Getting to Know…Scant Regard | Interview

For Interview #5, The Musical Hype spends time ‘Getting to Know’ “twanging surf guitar-playing, heavy electronica artist,” Scant Regard (Will Crewdson).

The interviews just keep on rolling on The Musical Hype. Up until this point, the interviews have centered around a band, even if only a representative member spoke on behalf of the collective.  In this case, we switch things up a bit and get some answers from the perspective of a solo artist, Scant Regard (Will Crewdson).  While Scant Regard serves as a band participant (guitar), the focal point of this exchange is his solo persona, which he asserts, “I always go back to…no matter what else is going on.” Without further ado, Interview #5!

Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype (BF): Let’s get this started off right. For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes you distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

Scant Regard (SR): I play twanging surf guitar and mix it up with heavy electronica. When I do it live, I put everything into it and try to create an unexpected and energy-filled performance.

BF: Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did you get started and what were some of the goals or the visions you had early on?  

SR: I wanted to do something on my own after years of playing in bands with other people. At the time I started I didn’t have any other bands or projects going on but now I find myself doing six at the same time. I always go back to my solo Scant Regard persona no matter what else is going on.

BF: Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

SR: My goals are really just to keep moving forward artistically and create as much new music as I can. That hasn’t changed since I started. I’d like to get more into the visual crossover side of things and maybe do some kind of soundtrack for someone else’s images.

BF: Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

SR: Anyone who tends to naturally do the unexpected. Be that image wise or even just a chord you wouldn’t have predicted at the end of a chorus. My favorite songwriter is Martin Gore from Depeche Mode, but I also have a lot of production/programming heros like Aphex Twin and The Prodigy.

BF: Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

SR: When I was on tour with my old band Rachel Stamp I managed (unintentionally) to kick a girl audience member right in the thumbnail. Luckily she took it well even when it went black and fell off!

BF: Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?  

SR: Probably “Car Crash On Pluto” from my new album, Skipping Over Damaged Area. The chorus is quite poppy, but I’ve still managed to keep it heavy, industrial and twangy in equal measures.

BF: Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?  

SR: I also play guitar with Adam Ant and The Selecter.

BF: Closing this thing out, what are you currently working on or promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

SR: I just put out an EP of covers called Butcherization which I’m really pleased with. I’m looking forward to adding some of them to my next live shows which will be Los Angeles Redwood Bar on Nov 12 and Rockaway Beach at The Hope and Anchor in London on Dec 7. You can download the EP now at www.scantregard.com.

Scant Regard Socials:  Twitter   •   Twitter (Will Crewdson)   •   Facebook   •    Instagram   •   YouTube

Photo Credit: Scant Regard