We last connected with Scott Allen in January 2023, when his debut solo album (My Own Grown Eyes) was released. Turns out releasing solo material suits him! The latest album, June, sound terrific. It has a stronger 1960’s psychedelic vibe that the earlier rock-forward material. It’s an interesting layer that I enjoyed. You can hear it all live at Tuttle’s in Hopkins Oct 23.
We last connected when My Own Grown Eyes was released (Jan 2023), can you catch us up on what’s been happening and the new album?
Scott Allen & The List has been playing lots of shows and has been creating more music! We also have a monthly residency in Minneapolis at Schooner Tavern, since January 2024. We play the last Thursday of every month. We released the second, 12 song album called JUNE, on September25th
I really enjoy the new album, June. I think it sounds more psychedelic or groovy in the best way. How would you describe it or compare it to earlier work?
Thank you! Our new offering, June, remains similar to our first release by way of the storytelling. I like writing songs that connect my story to people in my life who’ve had an effect on me. Like “My Own Grown Eyes” from 2023, I’m still telling stories of gratitude toward friends and family. I like serenading my favorite people, and recorded music is my vehicle.
JUNE turns a slightly new corner with its songwriting. Stylistically, we are a little more adventurous with textures and genres. Like before, I have included a couple of good ol’ Americana Rock songs, but we’ve added horns, a smattering of atypical instruments, and at times attempt to sound a little more like the music of the time period of the specific song’s setting.
Please tell me about Wool Hat. I think you have captured the Monkee’s ethos for sure – the music and the old show. You might need a costume change when you play it.
Wool Hat is my musical origin story. Seeing The Monkees on Saturday morning television as a child turned me to music immediately. I’ve had the big sideburns, for sure! We set out to capture the essence of pop music of the 1960s on that one! Horn parts, electric organ sounds, tambourine, coffee cans and a few psychedelic effects. There are plenty of hidden gems – easter eggs – in that song that directly or indirectly references The Monkees. They were an enormous influence on my musical path, particularly Michael Nesmith. I was greatly affected by his passing, and Wool Hat is my tribute; both to him and to the WOW moment when I decided music was my path. I was 4 years old.
There’s a line in Sweeter than before that really caught me – “broken heart I was gifted.” Can you tell me about the etymology? Did you build a song around it? Did it come up when you needed it?
I did have to Google “etymology“!
Good catch! That reference is sort of subtle, though it describes the exact sentiment of the song. In 2023, I was blindsided by a widow-maker heart attack that almost took me out. There were a few ups and downs during recovery (thus another song from the album called “Suspend the Pending Rendezvous”), but ultimately I recovered, and I now view life through a much more positive lens.
“Every trip to the candy store is so much sweeter than before!” Look for a video for that song “Sweeter Than Before” in the coming weeks.
Scott Allen
Please tell me about the album release party.
Release show #2 will be Friday, October 23 at Tuttle’s in Hopkins. We are sharing the bill with Lolo’s Ghost, as a double album release celebration! Scott Allen & The list at 8pm.
SCOTT ALLEN & THE LIST ALBUM
JUNE Album Release Show Friday, October 23, 2026
At Tuttle’s (107 Shady Oak Road Hopkins, MN 55343)
Show at 8 PM • Tickets $10
Details here! https://www.facebook.com/share/1FpRyEt8JG/
I love what you folks are doing for our music community. Thank you so much for the interview!
