Five Minutes With: Vancouver-based Indie Folk Musician Brandon Wolfe Scott

Brandon Wolfe Scott is a singer-songwriter based in Vancouver, Canada, best known as the guitarist and co-songwriter in the JUNO Award-nominated indie rock group Yukon Blonde. The band released their sixth full-length album, Shuggie, on October 12, 2023, and concluded an East Coast Canadian tour in the same month. When not busy with the band, Brandon is working on his solo endeavours.

On February 9, 2024, he’ll share his new solo single, “Sun Shadows.” The song emerged last summer when he accompanied his partner on a work trip to Northern BC and returned to the small mill town of his childhood after nearly a decade. So many things had changed in his life since, and he was interested to see the real elements of his nostalgic memories. Eager to share his roots with his partner, the couple transformed the journey into a road trip and a quasi-songwriting retreat.

However, with their dog in tow, lodging options were limited, leading them to a worn-out motel frequented by a transient crowd. The envisioned tranquil space for creativity transformed into a stark reflection of daily struggles outside our window. “Witnessing poverty and addiction in northern BC left me disheartened and resentful toward the political climate perpetuating these issues,” says Brandon. “Since then, I have often asked myself, how can I put kindness into the world?” A daunting task amidst the ongoing turmoil.”

Brandon Wolfe Scott continues, “Lyrically, this song was inspired by the surroundings in which I originally recorded, being in that rundown motel room close to where I grew up, surrounded by people going through hardship, but it also has much bigger connotations linking hardships to those being faced globally.” It served as a reminder for him to acknowledge his privilege, being able to seclude himself in a room all day crafting music—an opportunity he should always appreciate and never overlook.

“Sun Shadows” is the first new music from Brandon since he released his self-produced third EP, Slow Transmission, on March 23, 2023, via Dine Alone Records. The album featured five original songs, including “Fade Out” and “In Stride.” The new music garnered support from various platforms such as SiriusXM’s “North Americana,” CBC Radio 3, Georgia Straight, Afterdark on CBC Music, Americana UK, PhotogMusic, Red Guitar Music, Alan Cross’ “5 Songs You Must Hear,” CBC Radio One, CBC q, Eat North, CFMU’s “I Heart Hamilton,” CoveFM’s “When We Wake,” Exclaim, and many more.

His 2020 Sophomore EP, Burden On Your Shoulders (Dine Alone Records), gained him nationwide recognition and cemented him in the public eye as a talented songwriter, engineer, and producer. Notable collaborations include co-writing and producing with STACEY on her debut album, Saturn Returns (2021).

Brandon Wolfe Scott
Photo by: Tatum Maclean

Name:

Brandon Wolfe Scott

Genre:

Indie Folk, Singer-Songwriter

Founded:

2016

# of Albums:

3 Ep’s

Latest Album:

Slow Transmission (2023)

Latest Single:

Sun Shadows (Feb 9, 2024)

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

I was raised in all eras of Neil Young.

Favourite musician now:

Tobias Jesso Jr. is a very inspiring songwriter right now. I love that he’s writing for all the massive pop stars; I also really love his record, Goon.

Guilty pleasure song:

Secret Garden by Bruce Springsteen 😭

Live show ritual:

Sing as hard as I can into a towel for a few minutes.

Favourite local musician:

I have 3: Kylie V, Janky Bungag, and Dawson Gool.

EP or LP?

I guess EP’s as I’ve put out 3 now. 🤷‍♂️

Early bird or night owl?

On Tour I’m a night owl, at home I’m an early bird.

Road or studio?

Both are equally a blessing and a curse.

Any shows or albums coming up?

My new single, “Sun Shadows,” is out now. I’m currently in writing/demo mode for a new body of work!

And I am playing a show at Green Auto on Friday, April 5th w/ MOONRIIVR & Jody Glenham – Tickets here.

Where can we follow you?

InstagramFacebookTikTok

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Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

The Naam, I hope it never closes!!

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

Commercial Drive, it’s quirky and diverse.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

I’ve recently started taking my dog to Braudigam Park on the North Shore. It’s a gentle, off-leash walk alongside Lynn Creek. Perfect for my ageing 10-year-old pup!

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

I’d say The Commodore is the best-sounding venue in the city. I also enjoy the DIY community at Green Auto these days too! Lots of fun shows happening there.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

If we’re talking gear shop it’s Rufus Guitar Shop, and best record shops would be Neptune and Zulu for me.

 

About Demian Vernieri 597 Articles
Demian is an Argentinian retired musician, avid gamer and editor for the Montréal Guardian, Toronto Guardian, Calgary Guardian and Vancouver Guardian websites.