Sentimental Hit-maker Calum Scott On His Biggest Tour To Date And The Struggles That Shaped His Latest Album
Scott chatted to us ahead of his Singapore concert on 28 October at the Capitol Theatre.
In 2015, Calum Scott received Simon's golden buzzer on Britain's Got Talent with his soulful rendition of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own". Three years later, he released his well-received debut album Only Human (2018), which won over audiences with its soulful lyrics and euphonious tunes. Ahead of his Singapore concert on 28 October at the Capitol Theatre, Scott chatted to us about his long-awaited sophomore album, Bridges (which dropped this June).
How is your latest album Bridges different from your debut album?
The first album was me being thrown into this amazing adventure; it was an incredible dream come true. The opportunity to write a second album made me realise I’m a singer-songwriter; there were important things I wanted to talk about. Obviously, love and heartbreak—it wouldn’t be a Calum Scott album otherwise—but also mental health. The title song, “Bridges”, is about a darker time in my life when I struggled with my confidence and self-esteem. There’s a sense of hope and resilience in that song that threads through the album; it’s full of authenticity and sincerity.
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Did your earlier success inform your second album?
I tried to think of the second album as a clean slate. I ended up writing “If You Ever Change Your Mind” and “Rise”, which are really confident, upbeat songs. They’re lot more pop than I’m used to but that’s a good thing. I took on different influences in this album while pushing my identity more. Some songs are more authentic and playful, others emotional and thought-provoking.
Tell us about your new single “Heaven”.
I’d written “Heaven” after the album was finished; it came from a place of freedom. The label loved it so much they put it on the album. The song is about putting power in the relationship and loving somebody in the present moment—it beats any promise of paradise elsewhere.
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What are some special features or collaborations?
“Bridges”—written with Danny O’Donoghue from [Irish rock band] The Script—is poignant, personal and really speaks of my mental health advocacy. “Boys in the Street” by Greg Holden is another emotional song about love and acceptance. I’ve released four collaborative versions of “Heaven” with artists from Southeast Asia, who all bring their unique identities to the song.
Do you have a favourite track?
“Biblical” is really special; it helped me out during the pandemic when I was in a rough place in my head. “If You Ever Change Your Mind” has this incredible energy when we play it live. I’m proudest of “Bridges” because it’s just so honest.
Tell us about your upcoming concert.
Performing in Asia’s an amazing feeling for me, because my music got there before I did. We end the tour in Singapore, so hopefully I’ll have time to visit the Gardens by the Bay, eat some nasi lemak and make fond memories!
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