Calum Scott: ‘I Know How It Feels To Be In A Very Dark Space’

When UK multi-platinum singer-songwriter Calum Scott won a music award for being a ‘Guilty Pleasure’ it could have gone either way. Should music ever make us feel guilty? And what does guilty music sound like, even?

“It's definitely a compliment,” Scott says. “And it was a newspaper that has supported me a lot in the UK, so it was amazing to go up and receive an award.” In a fully deserved humble brag, he adds, “And I received it from Mel B [of the Spice Girls], how incredible!”

Scott’s signature sound is slow, lush, big pop ballads. And if that’s a ‘guilty pleasure’, then someone needs to rename all the awards Adele, Elton and Celine have won, too.

“If people didn't understand the lyric, they might think, ‘Ah, it's sad, it's a bit slow, depressing.’ And I get that a lot - my friends have said like, ‘When are you going to do something upbeat?'" Scott laughs. “I say to them all the time, ‘If you listen to the lyric, I'm actually talking about loving somebody beyond measure, or that's the person that makes sure you get up in the morning and smile, or I miss that person so much.’ You know, that's the sentiment, not like, [sings in a sad syrupy tone] ‘I'm alone. I'm alone.’ It's not like that.”

Having started on Britain’s Got Talent, Scott has branched out as a songwriter and performer. His first album, Only Human (2018), made big waves in streaming and online charts especially. Now out is new single Heaven, co-written with long time collaborator and Aussie songwriting legend Hayley Warner.

“Hayley and I had this idea about putting the power back into [a] relationship,” he explains. “We discussed that feeling of having so much love and respect and admiration for somebody… and I just think it's so special because it's a reminder to live in the present.

“You know, like, ‘What I've got with you right now is better than anything else that anybody could offer me anytime in the future.’ It's just like, how living in the present, how does that feel? I think it's going back to that kind of poetry/songwriting, you know, using metaphors and being imaginative with music.”

Metaphors and imagination aside, Scott remains intent on being honest and reflective of his own experiences, especially if they can help others who are finding their own way.

“I'm a massive advocate of mental health and mental health charities - the work that they do is incredible,” he says. One of the songs in his back catalogue that stands out for this is No Matter What, a track he originally wrote from a child’s perspective seeking their parent’s acceptance, but since then this message of asking for help has continued on.  

“I've had my own issues growing up, [including] coming out, and I had a bit of a body dysmorphia when I was younger as well. And I know what it feels like to be in a space that feels very dark. In fact, one of the songs from the upcoming album, is the most personal I've ever written. And it's from a much darker time in my life. I knew I had to be more honest, and I knew I wanted to give more.”

While at times Scott says he’s a bit worried that he’s “almost given a bit too much of myself away”, at the same time he says it’s worth it. “I just think it's that kind of honesty that resonates with people. And that’s what touches me, you know, listening and thinking, ‘If he's had something he can pull himself from, maybe I can do the same thing.’

“This year I'm really keen to team up with mental health charities more and become an ambassador and just use my platform for more than just music. You know, try and make changes and create some positivity. We're on this planet for such a small time, it's like, you want to try and create as much positivity change as you can. Right?”

Calum Scott’s second album Bridges drops June 17 ahead of his Australian tour in November, all the details of which you can find here.

If you are suffering from any of the issues that have been discussed or need assistance, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.