Time may pass, but we’re still the same.
Scott Fisher, with a playful, emotional, and introspective touch, delivers beautifully romantic dream pop composition. Read our discussion with the artist!
Describe your sound in 3 words
This is not an easy answer, but it’s certainly a good exercise..
Soulful, psychedelic rock.
Tell us a few things about Still the same and your upcoming album Kingdom of Ego. What is the story behind it?
“Still the Same” is a little ditty about arrested development and friendship over time. It’s about loving someone despite our differences. I see quite a few people in my life who are willing to give up on friendships too easily in my view. Somehow there’s a trend towards wanting and expecting everyone around us to see the world in the same way we do. This song argues the opposite. Our differences and opposing perspectives can make our world’s larger, more informed and richer with nuance.
Not to get too into the weeds, but the general theme of the record is about the fact that we have seemed to reach “peak narcissism” in the western world. The Kingdom of Ego” is about how “success” in the American context cannot be separated from money and social media likes. It’s about our loss of sensuality. More importantly, it’s about our loss of sensuality in the name of efficiency in the service of profit. The record is about the beauty. It’s about a lovely meal surrounded by friends and loved ones. It’s about spending a lazy afternoon with your lover. The record is about moving more towards creative endeavors and away from systems. Ultimately, the “Kingdom of Ego” is about our incentives being in the wrong places in modern American society. Economy of scale over the artisanal, distorted simplicity over nuance, ideology over critical thinking and profit over people. In the end though, the record is about hope and reversing these trends in our own little subversive ways.
Can you share any anecdotes or stories about the reactions you’ve received from listeners who relate to the message of the song?
People have certainly mentioned the theme of friendship in “Still the Same,” both growing closer with friends and losing friendships as we grow over time, but I think I’ve been most surprised by the “feel good” reaction that people have had to the song. A happy sounding song that is earnest and authentic has not always been my songwriting wheel house, so I find it satisfying that the song elicits some joyous emotion. I can’t begin to name all the “Chill out” “Good Vibes” Happy Friday” playlists “Still the Same” has made it onto recently.
I imagine the emotional reaction and positive vibes of the song come mostly from the melodic quality and easy going groove in the track, but perhaps the lyrical content about accepting our friends for better and for worse is a comforting idea as well.
In a world filled with constant change, what do you think makes certain friendships stand the test of time?
At the risk of sounding cliche I think the foundations to a good friendship are honestly, trust, and letting people be themselves. Bob Marley’s first single ever was a ska tune called “Judge Not”
I was always amazed that he wrote such a wise lyric as a teenager. “Judge not, before you judge yourself.” This has been the key to some of my longest lasting friendships.
A song that celebrates timeless friendships you wish you had composed yourself?
“True Colors.” I think it’s a magical song! We all know Cyndi Lauper’s version but I had to look up the writers. Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly.
Also, I can’t leave out “In My Life” by The Beatles.
Artists and people that have influenced you?
Jerry Garcia
Thelonious Monk
J.J Cale
Steely Dan
Serge Gainsbourg
Nigel Godrich
Krishnamurti
Nietzsche
etc..etc..
If Still the same was a film, which film would that be?
Somehow “The Life Aquatic” came to mind. Some people see sound in color. I don’t, but I feel like the colors and energy of “Life Aquatic” match the song.
I think the pacing of the song is more in line with “Lost in Translation.”
And now writing this I wonder if I should have added Bill Murray to my list above…
Tell us one thing that not many people know about you!
I love and play quite a bit of Basketball.
Los Angeles Athletic club 2023 winter league Basketball Champs.
Enough said 🙂
Thank you!
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