Cadre Scott Returns With a Beautifully Woven New Album
- BuzzSlayers
- 22 minutes ago
- 8 min read
An album release from Cadre Scott delivers such a beautiful approach to blending folk and elements of Americana, even hints of classic rock, and more, all with this almost vintage tonality, and a gorgeous approach to songwriting that gives off loads of personality, which is one of the biggest things you end up really getting attached to throughout the course of this album.
The Higher album certainly doesn't waste much time with its first track, "Sweeter", coming right in with this folky but slightly southern-toned guitar, followed by vocals that automatically pull you right in with her wonderful vibrato, which is one of the many staples I love about this artist.
She just has such an inviting tone to her voice, and even the way she sings sort of captures those classic, almost 70s influences super well.
As the album unfolds, you hear it branch out in some different directions, but she definitely sticks to a lot of that old-school Americana and folk approach, and it fits perfectly with the way that she writes her music.
It sounds like "Lovely" that you start hearing some of the classic rock coming in. This is the track that's got some electric guitar work and a unique time signature coming from the drums, which really made it stand out.
One of the things I loved about this track in particular is that it had this sort of open, almost breezy element to it that felt right and still didn't stray from the staples and influences that she obviously holds close to her heart.
This one was sort of refreshing, in its own way.
Her vocals had some brilliantly colorful melodies to them, and I love it when she doubles up her vocals but sings the same notes. There's just something about the feel and texture of the songs when she does that sort of thing.
"Just Me" has to be one of my favorites on the release, simply because this one has crisp acoustic guitars that still feel a little thick or warm, but have this beautiful high end to them, along with very subtle, delicate percussion, and all of this opens up so that she can really sing beautifully on this one. You end up really soaking in those vocals here.
This is one of those songs where you also get hints of different errors and songwriting. This track has a drum beat that beckons a 1950s, almost do-op style songwriter. Not the vocals, just the way the rhythm comes across.
This whole thing has a bit of a dreamy underbelly to it. Sounds like this drift and sway. They invite you to drift alongside them, and it's certainly fun doing exactly that.
"Dragonflies" follows suit in certain aspects, giving you layers of guitars that sort of flow together. It sounds like this one that makes it feel almost like her voice is used as an instrument itself.
Yes, you definitely get wrapped up in some of the lyrics as they can be detailed or descriptive, tell some stories, or get a little personal, but a lot of the time, for me, the way she performs in the melodies that she lays out there really just takes over everything.
She has an incredibly alluring voice.
The closing track on the record is the title track, "Higher", and it is definitely one of the songs that has that higher level of energy that comes across as completely infectious.
This combines acoustic and electric guitars, layered on top of each other with such a brilliant approach, and her voice is just robust here.
It's an attention-grabbing style, and it works wonders because not only is this track leaning more towards that classic Americana style, but it is also bursting with flavor and color. It's got character all over it. But then, the entire album does as well.
This is a record I do not suggest skipping around on. I would say you should listen to this album all the way through from start to finish, in one shot.
This way, you get all those layers and tones and soundscapes that you can drift along with, dance to, or sing along with at any given moment.
She really captured that bit of vintage tonality and laced it throughout the record brilliantly.
Apollo listening to this album, I knew I wanted to have a sit-down with the artist, which is exactly what I did.
I wanted to know where the record came from and what might be coming up next for Cadre, so while you listen to this album, read through our interview with Cadre Scott
Remember where you heard it first.
Where did this album come from and what was it about?
On the surface this album is about relationships, love, and heartbreak. But on a deeper level I think this album truly was a project of self discovery for me. It represents a level of self love that comes from embracing all of your past highs and lows. The good, bad, and the beautiful. Accepting all parts of your own life without judgment so that you can reach your "higher" self ;). I took that attitude with me into the studio for the recording process. I wanted this album to feel raw, real, and as untouched as possible. I wanted the listener to feel like they were sitting in on a group of passionate musicians in a room together all just doing what they love. Making music. A few of the songs are ones that I wrote in a day, and a few of them I worked on over the past few years. Ultimately, I think the album came together in a way that is greater than me. It really all just fell into place perfectly. I could not have asked for it to have turned out better.
I am hearing a few different styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
My greatest musical influence is definitely Linda Ronstadt. Her voice is unmatched and has stuck with people all these years later. As a woman especially, I am so inspired by the way she dominated the music world across multiple genres! Stevie Nicks is another favorite of mine. I think those two both brought something unique to their art and I always aim to follow my heart and do the same. I have to say the music of the 70s in general is my greatest influence. I adore how the music of that time just feels real, and most of it isn't polished to perfection. You can feel the musician behind the music. I did feature a variety of subtle styles in this album. "Shame on Me" and "Honey" have a little more folky swing to it; whereas, "Lovely" and "Higher" feel a little more rock forward. I wanted to incorporate a little bit of everything so that the album was as fun to listen to as it was to make.
Are you performing live right now?
Yes! I am happy to say I have been performing more this past year than I ever have! I play plenty of solo acoustic gigs up and down the coast of California. In the past few months, I have stepped into playing bigger gigs with a full band accompanying me. It really is awesome to be able to play my songs with a full band sound behind me; yet, I also love to be up there with just me and my guitar.:) This summer I am looking forward to curating some really fun shows with some other local bands. You can check my website or instagram to stay updated on where I'll be playing next!
How did this all start for you as an artist?
I honestly have just always known that I love to sing, and that I want to be a touring artist. My mom loves to tell people I used to sing Adele songs loudly in the shower at age 7. So there isn't really a time I can remember where music wasn't in my life. At 15 I wrote my first song, and at 17 I got the chance to record in a studio for the first time. Since then, I haven't stopped moving forward! I feel very lucky to have such a sure sense of what I want to do in this life, and that I have such supportive family and friends. I am doing what makes me happy in life which is the ultimate goal I think!
Did you work with a producer on this release, or was this all you?
I was the producer on this release which was really cool to be in charge of my own project and creating the vision I wanted. I got the chance to record with Steve Ornest over at his studio, Total Access Recording. Steve was the absolute best. From the moment I met him and pitched the album idea, I knew he was someone I could trust with a project that was so special to me. He made sure each song came to life exactly how I envisioned it, while also providing ideas and wisdom and advice to me and the other bandmates. He was the best studio engineer/co-pilot I've ever had the privilege of working with. We all had a lot of fun and I can't wait to record there again.
What's next for you? Working on more new releases?
Right now, I am super focused on promoting the album. I have a lot of cool projects lined up to highlight each song. I am super excited to put together some cool shows this summer too and will be diving into the world of festivals. I really love playing outside, haha. While live shows are the focus, I am indeed still writing songs. It never stops! I was just working on a new one today before doing this interview:)
What kind of advice would you give to other up and coming bands or artists trying to get heard?
I'm sure you've heard it before but, just keep putting out your art! Be loud and proud! It took me a little while to be loud and proud about the things that I create, but if you love and nurture things they are bound to grow. Social media does unfortunately matter in this day and age but, in my experience the best thing you can do to gain fans is go out and play live literally anywhere. Giving people a chance to connect with you and your music in person really sticks more than a tik tok does. Human connection is what music is all about. Just go play play play!
What would you say people can expect to hear on this album?
This album is 70s inspired, stripped down, fun and hopefully will make you want to get up and twirl around. We recorded these 8 songs all live takes and I think it shows in the best way. You can feel the energy that each musician contributed. I think I was really able to put my whole and honest self into this album in a way that I haven't done before. I love these songs and I hope you will love them too:)
Before we go, what would you want to express to fans of the music?
Thank you so much to anyone and everyone who supports my musical journey. I am so grateful to feel so loved and supported by you all. Knowing that there are people out there who resonate with the music I write is what makes it all worth it. Writing the songs themselves is like therapy to me, so if that song can mean something special to someone else, then I am a happy lady. I also want to give the biggest thank you to my mom. She is definitely my built-in best friend and biggest fan and has been since day 1. I wouldn't be able to do all that I have thus far without her<3.
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