Emarosa’s Bradley Scott Discusses Upcoming ’80s Pop-Inspired Album, ‘Sting’
After a three-year hiatus since their breakthrough album Peach Club in 2019, Emarosa is back with their new ’80s inspired album Sting, and better than ever. Vocalist Bradley Scott and guitarist ER White have collaborated for nearly a decade to bring their ever-changing visions to life, and this new album combines pop, synth-wave, alternative, and ’80s hits to deliver an honest and ethereal listening experience. “Every album we outdo ourselves,” Scott says. “Sting is no exception. No reservations, no holds barred, this record is unapologetic and defiantly confident.”
Emarosa’s venture into the pop world begins with “Preach,” which the band released as a single (and accompanying video) in April 2022 as a first glimpse into their new project. Its upbeat pop rock sound is the perfect start to the album. “The first words of this record, ‘pack it up, love. Nothing lasts forever,’ says everything I’ve felt across the last three years since Peach Club,” Scott explains. “It can all be taken away in a second; you can be at the top and in the blink of an eye, you’re at rock bottom. Everyone has an opinion, a stone to throw … They all have something to preach. Just don’t preach to me.”
Scott mentions how it was a difficult time to go into the studio and write a record while dealing with a pandemic and, of course, personal life. “There wasn’t a lot of confidence going in, but the fear, I think, was necessary.” He describes the process as “something we had to do. It sounds cliché, but there was no other option than to go in and find joy in the process of making music.”
In “Attention,” Scott unapologetically demonstrates how it’s okay to be selfish and seek the attention that he craves; anyone who dislikes being alone can relate. “This might be the most self-serving song we’ve ever written,” he says. “I love to be the center of attention; I was born an entertainer. It comes with the territory. Love me or hate me, I just don’t care … I think I wrote this song as the most honest form of myself, without fear or judgment or criticism. We all want attention – nobody wants to end up alone. This is the anthem for everyone brave enough to own it.”
The third track on Sting is “Stay”, a dance-worthy “become what you hate” story. “That feeling of knowing something is bad for you and you’re on the fence but something pushes you over,” Scott says. Its video leans into a werewolf metaphor – “You’re being hunted, she turns you, and you become the hunter,” he says. “This would have been great if Twilight was in the ’80s.” The band transforms into their werewolf alter egos, reminiscent of Teen Wolf, and in the video you can tell how much fun they’re having doing what they love.
In “Cinnamon,” Scott proclaims, “My love is religion,” and sings about crossing the line of love. This connects to the next track, “Forgiveness,” that focuses on trying to make amends with the person you love after hurting them – “Crucify this man” because no human is perfect. The story continues with “INLA,” which deals with regret from letting go of someone. The speaker tells that person where they are, just in case they want to come find them. The track builds up to a strong drum and electric guitar filled bridge.
“Again” is one of the most vulnerable tracks on the album about what happens when an old flame that you thought died out catches fire again. Scott hits some impressive low notes, adding to his range repertoire, and the song definitely has a fun ’80s feel. “I was actually driving on the 405 and saw my life flash before my eyes when I wrote it,” he describes. “I was listening to the instrumental trying to write and I zoned out. Had to swerve and pull over to collect myself. I put the whole thing in the song.”
“Woman,” “Rush,” and “Danger” close out the album by embodying several aspects of the human experience, such as falling fast for someone and not being able to think about anyone else. How many times have you fallen in love with a stranger?
When Scott and White sat down to try and name the album, Sting just felt right. It was originally the working title of a song. “I think the imagery of the scorpion is perfect for this band,” Scott says. “Scorpions can survive just about anything and that rings true.”
If there’s one thing that Scott hopes for Emarosa’s listeners, it’s that they love this new album’s sound. “I want them to hear our new record after years of waiting and feel that sigh of joy listening to the songs they haven’t heard … Playing their favorite song over and over for weeks because it never gets old. I want the same thing for our fans that any band wants. I just want them to love it.”
Make sure to follow Emarosa on their social media platforms and stay tuned for their new album Sting, available January 27 via Out of Line Music, their new record label.
Find this and more exciting new music on our Alchemical Multigenre Mixdown playlist on YouTube and Spotify.
Emma Page
Emma Page, a recent Journalism graduate of The George Washington University, possesses a passion for music journalism and storytelling in all its forms. Originally from Baltimore, MD, when she is not writing, she can be found at a local concert or making music of her own.
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