Behind The Lens: Scotia Rose - Jeff Weiss

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How many times do you edit a song before releasing it? When do you finally know a track is done?

With most of the tunes on this EP, we went back and forth with our incredible producer, Travis Harrison maybe 3-4 times before we thought we had it right. We know a track is finished when we can all agree that it is. We’re all happy with our parts, the mix, the levels and the way it comes together. Everyone has to be happy!

How do you decide on the cover art for a release? Do you take the lead creatively, or trust your photographer/director to run with the vision?

I personally took the lead on it. I’m always open to ideas, but I had an idea in my head. I worked with the guy who designed our logo, Rimba Raw, and he was able to make my vision a reality.

Which streaming platform do you enjoy using the most—and why? Is it about fan access, functionality, payouts, or community?

They are all equally bad and they are all equally good. It’s cool that people can pay a small fee per month and have access to all of this amazing art, but it also sucks that the industry is mezza morte bc of it.

What’s the studio atmosphere like for you? Do you prefer solo sessions or feeding off other energy? Walk us through your ideal creative space.

I like being in there with the band. We recorded most of this EP live and I think it sounds the way we sound. There’s a lot of ferocity in there.

What’s your perspective on staying independent vs. signing with a label? Where do you see the biggest benefits—and biggest sacrifices?

Gimme the label. There are different kinds of deals, not all of them are suffocating. I’ve self released before, it’s better to have help. We’re really glad that we were able to worth with Deko Entertainment on this release. They already got our single on a few playlists and more people are streaming our music than ever before.

Where has been your favorite venue to perform so far? What made the experience memorable?

With Scotia Rose, definitely Sony Hall. Just an amazing room that sounds great. Major shoutout to Brooklyn Bowl too. Opening for George Porter Jr last year was wild. I played Irving Plaza twice with the U.S. Americans and that’ll always be really special. Scotia Rose is always ready for that call.

Do you think artists should be more vocal about political or social issues? Why or why not—and do those views influence your music?

It depends. Do they have political science degrees? Are they well read? Some of that stuff can find itself in our songs, but it’s never super in your face. We’re not Rage Against The Machine.

Are you making a New Year’s resolution—or starting/stopping something cold turkey? What’s your mindset heading into the new year?

No more Soda!

What song (yours or someone else’s) reminds you of winter—and why? Is it nostalgic, motivating, or calming?

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). Not really sure why. I never celebrated Christmas, but I really love the vibes. I always tell my friends that I think that’s the best song ever and I mean it!

What’s a motivational quote or mindset you live by? And where can people connect with you and follow your journey?

“Get a dream, hold onto it and shoot for the sky”- The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes

Check out the band on instagram, @scotiaroseband

dekoentertainment.com for our webpage.  Buy the record!