Toronto’s Scott Helman is quickly becoming Canada’s next rising star. He has been busy touring and riding the crest of the airwave charts with his debut CD, Augusta, which was released Oct. 2014. Recently, his music video for his lively chart-topping tune, “Bungalow”, was nominated at this year’s Much Music Video Awards (MMVA) this past June.
“Augusta” is named after the street in Toronto’s Kensington Market, an area Helman fell in love with, where he would showcase the fruits of his first songwriting efforts as a young teenager, and later, where he’d temporarily reside during the recording of his first album under the Warner Music Canada label.
Growing up there was always a wide variety of music present at home. These influences led to Helman picking the guitar up at a very early age, and he began his first attempts at songwriting when he was 12-13 years old.
“I started out listening to many of those essential singer/songwriters like Dylan and Lightfoot. Then there was the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, punk and lots of indie rock in high school. I listen to everything…I love all music, as long as it’s honest and artful. When I write, I go where my heart takes me.”
Helman’s first recordings were produced by Toronto’s, Terry Moshenberg, founder and CEO of The League Of Rock. They were heard by Ron Lopata, VP of A&R: Warner Music Canada, and soon after, Helman signed with the prestigious label.
From there, it’s been a whirlwind of activity, opening for artists like Colin James and touring in a series of North American dates earlier this year with fellow Canadian band, Walk Off The Earth. Helman, who turns 20 in October, harnesses a healthy and positive attitude despite the demands of his busy schedule.
“It can get stressful at times, but I center myself in my music. I focus on my songwriting and performing, and it helps push me through. I’m always writing…it’s what I do. There’s lots of stuff I’m looking forward to in the works ahead and I’ll be touring again in the fall.”
Each of the 7 tracks from Augusta stand out uniquely on their own, and clearly display how well-rounded and developed Helman’s songwriting skills have become. There’s the great catchy groove of “Cry Cry Cry”, with its rock edginess and lyrical flow, as well as a mix of both natural and synth sounds. “That Sweater” bursts with its energetic tempo and an almost Michael Jackson freshness. “The Lion” has an infectious melody that travels in a steady, running beat, cleverly contrasted with double-timed guitar strumming in its slightly Latin-flavoured chorus.
“Machine” offers a more stripped-down simplicity with its folkier tone, peppered with machine-driven sounds which reflect the song’s theme. “Tikka” is a vibrant piece, awash with lush dance-inducing beats and another impressive display of Helman’s lyrical rhythms. In “Somewhere Sweet (Live)” we really hear the singer/songwriter influence, with its almost John Mayer-like quality, yet it exhibits more colourful and changing rhythms. Helman’s higher-pitched, spirited, and quirky voice is completely and refreshingly unique, adding character to every song.
Scott Helman and his full band are presently on a cross-Canada festival tour, with a stop here at Ottawa Bluesfest on Sun. July 12 at 3pm on the Bell Stage. For more information on Scott, tour dates, and where to purchase his music, click here.
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