CASPER, Wyo. — The Oil City Beer Company was abuzz with energy on Sept. 8 as fans gathered to enjoy a night filled with the melodies of local musician Zack Scott. Scott, whose music defies the confines of a single genre, brings a unique blend of blues, rock and country, with a side of hip-hop renditions.
A familiar name to many in Casper, Scott has graced the stage of the Oil City Beer Company multiple times over the years. He’s become a favorite at the venue. As Chris Hoburka, the company’s owner, puts it, “He has played here a lot, about every 3 or 4 months; he is great.”
But who is Zack Scott, and what drives this Casper music icon?
A Gillette native, Scott relocated to Casper when he was around 9 or 10, making it essentially home. He’s been strumming chords and writing songs for close to 16 years, with the Casper community enjoying his public performances for a decade.
Scott’s musical journey began in his youth, influenced by his brother and neighbors, who were both guitarists. It was love at first strum for Scott, who quickly began crafting his own songs. His style, a bluesy take on southern rock, takes inspiration from renowned groups like The Lumineers, The Revivalists and The Black Keys.
But when asked about his music, Scott describes it as a “hybrid of blues, country, and rock,” adding that it’s challenging to pinpoint it. His covers span genres, while his original tracks feed off varied inspirations.
His recent album, “Heathens,” a self-produced 10-track collection released in February, is a testament to his journey. The title track is among Scott’s most well-known originals. He mentioned with a chuckle, “I get a lot of requests to play that one.” This album reflects Scott’s personal experiences, and some, as he describes, are “from the outside looking in.”
“Production is something I’ve dabbled in for quite a while now,” Scott said. For him, producing “Heathens” was a learning experience. Balancing the intricacies of sound engineering while still churning out heart-touching music was both challenging and rewarding.
Despite the success of “Heathens” — available on all major streaming platforms — Scott isn’t resting on his laurels. His eyes are set on future projects. “Just trying to record some more songs this coming fall into the winter,” he shared. The prospects of new singles, EPs and possibly another album are on the horizon.
Casper’s music enthusiasts have more to look forward to as Scott continues to enthrall audiences at local venues like The Bayou Bar and Frontier Brewing Company. But if you’re keen to catch up on where he’ll be performing next or simply want to explore his music, Zack Scott’s Facebook, Instagram and personal website are the places to visit.
