Unsigned Spotlight: Scarlett Cook
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Scarlett Cook? How long has the band been around?
I first started performing as Scarlett Cook as a solo acoustic guitarist when I was about 16. Then I played guitar and sang in a 3 piece band called Autonomy from '02-04. Around 2002 I also started this project, Scarlett Cook on Piano.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
It happens to be my name.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I write all the Piano and Vocals and most of the string parts. I have been using session musicians lately to perform on the recording I am working on. Helen Barclay has recently performed the Cello parts and Jordan Gilmour is currently writing and performing the drums.
Most of the topics are usually life experiences I'm trying to pass through or to do with some kind of disaster or injustice- Of the Planet, of the Heart, or of society.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Currently, I'm most inspired by local bands I have been doing live shows with or watching. Shiver Canyon, Suldusk, Aquilus. Being around creative people large or small is important.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Nirvana
Tool, Lateralus in particular
Tori Amos (Earlier works)
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Quiet time, a little stretch and some Nag Champa
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Making the film clips to Songbird and USER was particularly fun and something proud to look back on. Both were independently made with my friend Vanessa Cox, who is a talented cinematographer that helped enable my concepts to come to life. We put a lot in and did it all ourselves with a few helpers. Both were a lot of fun.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Nick Cave or Chelsea Wolf. I'm always on the look out for new music in a similar vein. Particularly bands with Cinematic sounds or abstract strings.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for the chat, you can check out my music and film clips here: