One time. Two times. Fourth time’s a charm for Dallas-based musician and current NBC’s The Voice contestant Darius Scott. In an epic toe-to-toe battle between passion and opportunity, Scott emerges amidst defiance to claim victory after victory on one of the nation’s most top-rated talent competitions.
“It’s hard to stay consistent and to stay inspired amidst so many ‘no’s’ happening in your life,” Scott reveals. “But if you can do it, there is definitely a reward at the other side.”
And that reward to which he alludes, is not just the coveted position of winner takes all on The Voice, but that special something only found in repetitive persistence, that ultimately paves the way to musical success.
“I had completely given up on the process,” the former Neiman Marcus buyer admits. “They had seen me so many times before.”
After several auditions for The Voice in New York City and another in Atlanta, Scott grew weary – weary enough to almost hang up the towel. But for one who lives by a mantra bathed in persistence, a final audition in Austin was one proven as fateful – propelling the multi-faceted artist into the ring before music greats: Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton.
Cool. Poised. Collected. Better yet, classically refined — are but a few terms that can artfully describe Scott, as musically he’s coined as “the most ridiculous vocal mechanic” that Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine has ever heard, and an admitted stalker fave of Gwen Stefani’s.
An all-star addition to Team Pharrell and recently advancing past the “Knockout Round”, we caught up with the ultra-suave creative to chat all things encompassing The Voice, fashion, and of course his must-see Big D hotspots. For all of this plus more, we invite you to read on for the dish.
On Singing Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna” During The Voice Blind Auditions
Scott: “First of all, to every singer out there, it’s important that if you’re singing someone else’s song, to honor the way they sang it – before you sprinkle in your own stuff [and] before you get too crazy with the runs and the rifts. Sing the melody.”
On Maintaining Control and Composure During the Competition
“A lot of the control (with my voice) happened, not because I was purposefully trying to control It – but when you have a bunch of eyes on you and you know that this moment, and how you do in this moment is contingent on how you move forward – it’s nerves.
The way I combat nerves is to not come out of the gate killin’ it. I combat nerves by coasting and chilling out and laying into the song, and letting the song kind of take me over, instead of me taking over the song.”
On Keeping A Cool Head Amongst His Idols
“Put yourself in my shoes. You’re about to sing for your idols, and your idols might not turn around. It’s a lot to think about. If I was ever nervous to sing in front of a crowd, that was the crowd.”
On Choosing Team Pharrell
“I was definitely semi-sure that I was going to go with Pharrell. I felt like Pharrell was the obvious choice, and that’s why I started thinking about going with another judge. For awhile I doubted that I could be challenged by someone whose musical interests I share – but it’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I’m glad I stuck with my guns and went with Pharrell.”
On His Coveted Hair
“I like to switch things up. My parents taught me at a very early age to love my hair – it’s not a bad thing. I tend to switch it up. Some days I feel like growing my hair out and wearing it super big walking [around] downtown in Dallas. Some days I feel like putting it up in a bun, and some days I plat it up and wear little braids. It keeps me fresh.”
On His Signature Style
“As interesting as my style is, it’s way less complex than what you would think. It’s a lot of basics, a lot of texture, a lot of layers, and I’m a big sneaker consumer.”
On Style Defined
“Style to me is people seeing you wearing it, and you look comfortable. I don’t like to see people who are ‘stylish’ but they look like they’re bound to the garments that they have on. You’re not stylish if you’re not comfortable. I don’t believe that beauty is pain.”
On Being Authentic
“I’m really big on doing what’s in your DNA. If it’s in your DNA to be comfortable, to be free, to be outgoing, and to be outspoken – live your DNA. Don’t try to cross-pollinate or contaminate the thing that you are. Be you.”
On Big D HotSpots for Shopping, Food, and More
Shopping: Traffic LA, Ten Over Six, H&M at NorthPark Center, and Neiman Marcus at NorthPark Center
Venue: RBC (The Red Blood Club) in Deep Ellum
Food: Wings and Tings (Jamaican Restaurant)
For more information on The Voice and to follow Darius Scott, visit here or follow @dscottmusik on social media. Images used courtesy of NBC.
