Winner of the Gospel/Inspirational category of the 27th Annual USA Songwriting Competition!

What's Coming Next - Single

What's Coming Next?

Almost Gone

Lost In the City

Truce (feat. Astyn Turr)

“Long Time Comin” is an emotionally charged, 80s-imbued anthem. It’s one of a handful of songs from the album that I wrote during a very productive and inspiring trip to Nashville in 2019. We weren’t writing for me specifically, but I realized later just how autobiographical this song was. Spiritually and mentally, I was on the up and up, following my rebound from a long period of depression and doubt. I could recognize that the funk was finally “slippin’ away,” and that “the rock bottom” was now behind me. The synth/guitar solo that Chad threw down on this song is still one of my favorite musical moments on the album, if not ever. You can actually feel your spirit soar with the melody, which is both liberating and heartbreaking. This track almost summarizes the album itself with its hopeful, yet melancholic quality.

Long Time Comin'

I wrote “What’s Coming Next?” out of my frustration and anxiety about the future. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic took over, I was wondering about this question. I left my full-time church job in 2018 to devote myself wholeheartedly to my writer/artist career, and I was growing impatient, wondering where all of this was going – if anywhere at all. I went to Nashville with just this chorus in 2019 and was able to finish it up with Jorge Mhondera (Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman) and Jay Speight (Selah, Mark Schultz), both with a CCM background. I had never met either of them before, but Jorge instantly became my “bruv,” as he would say. (He’s from South Africa.) I think that made it a fitting co-write because this song more embodies a prayer than anything else. It’s a raw and honest questioning of God that I believe is universally felt, whether you’re religious or not. The driving and powerful pop production in this song helps to capture its earnestness, especially in the climactic bridge, which is filled with lush strings and a passionate vocal.

“Don’t Know the Words” is a peppy, adventurous jam with lively, vintage grooves that will make you want to stop what you’re doing and dance as hard as you can. The song literally pokes fun at the fact that I’m not the best at remembering lyrics, but also serves as a metaphor for having no idea what you’re doing in life. In the choruses, I reference two of my musical heroes, Elton John and John Lennon, and their creative counterparts, Bernie Taupin and Paul McCartney. You can hear the envy I have for these powerhouse duos in the chorus lyrics: “I just make it all up as I go along / Sort of like Elton John minus Bernie / I need somebody.” One of the highlights for me is when the middle of the tune bursts into a fuzzy, harmonized duet between the synth and electric guitar.

Don't Know the Words

"Long Time Comin'" may be my favorite song from the new album. It's an emotionally-charged, 80s-imbued anthem and there's just something so raw and real that was captured the day we recorded it. It was a significant time for me because I was just starting to feel hope and excitement for my future again, after an incredibly long low period. For me, this song epitomizes that turning point, and I hope it will inspire others to keep their head up and get back up again when life knocks them down.

Long Time Comin' - Single

“Don’t Know the Words” is a peppy, adventurous jam with lively, vintage grooves that will make you want to stop what you’re doing and dance as hard as you can. The song literally pokes fun at Scott's lack of lyrical knowledge, but also serves as a metaphor for having no idea what you’re doing in life. In the choruses, he references two of my musical heroes, Elton John and John Lennon, and their creative counterparts, Bernie Taupin and Paul McCartney. You can hear the envy he has for these powerhouse duos in the chorus lyrics: “I just make it all up as I go along / Sort of like Elton John minus Bernie / I need somebody.” Listen out for the fuzzy, harmonized duet between the synth and electric guitar that bursts through in the middle of the tune.

Don't Know the Words - Single

Don't Know The Words

"Impress You" is a vibrant, irresistibly singable record that bounces with the heart-pounding excitement of bumping into that special someone. Inspired by Scott's meet cute with a red-haired actress at a Broadway afterparty, the song was co-written with friends, Jack Kleinick (also co-producer) and rising pop sensation, Madeline Boreham.

"Impress You" is the first single from Vân Scott's upcoming sophomore album, Songs I Never Wrote, which will be released gradually, song by song, over the next several months.

Fore more information, including Tour dates, please visit: 
https://www.vanscottmusic.com/

Lyrics:
Got too good at being lonely 
One bed’s too big for me 
Repetition every morning 
It’s like muscle memory 
But someone threw me off my routine 
On the train to South Ferry 
She had red hair and blue jeans 
Started with “hi” 

And then I saw the world Through her eyes 
That was when I 
Knew that she changed mine 
I just wanna impress you 
Make you feel the way I do 
My love could never be enough to 
Nothing compares to you
I’d write a book in an afternoon 
Give anything to prove 
I’d tie a rope around the moon 
Do the impossible for you 
She got me lookin at the sunrise 
On the west side of the street 
All my friends that knew the old me 
Would say they could not believe 
That I could pull off a 1080 
I might even look happy 
Just the beginning of the story 
Started with “hi” 
And then I saw the world 
Through her eyes 
That was when I 
Knew that she changed mine 
I just wanna impress you 
Make you feel the way I do 
My love could never be enough to 
Nothing compares to you
I’d write a book in an afternoon 
Give anything to prove 
I’d tie a rope around the moon 
Do the impossible for you
I just wanna impress you 
Make you feel the way I do 
My love could never be enough to 
Nothing compares to you
I’d write a book in an afternoon 
Give anything to prove 
I’d tie a rope around the moon 
Do the impossible for you

Impress You

“Waco” is the second chapter in a storyline that began with Scott's previous release “Taylor (not the name of my guitar).” Listeners were swept into a nostalgic look back at a “perfect love affair” that went sour after Scott’s ex dumped him to date his best friend – a detail that all but guarantees an outcry from the crowd at Vân’s live performances.

“Ticket to Waco'' is about the struggle in deciding whether to fight for someone or let them go. “I never told anyone this, but I bought a plane ticket to go see my ex so that I could try to win her back,” Scott shares. “I’m a hopeless romantic so it seemed like a grand gesture that could change the whole picture. But I never ended up going. Ultimately, I figured she had moved on and I would seem desperate or psychotic for showing up at her doorstep. Sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if I had actually boarded that flight.”

Ticket to Waco

An upbeat new track from a poptimistic sad boi.
Another sad but true story from my upcoming album Songs I Never Wrote coming in 2024!

Lyrics:
It’s not your wedding
But you’re a starlet in your dark green dress
Next to you I look a mess
I was unsuspecting
It’s been years since I saw you last
Thought I left you in the past

I tried to relax
Then I heard your laugh
And it took me back
To your moonlit cul-de-sac
When your sister’s headlights
Caught us kissing in the cold

Girl, you never leave me even when you say goodbye
All I get is what you left behind
Girl, you take my breath away
Every time I see your face and then
I never breathe the same again

No good pretending
The golden band on your left hand’s not mine
Yet I still go back in time

‘Cause nobody else
Got along so well
You could cast your spell
Make me feel like myself
I still go back in time inside my mind
Kissing in the cold, lit up by headlights

Girl, you never leave me even when you say goodbye
All I get is what you left behind
Girl, you take my breath away
Every time I see your face and then
I never breathe the same again
I never breathe the same again
I never breathe the same again

An unexpected brush with your ex has the power to take you back in time to what could have been. The sonic nostalgia of this track has a wistful yet infectious energy that will cause you to forget the heartbreak of the past and dance away any regret.

The latest single from Scott's upcoming sophomore album Songs I Never Wrote (because they would have been about you) out early 2024.

Never Breathe the Same

Lyrics: 
I put our old memories in a box in the closet
I don’t look at them too often If I’m being honest
But am I allowed to bring ‘em out
Am I allowed to think about them without you?
I put our old memories in a box ‘cause they’re haunted

‘Cause you’re sitting with someone else
And you know that I wish you well
But is it fine if I steal you for a minute?

Don’t wanna forget those nights with you
You don’t think about them but I do
Am I super lame for wanting to
Keep you in my head?
Can I just pretend
So I don’t forget?

I never play those CDs that you burned in the daylight
I think you might think I’m crazy to ask if it’s alright (Is it alright?)
Am I allowed to bring ‘em out?
Am I allowed to sing ‘em out loud without you?
I never play those CDs, but they got songs I still like

‘Cause you’re sitting with someone else
And you know that I wish you well
But is it fine if I steal you for a minute?

‘Cause I’m sitting here by myself
And it’s not that I need your help
But would you mind if my daydream had you in it?

Don’t wanna forget those nights with you
You don’t think about them but I do
Am I super lame for wanting to
Keep you in my head?
Can I just pretend
So I don’t forget?

‘Cause you’re sitting with someone else
And you know that I wish you well
Not that I need your help
But would you mind if my daydream had you in it?


I don’t wanna forget those nights with you
You don’t think about them but I do
Am I super lame for wanting to
Keep you in my head?
Can I just pretend

I don’t wanna forget those nights with you
You don’t think about them but I do
Am I super lame for wanting to
Keep you in my head?
Can I just pretend
So I don’t forget?

So I Don't Forget

A grand romantic sad boy lost in his own world of introspection.

To the Girls

Oh, to be 23 and think we were meant to be...

Clear Paris Day

The last single from my album, Songs I Never Wrote (because they would have been you) out now!

Songs I Never Wrote (because they would have been about you)

Naïveté (things that you think that you mean)

An instrumental postlude to end the album, Songs I Never Wrote (because they would've been about you).

The Rest Is Still Unwritten

Crème Brûlée Memories

This infectious, upbeat track feels like a classic collision of sounds inspired by Bleachers, Jon Bellion and Sting. It's also the first song to signal a new era of music from VÂN SCOTT, drastically changing the tone from the sad boy anthems that made up his sophomore LP, Songs I Never Wrote (because they would've been about you). Clearly the sad boy tears have dried and it's time to feel good again!

You're My Best Shot - Single

You're My Best Shot

Made with Billboard Hot 100 Producer, Travis Heidelman, “Happy Where I Am” celebrates the joy of being present in your daily life, reflected in the meaningful way that Scott captured his relatives singing the chorus at his family reunion. The beachy guitars keep this track driving forward with purpose, complimenting Scott’s breezy vocals before culminating in a tasty electric solo that would make John Mayer proud. Bicoastal tour support in LA, NYC, Nashville.

Happy Where I Am

"Christmas Letter (What I Could Write)" was written, produced, and performed by Vân Scott as the title song for the new holiday film The Christmas Letter, starring Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, and more of the original cast from National Lampoon's classic Christmas Vacation. Watch the movie on streaming platforms starting Nov 12!

Christmas Letter (What I Could Write)

Watch the Video! https://youtu.be/8kltSwz78Yo

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7JOxiXf6Shf8UFfRewziHW?si=JgIvuJIoRHCLqsl-l2dl7A
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/tough-love-single/1474371954

"Tough Love" won Honorable Mention in the 2019 Unsigned Only Music Competition (produced by the International Songwriting Competition) in the Vocal Performance category. It was also a semi-finalist in the Pop/Top 40 category.

Moonlighting as a background vocalist in the Hollywood session scene, this song marks the official debut of VÂN SCOTT's original music.

"Tough Love" lyrics:
Scared of fooling myself
Scared I'm losing the person you relied on
Ever since I left home I
Never felt so alone I
Started to realize that on my own, I am my own worst...

Enemy (Ah)
I'm just so sick and tired of people telling me
What they think I want to hear
Be a friend to me (Ah)
What you're hiding is only hurting me
Tell me what I need to hear

Gimme a little more tough love
Maybe I need to grow up
I think that I can take it
If it's coming from you, oh
If I'm becoming a problem
Baby, please tell me straight up
I think that I can take a little more of that tough love

I think I could take it
I need a little tough love
I know I can take it from you

Call me up on the phone
Call me out for never listening
I was acting wrong toward you
Don't ever stop telling the truth
Gotta let you
No matter how far I go
Never take you for my...

Enemy (Ah)
I'm just so sick and tired of people telling me
What they think I want to hear
Be a friend to me (Ah)
What you're hiding is only hurting me
Tell me what I need to hear

Gimme a little more tough love
Maybe I need to grow up
I think that I can take it
If it's coming from you, oh
If I'm becoming a problem
Baby, please tell me straight up
I think that I can take a little more of that tough love

I think I could take it
I need a little (Tough love)
I know I can take it from you (Tough love)
I think I could take it
I need a little (Tough love)
I know I can take it from you (Tough love)

I think I could take it
I need a little (Tough love)
I know I can take it from you (Tough love)
I think I could take it
I need a little (Tough love)
I know I can take it from you (Tough love)

Written by Scott Oatley and Sachi Grace Patitucci
Produced by Benjamin Byram and Scott Oatley

Tough Love

Watch the Video! https://youtu.be/aM3e4BdwIlA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0J6PbnvCKcBWhnPzN2IBId?si=oTxmQUuCTQSOP9LtKDDw0g
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/die-young-single/1482426041

I wrote this one with my friend, Grei. Both of us were used to that strange, inexplicable feeling that we would die young... Thankfully, we're both still alive and kickin (so far), but this one goes out to anyone who shares those same feels and sad, lonely thoughts.

"Die Young" lyrics:
Put a picture up of you and I
Don't forget me in that moment
The trip we took to Florida
To let go with the current

Remember our times on the coast by the ocean
Didn't know that we found paradise
Back when I believed that I was eternal
Back when I was just living my life

I think I'm gonna die young
I don't know why, I can't say
I felt it for quite some time
My own prerogative
Hidden deep in my brain
I can't hold your hand
'Cause I don't know how long I'll last
I think I'm gonna die young
I think I...

Can't see myself 10 years from now
With a wife and kids to cherish
An alternate reality
With joy and happiness

Wish I had more time on the coast by the ocean
Wish I knew how we found paradise
Back when I believed that I was eternal
Back when I was just living my life

I think I'm gonna die young
I don't know why, I can't say
I felt it for quite some time
My own prerogative
Hidden deep in my brain
I can't hold your hand
'Cause I don't know how long I'll last
I think I'm gonna die young
I think I am... (whoa)

Never know
Never know I...
Never know
Never know I...
Never know
Never know, I...

Never know
Never know I...
Never know
Never know I...
Never know
Never know, I...

I think I'm gonna die young
I don't know why, I can't say
I felt it for quite some time
My own prerogative
Hidden deep in my brain
I can't hold your hand
'Cause I don't know how long I'll last
I think I'm gonna die young
I think I am... (whoa)

Never know
Never know I...
Never know
Never know I...
Never know
Never know, I...

Never know
Never know I...
Never know
Never know I...
Never know
Never know, I...

I think I'm gonna die young
I think I...

Written by Scott Oatley and Sachi Grace Patitucci
Produced by Benjamin Byram and Scott Oatley

Artwork by Adam Griffin

Die Young - Single

Die Young

Watch the Video! https://youtu.be/Exh39w7PaHY

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5B9rI5j4G8AfPDvfDnWIhd?si=mUPvW95iRaWiAt-ZJPnBjA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/poster-boy-single/1502427707

“Poster Boy” is a confessional song about Scott’s experience overseeing music at his church where he was often revered to a point of unease. A lofty position he’s never been comfortable or happy being in. “People tend to put you on a pedestal when you hold that kind of position,” Scott explains. “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.”

"Poster Boy" follows the overwhelming response to Vân Scott's debut singles/videos, "Tough Love" and "Die Young," released in the fall of 2019. His Kickstarter-funded debut album is due out in 2021!

"Poster Boy" lyrics:
I am not a mascot for anyone 
Never asked to be one
Missing out on all the fun
People got me pegged and pigeonholed
Trying to make me fit the mold
Doing everything I'm told

I'm not good at doing everything I'm told

I'm not a poster boy
Whether you like it or not
You can't pin me on the wall
Not a poster boy
There's no denying my feet will leave this pedestal

Oh, I stand for something
I can't stand for nothing

Never chose to have a halo on my head
I'd rather wear my hat instead
Keep my face from turning red
But now you know, if you didn't already guess
Didn't mean to false impress
My life is still a total mess

They want a pretty face
For everyone to see, oh
That's exactly how they'll make a monster out of me

I'm not a poster boy
Whether you like it or not
You can't pin me on the wall
Not a poster boy
There's no denying my feet will leave this pedestal

Oh, I stand for something
I can't stand for nothing
I'm just not a poster boy

They want a pretty face
For everyone to see, oh
That's exactly how they'll make a monster out of me

I'm not a poster boy
Whether you like it or not
You can't pin me on the wall
Not a poster boy
There's no denying my feet will leave this pedestal

Oh, I stand for something
I can't stand for nothing
Oh, I stand for something
I can't stand for nothing


Music and Lyrics by Scott Oatley
Produced by Jesse Carmichael, Andy Davis, and Scott Oatley

Cover Art and Photo by Adam Griffin

Poster Boy - Single

Poster Boy

Watch the Video! https://youtu.be/OJDW06ysUac

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4xZ0vyWWtu6KqAbvf6tl1O?si=ieBo3fQPQ_OuGEBbA46JVg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/starry-eyed-single/1528600765

“Starry Eyed” was written in the wake of my best friend’s coming out. It was a tender period that included many tough conversations, and tested both of our belief systems. I had to re-examine my views on faith and sexuality, and was faced with challenging questions about what exactly I believed. And there were times where it felt like my faith was slipping through my fingers… 

One night, feeling particularly alone and overwhelmed, I retreated to my studio in an attempt to find some catharsis. I sent up a wordless prayer in the form of a faint whistle and a melancholy melody (the same whistle that opens up the track). There’s something naturally light-hearted and carefree about whistling. It was the opposite of what I felt, but it was my last-ditch effort to inspire hope within myself.

I ended up doubling the whistle melody on electric guitar, and then layered a bunch of synth textures on top of it with my Moog Little Phatty. Before I knew it, my feelings existed in sonic form. And to just sit in my studio, with the lights off, the glow of the instruments, and the music on loop was incredibly healing for my soul. There’s something expressly vulnerable and spiritual that inhabits that part of this song.

"Starry Eyed" lyrics:
I don’t even know where to begin
But I’m feeling over my head
Losing sight of what I believe
The weight is taking its toll on me

So how do I look you in the eyes
And tell you I love you?
With everything shattered on the ground
Searching for the truth

We were holding the lines
Till we fell on hard times
I can still see the stars in the sky
I think that we’re alright

Yeah, we lost control
But we still got hope
I can still see the stars in your eyes 
I think that we’re alright
Yeah, I think that we’re alright

Everything that I thought I knew
Came crashing down because of you
But I’m happy you made a mess
Shook me awake from my ignorance

We were holding the lines
Till we fell on hard times
I can still see the stars in the sky
I think that we’re alright

Yeah, we lost control
But we still got hope
I can still see the stars in your eyes 
I think that we’re alright
Yeah, I think that we’re alright
Yeah, I think that we’re alright

Your secrets are heavy
But I’ll hold ‘em till you don’t need ‘em anymore
Your secrets are heavy
But I’ll hold ‘em till you don’t need ‘em anymore

Your secrets are heavy
But I’ll hold ‘em till you don’t need ‘em anymore
Your secrets are heavy
But I’ll hold ‘em till you don’t need ‘em

Holding the lines
Even in hard times
I can still see the stars in the sky
I think that we’re alright

Yeah, we lost control
But we still got hope
I can still see the stars in your eyes 
I think that we’re alright
Yeah, I think that we’re alright
Yeah, I think that we’re alright
Yeah, I think that we’re alright

Written by Paris Carney & Scott Oatley
Produced by Scott Oatley
Additional Production by Byram

Starry Eyed – Single

Starry Eyed

An epic cover of a long-lost Queen Christmas gem!

Thank God It's Christmas

Alt-pop artist, songwriter, producer. Featured on film/TV projects like La La Land, Jurassic World, SING, Black-ish, The Simpsons, The Voice and more. New single 'Happy Where I Am’ out now! https://vibe.to/happywhereiam

VÂN SCOTT

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