Scott Pryor: Actor and Filmmaker Examines Personal Loss, Celebrity Culture, and Family on Debut Album

Scott Pryor’s colossal debut record is a rare winner. It’s filled with intensely listenable rock music, but the songs offer insight into family, friendships, and our modern world.

Actor and filmmaker Scott Pryor plans to release his debut album in January 2024, having finalized the record’s 12 songs.

Scott’s debut album marks the latest step in his incredibly varied life, which has seen him take on many roles. In his younger years, Scott was a championship-winning wrestler and noted sportsman. As an adult, his packed-out CV boasts many achievements. Scott proudly calls everything from US Marine to world traveler to lawyer, standing up for the little guy, dedicated husband, and father.

In the public eye, Scott is best known for being a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He has been at the helm of three films in the last ten years: The List, Blackbear, and Tulsa. These films have been met with acclaim and a substantial audience reception.

Now, Scott is embarking on his most personal project to date. Following in the footsteps of his father – a noted savant on the honky-tonk piano – Scott decided that he wanted to create his musical legacy. He had sung and performed throughout much of his life, and the spark for his musical style was lit by listening to era-defining rock artists like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Guns’ N’ Roses, Metallica, U2, and Foo Fighters as a kid.

His debut album is stadium-sized rock music at its most exhilarating. Across the album’s 12 songs, Scott and the band deliver pummelling riffs, soaring vocals, and cinematic soundscapes. On songs like ‘Say Goodbye,’ he captures the oneness of U2’s music – not an easy feat for any artist, especially one who’s relatively new to the scene.

The songs on this album stem from a uniquely private place, too. Having been involved with the entertainment industry for years, I know many of these songs delve into the superficiality of that part of society. Songs like ‘Cellophane Self,’ ‘Into The Numb, and ‘Celebrity’ hold a mirror up to our culture’s warped value system.

Scott also shares affecting personal stories from his own family life. Among them is the album’s most poignant track, ‘Wide Awake,’ which was written in the aftermath of his son Elijah’s suicide. “My life and the album took on a different meaning with such a profound loss,” Scott admitted sadly, speaking about the song. “It’s still extremely painful.”

Scott Pryor Images – (Photo @ImageMil / Stylist @shayestrager)

Indeed, even in the more cryptic songs on the album, Scott’s abiding theme is of an individual attempting to wrestle with their own emotions, pain, and place in the world. ‘Ecstasy and Agony’ is a rollercoaster track about break-up and recovery, while ‘Patty Cake’ and ‘Hold On’ are about finding ways to overcome your problems, even when they feel insurmountable.

“I thank my vocal coach, Heidi Huelskoetter, for her unwavering support and encouragement throughout this project. Her inspiration has propelled me forward on this journey and would like to express my deep appreciation for the production skills of Jan Smith, who has honed the talents of renowned artists like Jesse Owen Astin. The expertise and atmosphere at Jan’s studio truly brought out the absolute finest in my album.”

This is one of the most blistering debut albums you’ll likely listen to in 2024.

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Tags: Actor, celebrity culture, Debut Album, filmaker, Scott Pryor, suicide

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.