Releasing music for the first time under his name, Tom Scott announces his latest album ANITYA, arriving on 10 October - born of the blood, sweat, and tears shed with Homebrew, @Peace, Average Rap Band, and Avantdale Bowling Club. Today (22 August), Scott shares the first single from the record, “till then”.
Speaking on “till then”, Scott says, “this was the first honest song I wrote after the break up. wasn't trynna protect my ego or defend my image. Wasn't being bitter or resentful. This was the first time I felt like I just wanted her to be happy. With whoever it was. I'd just found out she was seeing someone. And I was still cut but I wasn't mad. I'd heard some of my homies say they get along coparenting. I just wanted that. But we weren't there yet. And I don't know if we're there yet now. But the most important thing is to just try pretend to get along. For the kids. And that's basically what this song is about. Just wanting the best for someone you loved.”
Raw as exposed nerves after a car crash, and as tender as the final kiss goodbye, ANITYA is the first solo album from Tom Scott, one of the most acclaimed New Zealand artists of his generation, hip-hop or otherwise. Recorded with a cast of 30 of the most versatile musicians, beatmakers and vocalists in his contact list and the award-winning studio engineer and producer Ben Lawson, it represents a significant creative breakthrough for one of Avondale’s finest.
A tale told in two halves, ANITYA is a collective call from the void, offering redemption as you gaze into the house fire. Rendered through a nocturnal blend of progressive soul, dream-pop, jazzy psychedelic folk and ambient R&B, the album’s ten songs confirm Scott’s status as a preternaturally gifted lyricist with an ear for a unifying hook, revelling in the expansive possibilities of who he is still becoming as a songwriter, producer and melodist. It’s not all pretty, but it’s high art. After all, much like the truth, art can be very ugly.
Scott’s craft as a music maker and performer is second to none. Renowned for his lived-in storytelling and electrifying stage presence, he’s spent the last eighteen years expressing himself through examined reflection, acerbic social commentary, and ever-evolving interests in jazz improvisation and pop songwriting.
Over his storied career, Scott has released nine albums (three of which debuted at number one on the New Zealand Top 40 album chart) and built a loyal live following throughout Aotearoa, Australia, and as far afield as Europe and the United Kingdom. In recognition of his considerable talents and cultural impact, he’s been awarded Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Album at the Aotearoa Music Awards, as well as the coveted Taite Music Prize (2019) and multiple APRA Silver Scroll Award nominations.
ANITYA will be released on 10 October. till then is out now on all streaming platforms.