot like finding out my wife was pregnant for the first time. To be a part of Olympic history is a once in a lifetime experience. CRAZY AWESOME! I had no idea going into the filming of Songland that if my song was chosen it would be the theme song of the summer Olympics. I had been writing for sync, television and film in Los Angeles and was loving it. I was taking life experiences and relating them to different storylines in television and commercials. In that world I met a guy named Mark Rudin. The first time we met, I blind session, we got into a studio and wrote and recorded ‘Miracle’ in about three hours. I quit teaching music and said ‘I’m going to make a living off solely performing and writing music.’ Rudin related to that and that’s basically what ‘Miracle’ is. It’s a story about believing in yourself, in believing that if you work hard and set your mind to something, then it’s going to happen. Songland LOVED it right away, as well as NBC Sports and the Olympic committee. After Bebe Rexha heard it, it was a done deal… It really doesn’t get any bigger than that! Life changing.
Has this down time during COVID-19 helped to inspire any new songs?
Yes! I just released a new single called “I Still Do” and it’s available everywhere you get your music. I’m proud of this one and feel it’s a song we all need right now. It’s about not giving up hope and fighting through adversity. I wrote it with the artist Sam DeRosa I sang with on Songland.
Has the city of Los Angeles in general inspired any tracks?
LA inspired so many of my tracks! When I drove into Hollywood from San Francisco, to make the move, just the energy of the scene inspire a whole album! The one track that sums it all up is one called “Caliway” and it’s OUT wherever you get your music. It’s a chill 90’s hiphop inspired jam for the summer time!
What is your advice to other songwriters out there that want big name artists to record their tracks?
You’re going to get a lot of no’s and know that this is one of the most competitive businesses in the world and it’s very subjective, which is not the best combination. When the timing is right for you I promise it’ll all click. There were so many times that I put the weight of my whole world on one opportunity and was crushed when it didn’t work out, but when I look back now the timing just wasn’t right. Be patient, trust the process and never give up.
On a personal note, what about Los Angeles do you love so much about that you decided to ultimately live here and raise your family here?
Really it’s the energy and electricity this city has. I’ve never lived in a place where I can relate completely with the community. The network here is so strong, open and willing to lend a hand. Soon as I made the move the doors swung open and allowed me to do music full time, something I had never been able to do. We’ve met so many great people doing the same thing and raising families in this crazy industry. That’s what keeps us going.
What things with your family around town have you been doing during this pandemic period?
We’re a beach family. We drive out to Malibu almost every weekend to get that fresh ocean air. Also, we’ve been really getting into drive in’s!
What is the ultimate goal for Greg Scott?
My hope is to have made music that speaks to multiple generations and holds enough weight to invoke change in people of all backgrounds. Every time I sit down to write I strive to empower people to keep up hope, strength, perseverance and to love themselves no matter the path they choose. Since the day I was born I’ve watched my Dad perform for thousands of smiling faces and has since passed the torch. Now it’s my gift to give to bring people joy and hopefully win a couple grammy’s along the way!
Follow GREG SCOTT via Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/gregscottmusic/
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