[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] The Man Who Does It All, Drew Ryan Scott!

The man who does it all! He sings, he dances, he writes, he produces and even plays basketball.

The singer, song-writer, producer and vocal producer, Drew Ryan Scott agreed to an exclusive interview with HypnoticAsia.

Scott is a well-known song-writer and producer in Asia, responsible for songs like “Don’t Want To Be An Idol” by Korean boy group VIXX, SHINee’s “Amigo,” Taeyang’s (Big Bang) “Sinner,” Girls’ Generation – TTS’s “Baby Steps.” Not only those but Scott has co-written “Mada Ue Wo” by one of Japan’s biggest boy group, Arashi. Other artists in Asia include, SS501, Kim Hyun Joong, Heo Young Saeng, TVXQ, Lollipop, Rainbow, A-Jax, Super Junior, Charice and many more.

Of course he doesn’t stop there. Scott has work with many artists in America as well; having worked with Avenue 52, Hannah Montana, Big Time Rush, Willow Smith and more.

What makes him a singer? Scott is part of the five member boy group After Romeo, formally Varsity Fanclub. Scott is also known as the singing voice of Sterling Knight in the Disney Channel movie, “StarStruck.”

Drew has successfully juggled both his writing and singing career but even after being so busy, he still shows his passion for basketball.

Check out his interview with HypnoticAsia below.

HYPNOTICASIA: What is your story? How did you get started in the music industry?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I moved to Los Angeles because I was offered a record deal with Capitol Records. Once in LA, I began working with numerous top producers/writers in developing my skills. It was a lot of fun because I got to work with everyone from Red One to Ryan Tedder. I actually created the “Red One” call out you hear in numerous songs produced today by Red One (“Just Dance” intro). I created a group called After Romeo with some very talented friends of mine.

HYPNOTICASIA: Did your view on music change from when you were younger to now?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I will always be a die-hard fan for music. Music can invoke such great emotions and make you feel so many things. It’s crazy to me, the power of “music.”

HYPNOTICASIA: How would you describe your music?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I like to make music I would listen to. Music you can drive to. Music you can dance to. Music you can cry to. I like to give you a party for your ears.

HYPNOTICASIA: What are the main differences when producing a song for yourself and producing for other artists?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: When I get to make songs for myself, I get to really focus on what “I want” as opposed to what someone else wants. We are currently writing/producing songs for the After Romeo album and we’re trying to make the perfect sound by infusing big pop chorus’ with dance and R&B elements. Throw in a dash of rock and you got the After Romeo sound.

HYPNOTICASIA: How did you start writing and producing for artists around the world?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I just started working with more and more producers and more and more artists. People liked what I did. I do a good job of taking what an artists’ vision is and bring it to life. I am a lot of fun to work with and have a fun energy/vibe. Things just happen naturally.

HYPNOTICASIA: What’s it like working with artists in Asia versus artists in America? What makes a successful song in Asia and how does it differ with a successful song in the US?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I think a smash song is a smash song, it doesn’t matter what country you’re in. Everybody wants that #1 smash. You can usually judge how good a song is by the listener’s reaction.

HYPNOTICASIA: You have a lot of experience writing for male artists but your work with female artists (TTS, Willow Smith, Girlicious, etc.) has also been very successful. Where did you draw inspiration for those songs?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I basically just write a movie every time I make a song. If it’s for a girl I just think from a girl’s perspective and if it’s for a guy I try to think of things I’ve been through personally or think of things I’d “love” to go through personally.

HYPNOTICASIA: Are the lyrics behind VIXX’s “Don’t Want to be an Idol” related to a personal experience?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: Everything I write has to come from some personal experience. Maybe not all of it is, but a piece of it definitely is.

HYPNOTICASIA: Has your work with music required you to travel? If yes, where would you say was your favorite place?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: Yes, I have been to every state in the US and to 11 other countries. Hmmm… my favorite place to go would have to be Germany. I had so much fun there on tour. You get to experience so much on the road.

HYPNOTICASIA: With the rise of KPOP in America, there’s news about RaNia and T-ara N4 working in the American music industry, who do you feel will make an impact in America? Who would you rather work with if you get the chance?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I hope that all groups can make an impact in the American market, there’s so much talent in K-Pop it’s insane. I want the world to see it’s not just Psy out there doing an awesome job!! I really hope my boy Kim Hyun Joong can impact out here in America. So proud of all the songs I get to do with him. He’s a great guy, super talented!

HYPNOTICASIA: From your experience, who do you believe is a tougher client to please: a K-POP entertainment company or Disney? Why?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: Each company has its special requests and I don’t think anyone is tougher than the next one. I’m a hard worker so I can handle anything.

HYPNOTICASIA: What was it like being the singing voice of Sterling Knight in the Disney Channel movie StarStruck?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: It was crazy how it came to be. I was producing vocals actually for a song on the soundtrack and last minute the lead actor was switched. Sterling came into the show 1 week before filming, so he had no time to learn the songs let alone learn the script. So I was asked if I could just sing the vocals for all the songs. It was pretty awesome because as a kid I loved Disney Channel Original Movies and I always wanted to be a part of one! SO YAY! DISNEY MAKES DREAM COME TRUE!! =) haha

HYPNOTICASIA: We previously interviewed Sean Alexander and Steven Lee, how is it like working with them when writing and producing music?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: Sean Alexander, Steven Lee and I are super close friends! We spend so much time together doing songs, hanging out, seeing movies. We have so much fun working together. I would say we are laughing 90% of the time. hahaha

HYPNOTICASIA: How did After Romeo get together?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: Jayk and I knew each other from Las Vegas. We moved to LA to sign to Capitol Records and work on another project. We met TC playing basketball; he was a friend of a friend. We all clicked. TC knew Blake from growing up together in Georgia. I was a guest speaker at a performing arts school in LA and I met Devin. We all started hanging out and singing together. We sounded good and met with some of the people from my team and everyone was ready to make some moves on the project. That is how After Romeo came to be.

HYPNOTICASIA: What are some future plans for After Romeo? (Albums, singles, tours, etc.)

DREW RYAN SCOTT: We are currently on a 43 city high school/middle school tour. We love to give back to our fans by doing free concerts for them. We surprise the kids in their classrooms and then do assemblies for the entire school.

Our promotional single “Free Fall” is out on iTunes this month and the music video just premiered on the homepage of VEVO, you can go check it out at youtube.com/AfterRomeoVEVO (please subscribe to us and leave some comments!!!).

We also post weekly webisodes/vlogs/cover songs on our normal account youtube.com/AfterRomeo.

We are working on a worldwide tour, including the European and Asian territories not just American.

Our album is set to come out this summer as well.

HYPNOTICASIA: While being a producer and songwriter, as well as being a member of After Romeo, what has your schedule been like?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: Honestly, I don’t sleep much. All last week I averaged 2-3 hours per night. haha I am typically in the studio until 5/6am every day.

The band rehearses for no less than 4 hours a day. I write/produce 2-3 songs per day. So I keep super busy.

HYPNOTICASIA: If you could pick one artist to work with that you haven’t already, who would it be and why?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I would’ve done anything to work with Michael Jackson.

HYPNOTICASIA: If you weren’t working in the music industry, what would you be doing instead?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I honestly have no clue. hahahahaha I love music so much. I would’ve found a way to do something music related. Or basketball!!!!

HYPNOTICASIA: We see you have a passion for basketball! Who is your favorite basketball team?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: 1.) Chicago Bulls, 2.) Miami Heat 3.) LA Lakers

HYPNOTICASIA: If you could give advice to an up and coming producer and songwriter, what would it be?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: Learn your craft. Listen and study what the top songs are out there today. There is a structure that songs follow. Maybe start off by copying a song you love. Change some melodies and change some of the music but keep it close to the song you love. Write a new concept with new lyrics and that will point you in the right direction of a hit song.

Fun Questions:

HYPNOTICASIA: If you had an unlimited budget, what kind of music video would you have, who would be in it, who would direct it, etc…

DREW RYAN SCOTT: Steven Spielberg would direct it. OMGOSH!!!!! I would make it a 30 minute video. SciFi and crazy fun. Lots of dancing. Lots of lights and crazy outfits. It would be the most epic thing ever!

HYPNOTICASIA: What types of songs are on your playlist right now?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I’m jamming out to the new Demi Lovato album. It’s awesome!

HYPNOTICASIA: Who is your current celebrity crush?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: Selena Gomez…she’s single soooo =) =) I am too!!!

HYPNOTICASIA: Who is your favorite Pokemon?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: I don’t think I ever liked Pokemon that much! hahaha Blake does!!! Ask him lol

HYPNOTICASIA: The song that should play when I enter the room is…

DREW RYAN SCOTT: “Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake

HYPNOTICASIA: What’s the best song to sing in the shower?

DREW RYAN SCOTT: “My Heart Will Go On” Celine Dion for the win!!!!!!

Support Drew Ryan Scott and his band, After Romeo by subscribing and following his social media sites.

Drew Ryan Scott Official Website | Drew Ryan Scott Twitter | Drew Ryan Scott Facebook