Heart of the Country - Sound of the City: Duane Scott Interview
Without a doubt Scott talents provides a sound of passion. Without a doubt he had to leave "HOME" to find his dream. Journey with us as we coast on the smooth notes of Duane Scott. The exclusive interview only at VMAGAZINE
#1
-Tell us who is Duane Scott?
Who is Duane Scott? Duane Scott is just a little ole guy originally from
Clarksdale, MS with a love for music.
I’ve been in the game a while now.
I actually started in a group called Neutral. We did a couple of shows locally here in
Memphis. I ended up leaving that group
and signing my first deal. I was green
at the time and didn’t know anything about the music industry. I was just glad someone wanted to sign a
brother ya know. I released my first
solo studio project ‘New Luv’ in 2005.
As I stated I was really green and was just glad to be in the
studio. But off of that project I was
named one of Mississippi’s Best Kept Secrets.
I did the shows here and there, state to state and really caught the bug
for this music industry. I released a
number of mixtapes before signing a management contract with Majestic
Entertainment. It was with them that I
got the chance to meet Supa-Producer Johnathan ‘J Dav’ Davenport who produced
my ‘Sycamore & Riley’ project released in 2011 that’s been called one of
the best R&B albums to come out of Memphis in a long time. Which brings me
to the point I’m at now working on my new project ‘I AM DUANE SCOTT’. I was also voted 2011 KnocDown/SCM Radio
Bobby Womack R&B Artist of the Year which I’m nominated for again this
year. Trying to be the first back to
back winner in that category. But I’m just a guy that has a love for music
trying to share that love with any and everybody that will listen.
#2
-Lets get right into it! 2011 Knocdown/SCM R&B Artist of the year? Describe
that moment.
Awwwww
man……To be honest with you I was in total shock. I had been nominated before and didn’t
win. When they called my name it was
like a cement truck had poured cement all over my body cause I couldn’t
move. But it felt good to be recognized
for the work I have put in. I’ve been
doing my thing for a while and locally it made a lot of people notice me.
#3- Who
was your favorite singer growing up - And who are you listening to now?
Growing
up………Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Luther. I’m old school. Now I’m listening to The R, people that
really know me know that I’m a BIG Musiq
Soulchild fan. I’m digging Frank,
Miguel, and some of Trey’s stuff.
#4- Are
you signed, indie, whats your situation?
I’ve
actually had two indie deals that I ended up getting out of. I eventually signed myself to my own label.
Akon Music Group. A lot of people see
that name and be like wow……But it’s actually my real last name.
#5- You
grew up in Mississippi? How is it down there and are you a city boy now?
I
couldn’t have asked for anything better than to grow up in Clarksdale, MS……or
as we say Clark-Vegas! It made me the
person I am today. Deep down inside I’ll always be a Country Boy living in the
city.
#6-
What you think about the R&B of today?
It’s
just O.K. You got some people out here
making some noise but it’s definitely not like it use to be. Now locally here in Memphis we got some
REALLY talented people here. We just
need the spotlight to shine in this direction.
I actually think my man Justin Timberlake is about to murder the game
with his return. You can see how much he
has matured as an artist.
#7-
Frank Ocean or Miguel- Al Green or Marvin Gaye?
Ummmmmm,
would it be wrong if I said Duane Scott.
Naw seriously I’ll have to go with Frank. But it’s actually pretty close
cause Miguel is on point. It’s got to be
Marvin. No offense to Rev. Green, but Marvin was the total package.
#8- If
3 artist could form up your style who would it be?
I’ve
been compared to quite a few artist actually. I’ve had some people say The R
because of some of the stuff I do vocally.
Some have said Avant. But I like
to just say I’m doing D. Scott. I’m just
little ole Duane Scott. I let the music
speak for itself.
#9-
Craziest Groupie Moment?
Oh
wow…………I actually had a fan call me on my cell once. That damn Facebook with the publishing of
your numbers! I’ve got all of that
private now.
#10-
Where was the best performance you ever had?
That’s
a tough one because I’ve performed a lot of places. I’ll have to say if I had to just pick
one……Man that’s a tough one. Maybe my first time down in New Orleans right
before Hurricane Katrina.
#11-
Memphis a good place for up and coming artist/ and where do most artist go
wrong?
Memphis
is a GREAT place. I say that because it
teaches you humility, along with toughness.
If you don’t have a work ethic you can forget about it. It makes you learn and focus on the BUSINESS
side of this music industry while also perfecting your craft. I think a lot of Memphis Artist go wrong by
only thinking local. Memphis isn’t the
only city on the map. Branch out. Like a well known Radio D.J. once told
me………’Don’t worry about Memphis, it’s going to always be here. Go out and get it. Memphis will show you love
once you do’.
#12-
Ladies want to know is Mr. Scott single and what’s his type of woman?
Sorry
ladies I’m Married. My type of woman is
the woman I have now.
#13-
New Projects Fill Us in?
I’m in
the process of recording my 3rd Studio Album right now. I’m really excited the direction that myself
and my producer ‘J Dav’ are going with this one. It’s definitely my best work to date. Look for it early Summer. I just released the
latest installment in my Memphis R&B Series that I’m doing. It’s available on datpiff.com. Duane Scott Presents: Memphis R&B Vol. 2
Hosted by D. J. Bay. But as far as my
project goes……..if people liked the first two single’s ‘FaceTime’ and ‘Late
Nite Rendezvous’……….I can’t wait until they hear the rest of it.
#14-
Tell the people where they can find Duane Scott?
Man
where can’t you find me. I’m at www.duanescott.net, https://www.facebook.com/TheDuaneScott, https://twitter.com/DuaneScott_RnB, instagram
@DuaneScott_RnB, you can get my last
project ‘Sycamore & Riley’ at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sycamore-riley/id432383949 among a number of places online.
