Q&A: WHO SHOT SCOTT

We already know Iraqi-born, New Zealand-bred alternative hip hop artist/producer WHO SHOT SCOTT is someone you’ll be watching closely in 2021. With complete authenticity at the forefront of his music-making, his filthy & frantic experimental signature sound defies the norm whilst being nothing but boldly vulnerable in his new debut EP “MERCY”.

We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey so far from when you first started rapping and producing!

My musical journey began when I was 8 years old. My grandmother gifted me a radio which had a microphone built in so you could record into tape. I’ve been obsessed with writing music ever since.

Where does the name “WHO SHOT SCOTT” come from?

I’ll never tell. It’s been so fun to watch people try to decode the meaning of the name. I will say this however, I myself am not ‘Scott’, I’m Zee. Do with that information what you please.

Congrats on your new groundbreaking EP “MERCY”! Can you tell us about some of the main themes and ideas included in this EP, and why it was important for you to write about them?

Thank you! I’m so happy that it’s finally out. The two most significant themes of the EP are betrayal and ego. I had a pretty crazy couple of years leading up to this project. I saw some lifelong friendships end in a very bitter way, I was in some unhealthy romantic situations, and was questioning my self worth and the integrity of my character. It was quite raw, but it was me. I put that all into this EP.

While trying to figure out what sound I wanted to push as a solo artist, I was writing a lot of pop-centred tracks and rather radio-friendly music. It made me completely miserable to say the least. But then, during the first lockdown of 2020 I had a moment of clarity where I just said “screw it”, and started writing songs about all the bullshit going on in my life, without fear of rejection from the public and without pulling any punches. It made for some of the truest art I’ve ever created, and everything I’ve written since has been nothing but boldly vulnerable to the core. I love it. This is the artist I was meant to be.

Your latest single and one of our fave tracks is “WISH BAD THINGS”! Can you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind this track, and how you approached the production of it?

I’m glad you like it! It’s definitely one of my favourites too. As I mentioned before, I unfortunately had to leave a lot of people behind in order to grow as a person, and as an artist. I felt like some of those people were watching my moves from a distance and secretly hoping that my efforts would come up short. Well they didn’t. That song is basically my letter to them, saying that no matter what they wish upon me, I’m going to win.

Production-wise, I approached it with as much bravery and confidence as I do with all of my beats. I’m really into bold sonic statements - it’s definitely my signature thing. I felt like it needed to feel filthy and frantic but groovy all at the same time, worthy of the topic I was rapping about.

What were your main highlights on working on the EP?

Simply put - just finding myself for the first time. Musically that is. I left conformity at the door and I gave up “trying” to make music. I simplified everything and put my most vulnerable self into these tracks. My eyes have been opened and I’m super excited to see where this creative realisation takes me.

What would you say are the main influences on your production style?

Anything frantic and boldly executed always inspires me. That’s why Rick Rubin and his philosophies resonate with me so much. There’s no hiding stuff in the mix, no hesitation, no reservedness. If I’m going to do it, I do it proudly and do it with style. I’m also a big advocate of incorporating as much organic sound as possible, and try to steer clear of what I call “perfect music”. I love the mistakes, they make it authentic. I want you to truly feel that a human being was behind these production decisions. It’s not just a bunch of grids and knobs. It’s me.

Who are your biggest inspirations in music?

As mentioned before, the biggest one is Rick Rubin. I also have an infinite amount of respect for Q-Tip, that dude is shockingly underrated considering the amount of genius that goes behind his production work. Of course I also love The Neptunes, Kanye West and Zach Hill (Death Grips).

If there’s anything you could change about the current music industry, what would it be and why?

More authenticity, and I don’t just mean in the songwriting. I mean everything. The production, the branding, the message. There’s nothing quite as discouraging as hearing an artist who genuinely has an incredible amount of potential, but are selling themselves short by hopping over “type beats”, or trying to sound or look EXACTLY like the hottest rapper/singer out at the time. Be yourself, strive for excellence, and don’t be scared. Why? Because that’s how great art is made. Isn’t that the point of why we’re all doing this in the first place?

Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?

LA WOMEN are really doing it for me right now, I love their track “Daydreams”. BENEE is the crowd favourite in my household, I’m really into her version of “Back To Black”, her cadence is spectacular. I actually listen to quite a fair bit of NZ music, we have some solid talent here, and I have a feeling the world is catching on. It’s very exciting.

What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?

Our people are just the best. I especially love our community of musicians here. My favourite place to visit is easily Queenstown. I shot my first five music videos down there with Connor Pritchard and literally every location we scouted out was absolutely gorgeous. 

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far?

How important being nice is, and that kindness goes a long way. Gone are the days of having a cut-throat attitude to level yourself up within the music industry, that shit is not cool, people aren’t about that energy anymore. Be a good person, treat people with respect, work hard and good things will happen for you.

Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?

You’re loved.

Thanks so much WHO SHOT SCOTT! Make sure to keep up with him on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and Apple Music.