Vince Leigh’s Singles Review: ‘Live Life by DJ/Producer Scott
By Drummer Vince Leigh (Pseudo Echo, John Farnham, Tina Arena) from the Australian Radio Promotions
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When Perth-based DJ/producer DJ Scott-e is not doing weekly mashups for radio, TV commercial appearances, and remixes for acts like Samantha Fox, Quench, David Sterry (Real Life), Ultra Sun and more, he performs a hefty number of DJ gigs per year, ranging in crowd sizes from fifty to thousands. So, one would think he’d know a thing or two about coming up with a decent dance-pop record. Well, in Live Life, all that know-how is evident: snappy hooks, the requisite dynamics, and the groove-based emphasis that fortunately encompasses not only a memorable melodic line or two but a palpable air of positivity. That’s no surprise considering the origins of the new track.
When asked what motivated it, DJ Scott-e says, ‘Live Life was written off the back of some adversities that lead me to a very dark place. During this period, I reflected on what I really enjoyed in life, and that was that young, carefree beach/sunset vibe. I kept telling myself that I’ve gotta live life and not let this darkness overtake me.’ A worthy invocation if I’ve ever heard one. Featuring vocals by Josh Arnold, winner of the Golden Guitar Award at the Australian Country Music Awards, Live Life also manages to blend genres, with Josh’s country twang adding another layer of texture and colour to the track. When asked about his creative goals, DJ Scott-e says, ‘It sounds cliche, but I’ve always dreamed of a number 1 hit around the world. On my 21st birthday, I had a cake decorated like a record, and my brother quipped, “That’s the only record you’ll ever cut”. I played him Live Life recently and reminded him of what he said!’ Cliché or not, what clear-minded, ambitious musician wouldn’t aspire to such a thing? Indeed, such fantasized success would vindicate the irresistible mantra running through Live Life’s veins.
