Scott Hirsch is no stranger to deep music productions. Along his path, he fell in love with life on
the road and musical community during the halcyon days of Southern California hardcore punk
in the Ebullition records band Ex-Ignota. He helped foster the bloom of a 2000’s California
cosmic country renaissance with musical compatriot MC Taylor in The Court & Spark, a gem of
a band from pre-tech San Francisco. From there, the two of them founded Hiss Golden
Messenger, where they explored the heaviness of rhythm and song together on the East Coast.
In 2015, Scott returned to California to write his own music, produce records, and raise a family.
Aside from continuing to produce more Hiss Golden Messenger records, Scott’s production
work grew- The Grammy nominated Follow the Music, by Alice Gerrard, William Tyler’s First
Cow Soundtrack, Mia Dyson’s Aria winning LP Tender Heart, and Hayden Pedigo’s forthcoming
I’ll be Waving As you Drive Away are but a few of the records he produced.
Scott’s own music writing flourished during this time. With the release of the heady Blue Rider
Songs, he crafted a musical identity that Aquarium Drunkard dubbed “JJ Cale on cough syrup.
”
MC Taylor writes,
“I think of [Hirsch’s follow up] Lost Time Behind the Moon as Scott's
masterpiece, because everything I know about him is in these songs, the groove and the
wonder.
” In 2020 Hirsch released Windless Day, which was given 4 stars by Mojo’s John
Mulvey, who calls it “his most satisfying album yet.
” Always searching for a new sound, Hirsch
then turned Windless Day on its head when he released the lush sonic instrumental retelling
Ghost of Windless Day in 2022.
In May 2025, Hirsch releases Lost Padres, his next installment which pushes the envelope of
his production and musicality.