BWW Interviews: Scott Alan Ahead of his Australian tour

Talented American composer Scott Alan is on his way to Australia ahead of the release of his third solo album  "What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up" set to be released November 15, 2010.

Scott's first two solo albums, 'Dreaming Wide Awake' and 'Keys' feature some of the brightest stars of Broadway including Wicked alumni Megan Hilty, Shoshana Bean, Stephanie J Block and Eden Espinosa.

Scott will be touring Australia as part of Harvest Rain Theatre Company's 'Broadway to Brisvegas' series with a concert in Brisbane at the Powerhouse Theatre September 3^rd followed by a concert in Melbourne at the Malthouse theatre on September 6^th.

Despite currently being in the busy process of recording his third album, Scott took the time to answer some questions for Broadwayworld Australia about his upcoming tour:

Will this be your first time visiting Australia?

This will be my very first time in Australia and I couldn't be looking more forward to it.  

What convinced you to tour Australia?

I was invited to teach a masterclass through the Harvest Rain Theatre Company in Brisbane, as well as present a concert of my work proceeding the classes.  From there, we added other venue in Melbourne as well, which will feature some very special guests that I am very excited to get the opportunity to work alongside. 

You have a diverse repertoire of music, what can Australian audiences expect from your upcoming concerts?

I really try and keep all of my concerts very personal.  It will just be me and a piano for both concerts, with the various scattered guests here and there.   I think with me, though, the audience should always expect the unexpected. 

And conversely, what expectations do you have about your audience here in Australia?

My only expectation is that my future husband is in the audience for one of the concerts.  Is that wrong of me ?

If you could have your audience come away from your concert feeling one thing, what would it be?

My work is very personal to me and so I try and fill the room in an intimate way with my work.   To me it doesn't matter what they feel, as long as they left feeling something.  Emotion is an extremely powerful tool.  Well, I mean, I hope they don't feel cheated out of their money, but hey, it's a feeling, so go with it, I guess ?!?!

Will you have time to explore and visit tourist attractions during your time here? What are you looking forward to most?

I am going to try and do my best and see as many sites as possible, but most of the stay will be in rehearsals and masterclasses and concerts.   I really am just looking forward to meeting the audience and learning more about your culture.   Ok, and maybe see some Koala Bears and Kangaroo's as well.

You are in the process of recording your new album "What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up". This is your third solo album now, does the process get any easier?  

It never does.  Each CD is an extremely emotional process.  Many people will approach me about how emotionally connected they feel to the songs but, whatever they feel, I feel x100.   Putting myself and my life out there, to be judged, is one of the hardest processes.   That being said, I hope to continue releasing CD's for the rest of my life. 

This new CD is the most personal CD yet.   It's hard for me to listen to some of the songs because it reminds me of my latest breakup and a relationship I thought that had the longevity to survive.   That being said, It's also the only CD where there are genuine happy Scott Alan songs included.  So … it's all over the board.  I'll be debuting many of them at the concerts. 

Your new album includes Australian performer Cassie McIvor who has recently been seen playing the role of Elphaba in the Japanese production of Wicked. How did you discover Cassie?

My favourite place, of course – Youtube.  Those who don't know Cassie are in for an amazing treat.  She sings 'Not Quite Ready Yet to Grieve' on the CD.  It's a much more 'pop' sound then people may be use to on this CD, for those who know it, but they are going to be discovering an absolutely amazing vocalist.   She will be performing at my Melbourne concert as well.  I have a feeling she is going to become one hell of a huge Australian star before long.  And, let me also say, the girl can act as well.   She's really spectacular. 

Your music is full of motivational messages, what is the best advice you have ever been given?

Write from your heart.   If you write truthfully and honestly, it can never be wrong. Your heart is always right. 

In your previous albums and concerts you have worked with some of the biggest talents around such as Megan Hilty, Shoshana Bean and Eden Espinosa to name just a few. Your announced collaborations for your upcoming album are no different. Who is left on your list of people you dream of having sing your music?

Lea Salonga, whom wasn't able to join me for this new CD due to scheduling conflicts, sadly, but hopefully soon.   Tina Arena, who is an Australian and someone that I would die to work with.  I've been a huge fan of hers forever. 

Who are your inspirations?

Oh, I have so many inspirations.  My family, my friends, my dog, even my ex boyfriends.  I write about what I am experiencing in the moment so anyone involved in my life is an inspiration for my writing.  And, of course, Joni Mitchell.  

What is the most embarrassing thing on your Ipod?

Oh, hmmmm.  See, I don't see anything as embarrassing.  I'm so boring.  I love everything on my iPod.  You'll find everything from old school Debbie Gibson to rare Mariah Carey to musical theatre bootlegs (shhhh !!! Don't tell anyone) to my friends solo albums to other contemporary composers, whom I love.  I would stand behind everything on it.  Even Michael Bolton's Greatest Hits.  Yup.  

You have produced an extensive repertoire of amazing music, do you have a song out of all of them that stands out as your favourite creation?

"If I Own Today" is still one of my favourite songs that I've written.  There are also two songs on the new CD that are really personal to me and stand out to me as well; "Anything Worth Holding onto," sung by Crystal Monee Hall and "Take Me Away," sung by Darius de Haas

Some of your most popular and beautiful songs such as 'Home', 'Magic' and 'Never Neverland' come from your musical Piece. What is the latest situation with Piece?

Great question that I hope to be able to answer in the next few months.  Stay tuned.  

For further details about Scott and his upcoming concerts visit the following links:

Brisbane 3^rd September concert: http://www.harvestrain.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=1423

Melbourne 6^th September concert: http://www.harvestrain.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=1425

Scott Alan's Website: http://www.scottalan.net/

Follow Scott on Twitter: http://twitter.com/scottalannet