Calum Scott On His New Album ‘Bridges,’ Gay Rights & High School Emo Phase – Bustle

Calum Scott is celebrating Pride the best way he knows how: with music. “It’s what took me to my first ever parade in my hometown of Hull. I performed at the festival and that was my first-ever experience of a Pride event,” the singer-songwriter tells Bustle. “Music is what gave me that new experience.” Scott has since gone on to form new memories at some of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals. He names Montreal Pride in 2018 as one of his “fondest memories.” This year, music is once again at the forefront of his celebrations. “I released my own version of Greg Holden’s ‘Boys in the Street’ to mark the start of Pride Month,” the 33-year-old artist says.

Scott famously made his debut on Britain’s Got Talent in 2015, and his viral rendition of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” would later earn him a Top 5 spot on the UK Singles Chart and a BRIT Award nomination. His debut studio album Only Human soon followed, along with a string of standalone singles, including the Top 3 hit “Where Are You Now.”

Now, the multi-platinum selling artist is back with his second studio release titled Bridges. The album’s lyrics spotlight mental health, self-worth, and loss. His latest release arrives during the 50th anniversary of UK Pride. “Looking back on the last 50 years of Pride,” he says, “we’ve come so far. So many people have fought for our rights over the decades. Without them I wouldn’t be able to confidently put out music as an openly gay man.”

Scott adds that “contributing to the music space” as a proud gay man is one of his proudest achievements: “Hopefully young people who might be struggling with their sexuality will look at what I’ve been able to achieve and be inspired by that.”

Reflecting on some of his earliest inspirations, Scott discusses his high school emo stage, his most important role models, and more, below.

Calum Scott On His Biggest Role Model & Go-To Music

What superlative would you give yourself for the the 2022 Pride Yearbook?

Proudest Yorkshireman. I love where I’m from, and I’m so proud to represent Yorkshire and the north around the world.

What were some of your go-to songs or artists in high school? How about today?

I was a bit emo, if you’d believe it. I listened to My Chemical Romance, Blink-182, System of a Down, and Linkin Park. That whole vibe. I was a big skateboarder when I was younger, and also a drummer. I still listen to that music today because I find it very nostalgic. I would also listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers in high school, so when I opened for them on tour it felt like a full-circle moment.

Today, I’m listening to all sorts. On my Spotify playlist, I have George Michael, Lizzo, Harry Styles, Jack Harlow, Jamiroquai, Frank Ocean, and Adele.

Who is an important role model in your life, and what has that person taught you?

It’s got to be my mum. She’s been there for me every step of the way. When I came out to her she was just incredible, and I wrote a song on my first album called “No Matter What,” which was about my whole journey with that. I look to my mum for everything because she’s always been my biggest supporter. My grandparents, too. They were very much involved in my upbringing, and taught me discipline and to always treat people well.

Tell us about your self-care routine and mental health tips.

My own struggle with mental health has been a long and complicated journey. I tend to express my feelings through my music, which helps me a lot. I think it’s a case of figuring out what works best for you in terms of managing your mental health and self-care. Focusing on my fitness really helps me a lot, also talking to people and getting things off my chest. There’s also a lot to be said about meditation. It provides a certain mindfulness that seems to be very effective for a lot of people.

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