Scott Hutchison

Scott John Hutchison (20 November 1981 – 9 May 2018) was a Scottish singer, songwriter, guitarist and artist. He was the founding member and primary songwriter of the indie rock band Frightened Rabbit, with whom he recorded five studio albums, and created the artwork for each release.[2]

Scott Hutchison
Hutchison performing with Frightened Rabbit at SXSW in 2013
Background information
Birth nameScott John Hutchison
Born(1981-11-20)20 November 1981
Edinburgh, Scotland[1]
Died9 May 2018(2018-05-09) (aged 36)
South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland
GenresIndie rock, indie folk
InstrumentsVocals, guitar
Years active2003–2018
LabelsAtlantic Records, Fat Cat Records
Associated actsFrightened Rabbit, Owl John, The Fruit Tree Foundation, Mastersystem
Websitefrightenedrabbit.com

Hutchison was also a member of the musical collective The Fruit Tree Foundation, and released one solo album under the moniker Owl John. His last musical project was the indie "supergroup" Mastersystem, featuring Frightened Rabbit bandmate and brother Grant alongside members of Editors and Minor Victories.[3]

Hutchison studied illustration at the Glasgow School of Art, before forming Frightened Rabbit in 2003. Initially a solo project, Hutchison collaborated with his brother Grant on the band's debut album, Sing the Greys (2006), and recorded the band's critical breakthrough, The Midnight Organ Fight (2008), as a three-piece, following the collapse of a romantic relationship.[4]

Following the album's release, the band's fanbase expanded significantly and a third studio album, The Winter of Mixed Drinks, was released in 2010. Signing to Atlantic Records, the band released their fourth studio album, Pedestrian Verse, in 2013. The following year, Hutchison recorded a solo album as Owl John. In 2016, the band released their fifth studio album, Painting of a Panic Attack.[5]

Hutchison disappeared on 9 May 2018, and his body was found the following day on the banks of the Firth of Forth.[6][7]

Biography

Childhood and early life

Scott John Hutchison, described by his mother as a shy child, was born in Edinburgh[1] and raised in the Scottish Borders town of Selkirk, with his brother Grant.[8][9] Moving to the city of Glasgow, he studied illustration at the Glasgow School of Art: "I was there for four years and I didn't particularly want to be an illustrator, so I wanted to apply the rules that I learnt to everything I do, in terms of working in a bank or writing music."[8] While living in Glasgow, he worked in a specialist whisky shop in the residential area of Hyndland, noting: "I began to appreciate and admire the heritage of flavour in a dram of single malt."[10]

Initially considering himself solely a guitarist, Hutchison began singing at the age of nineteen, stating: "Up to that point I was just a guitar player. I didn't know I could sing, I had been told I couldn't."[8] His early songwriting influences included such American artists as Ryan Adams, Wilco and Laura Cantrell, with Hutchison noting, "When I started writing songs, my references were [these] Americana acts. [...] I could associate with those stories. And you can see American folk's deep connections with Scottish folk."[2]

Formation of Frightened Rabbit, Sing the Greys and The Midnight Organ Fight (2003–2009)

In 2003, Hutchison began performing under the name Frightened Rabbit, a name given to him by his mother to describe his once shy nature,[11] and began recording and performing with his brother the following year. The duo recorded the band's debut album, Sing the Greys, at The Diving Bell Lounge, with producer Marcus MacKay, and released it independently on local label, Hits the Fan, in 2006; the band signed soon after to Fat Cat Records.[12]

Joined by guitarist Billy Kennedy, the band reissued the album on their new label and began work on its follow-up, The Midnight Organ Fight (2008), with producer Peter Katis, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Influenced by the collapse of his relationship with his high school and college girlfriend Shell Jubin,[13] the deeply personal album was released to widespread critical acclaim and increased the band's exposure significantly.[14]

Owl John

Owl John was a solo musical project by Hutchison, formed in 2014. Regarding Owl John and his decision to release a solo record, Hutchison noted, "It was approximately 10 years ago that I started a band called Frightened Rabbit. In that time I've dedicated so much of my life to that good wee band with a stupid name, I felt it was time to indulge Owl John."[15][16]

Hutchison recorded the project's sole album, Owl John (2014), alongside his Frightened Rabbit bandmate Andy Monaghan and the band's touring guitarist Simon Liddell.[17]

In January 2014, whilst touring in support of Frightened Rabbit's fourth studio album, Pedestrian Verse (2013), Hutchison expressed his desire to record solo material without the band, stating: "The process has to be different, otherwise I'm just going to make a Frightened Rabbit-sounding record, which I really don't want to do."[18]

The idea for a solo album stemmed from Frightened Rabbit's label, Atlantic Records: "It was actually the idea of the label to make it rather than me. I thought we were going to get off tour and go straight back into writing another album, and the guy at the label knew things weren't really quite right. He basically was like, 'We'll pay for this record. Go away, make a record and indulge yourself.'"[19] The following month, work began on the album, on the Isle of Mull, with bandmate Andy Monaghan producing, alongside Simon Liddell. Released on 4 August 2014, the self-titled album debuted at number ninety-nine on the UK Albums Chart.[20]

Collaborations

The Fruit Tree Foundation

Hutchison wrote and recorded with The Fruit Tree Foundation, a collaborative project featuring Scottish indie rock and folk musicians. The resulting album, First Edition, was released in 2011. Regarding the experience, Hutchison stated: "It was really beautifully done. I thought it was such a great thing, and also personally, for me, that was my first taste of proper collaboration and it really changed my outlook on songwriting. Before, I was kind of like, 'Yeah, I know how to write songs. I don't need anyone's help', and then, of course, you learn so much. So it changed my whole outlook, and I would love to get involved in that kind of thing again."[21]

The Birthday Suit

Hutchison performed a guitar solo on the track, "A Bigger World", by the indie rock band The Birthday Suit, and is featured in its accompanying music video. The song was the first single to be released from the band's third studio album, A Hollow Hole of Riches (2014).[22]

Mastersystem
Main article: Mastersystem

Hutchison formed the "indie supergroup" in 2017 with his brother Grant, and the brothers, Justin and James Lockey from Editors and Minor Victories respectively. The band released one album, Dance Music, in 2018.[23]

Oyster

Hutchison is credited for all of the artwork in Oyster, a book of poetry written by Edinburgh poet Michael Pedersen.[24]

If & When We Wake

Hutchison is credited for all of the artwork in If & When We Wake (2015), a book of poetry and art by Philadelphia poet Francis Daulerio. Hutchison contributed twelve drawings.[25]

Please Plant This Book

Hutchison is credited for all of the artwork in Please Plant This Book (2018), a collection of poetry and art by Philadelphia poet Francis Daulerio.[26] First released on bundles of heirloom seed packets and then re-released in a traditional chapbook format, the collection celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original collection by Richard Brautigan and benefits The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Hutchison contributed nine drawings.[27]

Disappearance and death

Hutchison was reported missing by Scottish police and the members of Frightened Rabbit on 9 May 2018.[28] Hutchison was last seen at 1 a.m. 9 May leaving a hotel in South Queensferry.[29] Hutchison had tweeted "Be so good to everyone you love. It's not a given. I'm so annoyed that it’s not. I didn't live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones", followed by "I'm away now. Thanks." prior to his disappearance.[30]

His brother and bandmate Grant, on the band's official Twitter account, urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Police Scotland[31] given his fragile state.[32]

On 10 May, the Chief Inspector of Police Scotland reported that they were searching the area around the Forth Road Bridge for Hutchison, and were looking to contact two individuals who were spotted walking along the bridge the night he disappeared.[33]

Police discovered a body at 8:30 p.m. in the Port Edgar region near South Queensferry,[34] and on 11 May confirmed it was that of Hutchison; no immediate cause of death was disclosed.[34][4]

Frightened Rabbit issued a statement following Hutchison's death, which read:

There are no words to describe the overwhelming sadness and pain that comes with the death of our beloved Scott, but to know he is no longer suffering brings us some comfort. Reading messages of support and hope from those he has helped through his art has helped immensely and we encourage you all to continue doing this. He will be missed by all of us and his absence will always be felt but he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and colour that will forever be remembered and shared.

— Frightened Rabbit, [34]

Several celebrities and musicians mourned Hutchison on social media on the day his body was discovered, including Stuart Murdoch, Jo Whiley, Gary Lightbody, Hayley Williams, Sarah Silverman, Jay Baruchel [35][36] and Wil Wagner.[37] Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, responded to Hutchison's death on Twitter, writing "Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Scott’s family, friends and fans. A remarkable and much loved talent."[35] Artists close to Scott who performed tributes to him include Frank Turner, The Twilight Sad, Manchester Orchestra, Craig Finn of The Hold Steady, PAWS, Julien Baker and We Were Promised Jetpacks. Several albums released not long after his death were dedicated to him, including Death Cab for Cutie's Thank You for Today (2018), The Twilight Sad's It Won/t Be Like This All the Time (2019) and Idlewild's Interview Music (2019).[38]

In May 2019, the Hutchison family established Tiny Changes, a mental health charity named after a lyric from the band's song "Head Rolls Off", in memory of Scott. In July 2019, Atlantic Records released Tiny Changes: A Celebration of Frightened Rabbit's The Midnight Organ Fight, an album featuring musician friends and colleagues of the band covering their 2008 album in full. It was supposed to be released in summer 2018 to mark the tenth anniversary of The Midnight Organ Fight, and Scott Hutchison was fully involved in the process and had approved the tracks included. In the run-up to the covers album's release, the remaining members of the band gave several interviews, stating that "the band does not exist" without Scott.[39][40]

See also

Discography

Listed here are Hutchison's work with Frightened Rabbit, and other collaborations.[41]

Frightened Rabbit
Main article: Frightened Rabbit discography

Mastersystem
  • Dance Music (2018)

Owl John

The Fruit Tree Foundation
  • First Edition (2011)
  • New Branch (2011)

Select additional appearances

References
  1. "Scott Hutchison's family launch 'Tiny Changes' mental health charity in memory of Frightened Rabbit frontman". Scottish Herald. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  2. Lewis, John (7 February 2013). "We were never cold enough to be art school". Metro. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  3. Trendell, Andrew (23 February 2018). "Meet Mastersystem – the 'gnarly' new supergroup from Editors, Frightened Rabbit and Minor Victories". NME. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  4. Coscarelli, Joe (11 May 2018). "Scott Hutchison, Frightened Rabbit Singer, Is Found Dead at 36". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  5. Morgan Britton, Luke (19 February 2016). "Frightened Rabbit announce new album and share track 'Death Dream'". NME. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  6. Quinn, Dave (11 May 2018). "Frightened Rabbit Singer Scott Hutchison Found Dead at 36". People. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  7. Strauss, Matthew; Monroe, Jazz. "Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison Dead at 36". Pitchfork. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  8. Sharp, Craig (8 July 2007). "Interview: Scott Hutchison". Dirty Zine. Archived from the original on 6 October 2008. Retrieved 6 April 2011.
  9. Obituary: Scott Hutchison thetimes.co.uk accessdate 10 August 2018
  10. Hutchison, Scott (October 2012). "Guest column – Whisky and me by Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison". Q Magazine. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  11. Marchese, David (25 January 2010). "How They Became… Frightened Rabbit". Spin. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  12. Devlin, Kieran (11 May 2018). "Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison: a songwriter who found humanity in our flaws". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  13. "Frightened Rabbit: Doomed relationships, Big Brother and the missing $28,000". The Pop Cop. January 2013. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013.
  14. "Frightened Rabbit wraps up its session with the momentous 'Head Rolls Off'". The A.V. Club. 4 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  15. "Owl John". Sputnik Music. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  16. "Owl John Self-Titled Debut Album Out 8/5 Page 2". Broadway World. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  17. Bermingham, Finbarr (1 August 2014). "Saving Grace: Owl John on the record that rescued Frightened Rabbit". The Skinny. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  18. Butler, Gavin. "Owl John – Self Titled Album". Happy Media PTY. Limited. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  19. Kaplan, Ilana (18 July 2014). "Exclusive Video Premiere and Interview: 'Hate Music', Owl John". Interview Magazine. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  20. "Official Albums Chart Top 100: 10–16 August 2014". Official Charts. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  21. Smith, Kelly (7 October 2013). "Interview: Scott Hutchison from Frightened Rabbit". The List. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  22. "The Birthday Suit announce single 'All Of This Everything'". A Badge of Friendship. 5 March 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  23. Trendell, Andrew (5 April 2018). "Mastersystem 'Dance Music' review". NME. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  24. "Oyster: Poetry Illustrated By Scott Hutchison". store.warnermusic.com. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
  25. "If & When We Wake (Second Edition) by Francis Daulerio and Scott Hutchison". Unsolicited Press. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  26. "Local poet Francis Daulerio's final collaboration with Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison". Grid Magazine. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  27. "Please Plant This Book Chapbook Edition". The Head and The Hand Press. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  28. "Concern for missing indie band singer". BBC News. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  29. Kreps, Daniel (9 May 2018). "Frightened Rabbit Singer Scott Hutchison Reported Missing". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  30. Kreps, Daniel. "Frightened Rabbit Singer Scott Hutchison Dead at 36". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  31. Aswad, Jem (9 May 2018). "Frightened Rabbit Singer Scott Hutchison Reported Missing, Bandmates 'Worried'". Variety. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  32. "R.I.P. Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison". KEXP. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  33. Howarth, Angus. "Scott Hutchison: Police seek pair who may have seen singer near Forth Bridge". The Scotsman. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  34. "Body confirmed as missing Frightened Rabbit singer". BBC News. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  35. "Scott Hutchison: Nicola Sturgeon, Jo Whiley and Alex Kapranos lead tributes". The Scotsman. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  36. Carras, Christi (11 May 2018). "Hayley Williams, Snow Patrol, Sarah Silverman, More Pay Tribute to Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison". Variety. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  37. "The Smith Street Band on Instagram: "Truely devastating. His way with words, that thick accent, how he could go from hilarious to heart breaking with one turn of phrase. There…"". Instagram. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  38. https://img.discogs.com/ugL3VHXVTOHTRg4stRg3qdTM_KI=/fit-in/600x599/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-12403464-1534607518-9824.jpeg.jpg
  39. Ross, Peter (21 June 2019). "'His memory shouldn't be shrouded in darkness': How Frightened Rabbit coped with the death of Scott Hutchison". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
  40. Jamieson, Teddy (7 July 2019). "Frightened Rabbit on life after Scott Hutchison". The National.
  41. "Scott Hutchison discography". Discogs. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
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