Scotty Apex
Q:
Let us know about yourself, as an artist and person.
A:
I'm currently 22 years of age, so I'm at a transitional period in my life where a lot of things are changing, I'm experiencing a lot, learning a lot, growing a lot, and trying my best to overcome things from my past that have caused me damage that I still deal with today. I grew up always feeling like an outcast, not to sound cliche because I know a lot of people want to be different nowadays, but as I lived out my youth, I really did feel sort of separated from everyone around me.
I typically stay to myself, and that may be due to issues I've had with anxiety, depression, and other very negative internal battles, but my energy has always been one that sort of drifted solo for some reason, and it's not always by choice. As a artist, that's why I really cling to the music I create, it has always been that friend I could go to.
Music is and always has been my escape. Which really leads into my intention with my music, I want to be that escape for others. I know what it is like to feel alone, feel like there is no hope, feel like the only thing I could relate to was the words from other artists that I looked up to. For example, Kid Cudi was one of those artists for me, his words helped me through my pain, I want to be able to provide that same feeling that was given to me.
I want people to know who I am completely, know my story, know what I represent, know my flaws, know my pains, know my strengths, know that they are not alone in what they are feeling because I have a piece of art that is so raw and vulnerable that they see a bit of themselves through me.
Q:
What cultures and experiences cultivate this persona or identity of yours?
A:
The main thing that drives everything I represent is EMOTION, feelings that I have went through. Heartbreak was really something that sort of fueled and sparked every initial piece I was putting out.
I started out creating out of hurt, anger, and put so much passion into expressing that as clear as possible through aggression.
Now, as I have grown more and more, and learned more from every day life, I express more melodically and less aggressively, but fueled by the same thing, EMOTION. As far as cultures, I spent a lot of time in Toronto, which has such a different way of life than what I grew up experiencing.
Some of my best friends are there, I made so many memories out there, experienced so much, felt so much, seen so much, and the Toronto culture for sure has made its mark on my identity.
I got to visit Tokyo in December of 2018, and that changed my perspective on life a lot as well.
Everyone there was so loving towards me, so welcoming, and that in itself was something that I had not felt a lot, and was very refreshing. Seeing the fashion there, the way things move, Tokyo definitely made its impact on me as a person as well.
Q:
What keeps your current audience listening and why should people start listening?
A:
I think what my current audience appreciates the fact that I am so open and vulnerable to them. A lot of things creatively are so fabricated and polished, and I think stepping in the opposite direction of that to leave everything so raw is why people gravitate towards my music. So, when you mix a good intention with a good final product, I think it makes that listening experience that much more meaningful, and that's why people stick to it.
Q:
What platform can people reach your content on the most conveniently?
A:
I use all platforms, so my work is pretty conveniently all over the place. The main ones that people use and listen to my work on would be Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, and YouTube.
I have an album out right now titled "LOVESICK" and I feel like that is a great starting place for anyone who wants to discover me as an artist, and all that I represent. From there, I think as a listener you will enjoy finding all the other gems that I have out right now.
Q:
How has your experience in the industry been thus far?
A:
My experience in this industry has evolved so much. When I first started out, I knew what I wanted to represent, I just didn't quite know how to execute it correctly to my vision. As I progressed, I learned so much.
I have met so many amazing people, and I have had some amazing experiences. I have had my ups and downs, but being able to meet or even work with people I have really looked up to has made it all worth it.
I've been to houses of some of my favorite artists to work on music, I met my favorite artist of all time (Kid Cudi) in Cleveland, I've done song writing for artists that I really like, so as time progresses I know more and more is going to happen, so my experience with the industry has been fairly good to me so far.
On the other end of that, I have definitely had some poor experiences with people with bad intent, people who talk a lot of action but never make anything happen, so I've learned its best to just stick with your team and the people you trust, work hard, and let things fall into place as you strategize them to.
Q:
Do you have an outstanding moment since you got into the music industry that makes you realize how important it is to make music like this? If so what would that be?
A:
I think an outstanding moment that I've had was when a girl I went to High school with reached out to me, very emotional, crying and all, and told me how much my LOVESICK album helped her through a really dark time in her life. She was going through so much, and one thing that really brought her comfort throughout those battles was my album. In a moment like that, it really hit me that my intention with music is truly helping others just like I wanted it to, and I knew I had to stick to this path.
Q:
Is there any one song that you’ve made that stands out from the rest? Any songs that people should listen to that will get people hooked?
A:
"Stay or Run" is a very honest and open track, I feel like that track communicates a lot of my story, my intentions, and who I am. "LUVSICK" as well, definitely a very emotionally fueled song that I made in a time where I was really depressed and heartbroken. Walk us through the steps you take to create a track.
Q:
What is your creative process? Do you happen to just walk into the studio and throw some beats on until one sticks? Or is there a more delicate process involved?
A:
I've worked in different scenarios, situations, settings, and I've definitely learned my preferences. I can write a full song in under 10 minutes though if it comes to it. There has been situations where I'll be with a producer as they are working on structuring a beat, and I'll already have the song done before they even finish the beat, just give me something small to work off of and I can finish something crazy as quick as needed.
I actually prefer to work on music in my bedroom though, or somewhere that allows me to feel at home.
Typically, one of my friends that produces will have sent me a beat. The beat has to make me feel some sort of emotion, it has to pull me in and sort of give me a canvas that is ready for me to paint with words.
Once I have picked out the production, I play it a few times and come up with ideas for melodies that I can hear sounding good with it. Once I get a basic idea of the direction, I sort of zone out, I think about what I feel and have experienced, and I let it pour out onto what I am writing.
Once I have everything written, I record and lay down the layers of vocals needed, then send them off to my engineer and tell him what I think would sound good.
The formula I have been using has been working for me, and I am so proud of all my friends that work with me.
Q:
Where do you think you would be at this very moment if you weren't pursuing your career in music?
A:
Probably pursuing something in the film industry, whether that be the acting itself, or the writing, or the production. I think I just like to create cool pieces of art that hold an entertaining value.
I actually have taken classes to fulfill a minor in film studies with my bachelors degree, and I have learned a lot, and gained a lot of creative inspiration by studying certain directors from all eras of film.
Q:
Lastly, what advice or experiences would you like to share with your peers or anyone else who is up and coming in this industry?
A:
Just be honest with yourself and your audience. Create because you love to create, create because it makes you feel something.
Q:
Also, is there anything you'd like for us to promote?
A:
LOVESICK 2 is on the way.
Big shout to to Scotty Apex for agreeing to be featured on Nefarious Supply be sure to check out his music via his SoundCloud above as well as show him love on his Instagram, as well as Twitter. If you enjoyed this interview please leave a like and comment your favorite song by Scotty Apex. To stay up to date with content coming out of Nefarious Supply you can follow us on Instagram, as well as Twitter, like your Facebook Page, and to hear new music constantly from underground and emerging artists be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.