Scott Nolan

Scott Nolan is a songwriter, poet, multi-instrumentalist from Winnipeg, Manitoba Treaty One Territory. His songs have been recorded by Hayes Carll, Mary Gauthier, Watermelon Slim, and Corin Raymond among others. He has produced albums for William Prince, Lynne Hanson, Watermelon Slim, and others.

In 2015 he started writing poetry. The plan was to replace smoking cigarettes with walking eight to ten kilometres a day. He discovered melodies and rhythms in the shuffling of his feet. He spends most of his time thinking about words, music, and language. Nolan found himself writing short poems based on people and places in his neighbourhood, trying to capture a bit of what was happening around him.

An older cousin discovered a gift and passion for poetry while serving time in Folsom State Prison. He was an early influence on him, sending books and letters from prison and encouraging the younger Nolan to read and write as often as possible. This relationship was the subject of a documentary called Visiting Day, produced for the CBC by filmmaker Charles Konowal. He was invited to perform and host writing workshops in the very same prison library his cousin wrote to him from all those years ago.
The late Winnipeg contemporary poet Patrick O’Connell was also a dear friend and mentor. His lyrical style had a strong impact on Scott’s early song writing. One of the many benefits of working in the Winnipeg arts community is the quality of work of his peers. It’s consistently encouraging and inspiring. After more than a decade of relentless touring, he decided to take time off from the road to collaborate, produce records, and enjoy life. A play was produced through Manitoba Theatre Projects based on the nine albums he’s released since 2003. I Dream of Diesel enjoyed a two-week run of sold-out shows and critical praise from both the community and critics.

In 2019 Nolan began working with composer Glenn Buhr (co-founder of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra New Music Festival) on a new collection of songs in a new genre, blending Nolan’s roots-oriented music with Buhr’s contemporary style and arranging skills. This led to a recording of the new work entitled The Suburb Beautiful, and a gala premiere in December 2019 featuring Nolan with the orchestra. Buhr has arranged this material for a 5-piece ensemble, which debuted at Winnipeg’s West End Cultural Centre in August 2020.

Scott will release a new album, Before Tonight, later this year.

For more information, please visit: https://dreamplay.ca/scott-nolan