Vân Scott Shares New Single ‘Poster Boy’
Vân Scott, the solo project of American indie-pop singer and songwriter Scott Oatley, has just shared his brand new single Poster Boy, out today, April 17th, via AWAL/Oat Brand Music.
Poster Boy is a confessional song about Scott's experience overseeing music at his church and having people assuming he could do no wrong and having an unhealthy expectation of perfection from him. This is a song about breaking free from that image people have of him and showing the listener that nobody is perfect and that we all make mistakes. This message is beautifully backed by a groovy pop production packed with groovy guitar riffs, subtle piano keys and steady percussion on which his lovely vocals and harmonies soar beautifully. There's somewhat of a playful and retro vibe in this song that really makes it stand out from the rest and I think you guys will enjoy it too! At times his vocal delivery reminds me a bit of Mika and they have such a captivating effect on me that just left me in awe with his singing. To accompany the release, Vân Scott shared its official music video, directed by Kane Borchert, which shows him on a gator costume and also portraying a Renaissance painting saint with a halo on his head. Check it out below!
Speaking about the song, Vân Scott said,
People tend to put you on a pedestal when you hold that kind of position. I was constantly treated like I could do no wrong, and that’s a dangerous place to be. I felt like I had to play a role and hide my flaws, and so it was hard to be myself. ‘Poster Boy’ calls out that unhealthy expectation of perfection, whether self-imposed or brought on by others. It’s meant to give the listener permission to be human, since mistakes are inevitable for us all.
Regarding the video, he said,
It was a lot of fun for me to be these characters, and to have them do the opposite of what you would expect. A mascot without any semblance of pep or physical skill. Tripping over hurdles and lying on the ground, helpless and defeated. And then a pious saint, literally and visibly burdened by the gold circlet around his head, who likes to secretly indulge in fine drink, and in reading Harry Potter (a church "no-no").” Ultimately, it all serves to support the idea that Scott can't always live up to people's expectations. “Sometimes I'll try to jump over a hurdle, and end up eating dirt,” says Scott. “Other times, I'll try to let loose and end up drinking a little more than I should. We all need permission to live a little...and get a little bruised.