Lucy Roche: How would you say you got into music?

Alec Scott: I guess music got into me. My mom started me with classical piano lessons at the Peabody Prep when I was five or six. I’ve sort of kept that up off and on over the years. When I started writing pop songs in middle school I quickly caught onto the therapeutic aspect of music making. Later, like in high school, even more so. I guess I’ve just always loved the power of a song to take you to another place emotionally and spiritually. Also, though, I’ve always been into theater, and I think part of the reason why I’m so drawn to performing songs is because it’s a combination of both the two fields.

LR: What sort of music would you say you play?

AS: I’d probably say I play urban folk-rock. It’s always a hard thing to label because I feel kind of eclectic. I like playing the blues, and I like country and folk-pop. When I first started performing, tons of people said I reminded them of a young Ben Harper. I’ve always loved artists like Seal, and Dionne Farris and Alana Davis, who didn’t care about stretching the boundaries of what a “black artist” could be.

LR: What/who are your influences?

AS: My biggest influences would include James Taylor, Lenny Kravitz, Kurt Cobain, Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco and Sinead O’Connor.

LR: What’s the title of your new CD?

AS: Live at CBGBs. I was thinking of calling it Come Outside and Play, the first song off of it, but my mom thought it wouldn’t be as straightforward.

LR: How did you come to make the CD?

AS: Over Winter Term I stayed with an alum in the city while I was interning at Universal Music Publishing. I’d been wanting to record my new songs for a while and knew that taping a live show straight off the sound board would be the cheapest way to go. Also, I like how a live recording can document a more authentic “you.” While I was in New York I played a few other places, but none had the ring of CBGBs. I played in the 313 gallery, and it’s a great space.

LR: Yeah, that is a great space. How have you found the Oberlin music scene to be for you?

AS: Well, there are some really amazing performances for sure. I think we should have more open mics, maybe, and more bands. I’m still trying to get a group together, so if you’re reading this drop me a line.

LR: What future endeavors are you looking forward to?

AS: I’m performing this Saturday at 4:30 SHARP at the folk festival on Tappan Sqaure. I’m really looking forward to that. I’m working on this duet with Aaliyah Bilal that’s really something. It’s always great to work with someone who can take you to a whole other place. Plus, I love Patty Griffin who is playing on Saturday as well, so that should be good fun.

Alec Scott’s songs can be heard online at www.mp3.com/alecscott