June 2012
Bands: Powercloud
Websites: blondenamusic.com/powercloud.html, facebook.com/POWERCLOUD
Listen to “When the Smoke is Going Down” by Powercloud
QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician?
Scott – Professionalism was never an option. I think I was 40 when I finally decided to take Bryce Clayton Eiman up on his suggestion that I play some of my boxes. [Scott builds simple synthesizers, usually housed in cigar boxes - QRD]
QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?
Scott – This is one of the highlights. I think Mark & I both are always excited & honored whenever we’re invited to play or contribute. I guess our “big show” was SignalFest this past year, & having Shaun Sandor release our CD on Blondena was a big deal for us, too.
QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?
Scott – I was told to prepare for fatherhood when I was 33.
QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?
Scott – Family life hasn’t impacted my “career” much at all. Building & making sounds is what I do on the side. My little hobby.
QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?
Scott – Again, there’s not a lot of crossover. Having a kid means it’s a little difficult to get the wife out to the shows.
QRD – Has your son effected the music you make &/or listen to?
Scott – Not really. My son gets to listen to the same nutty stuff I do (though I’m not sure how much he enjoys it) & I’ve purged Raffi from my memory.
QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?
Scott – Not being a professional musician helps in this regard, as I don’t rely on any $ rolling in. We took home $25 after a show at the Cave one night. Pretty sure that money’s spent.
QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured more earlier in life if you’d known?
Scott – I would have done a lot of this earlier in life had it been something I thought I could do. &, yeah, I would have hoped to have toured/traveled more.
QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?
Scott – Being a father has a much larger impact.
QRD – Would you rather see your son eventually become a musician or parent?
Scott – He can be anything he wants to be. Why not both?
QRD – Both family & music seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in. How do you end up dividing your time?
Scott – 90% family, 10% music.
QRD – What does your son think of your music?
Scott – I don’t know if my son likes my music, but I think he sees it as being just as valid as anything else coming out of a speaker. Hopefully, being exposed to improvisation & “noise” will keep him open to new musical experiences as he gets older.
QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your child?
Scott – Yes! I see wonderful science/electronic projects in our future. &, if he ever decides to play something, hopefully we can play together.
QRD – Any words of advice to young people?
Scott – Keep an open mind & stay off my lawn.
QRD – 2015 update - any new insight from three more years of fatherhood?
Scott – I’m finding less time to play than I used to, but I’ve compensated for that by building more instruments. Tobin is playing guitar now & his interest seems to be growing, albeit very slowly. He’s been introduced to Mr. Distortion & they seem to get along well & there’s occasional talk of forming a band with friends. We’ll see....
