A Kilmarnock musician has offered a ray of light during a dark time.
Matt Scott has released his first album despite not being able to play it live in front of anyone.
But the 30-year-old rocker admits that due to the COVID-19 lockdown he has been able to dedicate more time to the album without any time pressures.
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt brings his brand of rock ‘n’ roll with the completely independent debut album As It Was When It Happened.
All songs were written and performed by him to contest the cliché of the acoustic singer-songwriter.
Speaking after the album was released on Friday he said: “It’s exciting for me after releasing this.
“I’ve got everything sounding exactly how I want it to, so that’s good.
“I’d been debating when to release it due to the lockdown, but I am really glad I have done it now.
“I was going to be launching it a month ago naturally, but lockdown came at a decent time in terms of the album as I had time to sit and reflect on everything and work it all out.
“Without doing any gigs I’ve had more time to focus on the writing and planning the album.”
He added: “It’s gutting that I won’t be able to play the songs live, you want an album launch usually.
“But it might work the other way, the amount of people who have listened to it and shared it – I can’t believe it.
“So when the gig finally comes, people will know the songs which is unique.
“I’ve had a lot of support from people around the world, but in Kilmarnock specifically the support has been outstanding.
“I am really thankful for all the people who have shared it and helped me out.”
His debut singles have been featured across the most notable BBC Scotland shows including the Vic Galloway and Roddy Hart shows.
The songs have been described as “something we can all relate to”, and he has been tipped as the next one to watch coming out of Scotland.
Jim Gellatly has similarly championed his three singles released on his Amazing Radio show.
Since the release of his debut singles, Matt headlined a stage at the notable Belladrum Festival and performed at prestigious SXSW in Austin, Texas.
He also featured on bills across New York City, Nashville, Los Angeles, Mexico and those closer to home in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
And the singer has also received well-earned plaudits from Scottish music legends Paolo Nutini and Frankie Miller.
As It Was When It Happened offers a journey through verse and music to portray ideas, images and sounds, that frankly, are not found anywhere else.
For more, visit: www.facebook.com/mattjamesscott/
