Skarlett is American Christian rock-metal singer, based in Tulsa. I spoke with him about his religious attitude, his new EP “Life On The Edge”, the music he makes, his fans and haters, and about himself.
Piotr Balkus: You aren’t solo artist, Skarlett is a duo. You and God – that’s how you describe it. How you can explain this kind of collaboration with God?
Skarlett: Well, it’s complicated. As a Christian, I give glory to God in everything I do. Band As I Lay Dying is a good example of what Skarlett is. I write about everyday things through my perspective as a Christian. I don’t always write a “gospel” song, but I keep my godly witness in every song. I try to, at least (laughter).
Tell me about your EP “Life On The Edge”. Who should check it out?
I think everybody should check it out and buy it. I definitely could use the money (laughter), getting married in a month, so I need all the financial assistance I can get!
Listen to Skarlett’s EP Life On The Edge here
here
You live in Tulsa, OK. How you interract with this place? Is it in any way influencial city?
Tulsa is my home. I know just about every corner of this place. It’s the little big town. There’s just enough to do here to keep yourself from being bored. but it’s not so big that it’s overwhelming. Can’t say that it really influences my writing a lot. I like to take a mental trip when i write and step into other people’s shoes when i write a song. I like to escape from my personal reality when I write. It feels like going on a journey.
You say that lots of people dont like you. Why it happens?
Well first off, because of my walk with God. Not people in this scene believe what I believe, and they criticize me for it. Lots of people like to start rumors and put words in my mouth. It does get frustrating at times, but I have to remind myself that this is just for fun. On the other hand, lots of people call my music “unoriginal” and “generic” and “boring”. I don’t think those people realize that there are a ton of people who actually do like “unoriginal, generic, boring” music. I’ve found that everyone has their own personal preference, and everyone is different. And just because someone says “Skarlett sucks” doesn’t mean everyone will feel the same way.
You say people dont like you. but Your songs are watched by thousands people. So it means some people love your music!
Of course! And I can’t thank all my fans enough for their support!
In a song “The Dreamer” you are against industry and new world order. What’s your message behind this song? Is present not good as the past?
Well this song was my first attempt. I had just come out of a tour with a band that absolutely frustrated me to no end. I was a kid with a dream of being greater than his peers, stuck in a scene with a bunch of purist musicians who felt that you had to earn your way into their scene. “The Dreamer” was an attempt to slap all of them in the face and show them that a nobody could become a somebody without ever having played a show. And of course, I love the way the rock and roll business used to be. I had to reference that in the song. While I don’t necessarily still support the “arrogant” attitude I had in the song, it was still a fun song to make and it helped kick Skarlett off with a bang.
Your music is mixture of metal, rock and electronica. Do you think God likes metal music?
I don’t think God would sneer at any genre of music as long as you are giving him the glory. I do think there are a lot of things that go along with the typical metal music lifestyle that go against God’s word, and that’s why I choose not to embrace the whole lifestyle. But nowhere in the bible does God place a restriction on what style of music you play.
People know your music, but maybe they dont know you. Can you tell us about yourself? What kind of person you are?
I’m a very very normal person. I don’t fit into the whole hardcore scene, I just like the music. I drive a truck and listen to country music and have a very normal job. I’m incredibly ordinary. I just have an extremely unordinary hobby, and that hobby is Skarlett. I dress nothing like I did in the “Just Another Night[mare]” music video if anyone was wondering (laughter).
How the year 2013 treated you and what are you plans for 2014?
2013 was very productive, released 2 EP’s and a smash single. No idea what 2014 holds yet. It will depend on how many EP’s I sell, so everyone buy my music!
Skarlett’s Facebook www.facebook.com/SKARLETTOFFICIAL
“LIFE ON THE EDGE” OUT NOW:
Skarlett on iTunes
Watch Skarlett’s videos on New Music Fever TV
https://prime.ibroadcast.tv/channel/watch/12177
