“Shoot for the Scaai” (STRAYS EP Review + Interview)
Scaai (pronounced like “sky”) is an exceptionally composed artist based out of Reno, NV. A creative, genuine spirit that finds different channels of expression in multiple aspects of his life. Most notably, the music he creates which is enchanting in itself and meticulously put together. His style is fresh and nostalgic in a way that is contemporary with previous breakthrough artists of our generation. You can find reminiscent feelings of Frank Ocean, Steve Lacy, Kali Uchis, Smino, and Zacari to name just a few. Despite feeling like some of our favorites in the culture, his music does not sound like anything else but his own.
He is fresh off his latest release titled “STRAYS,” which is available on all streaming platforms. A two piece offering, that can get you through the hardest of Mondays with its soothing frequencies and tantalizing lyrics. Simple, yet enticing, proving that it can all be so simple yet it’s human nature to overcomplicate the feelings we all go through. There are a lot of things in life that takes up unnecessary space and reduces our mental capacity.
“I got the medicine made.
It’s right on your doorstep.
The back of my brain.
And it’s ready to chase like a dog in a race. Can’t shoot a stray.
I want your love back.
Easy enough.
I need you to come back.
Where did you go?”
For those forlorn, by a love lost, perhaps you would enjoy the title track “STRAYS” to help you find solace in their absence. Perfect for an emotional, and literal, clean of house. Sometimes our feelings need to be decluttered in order to see our surroundings more clearly. Next time you feel overwhelmed by how another soul is affecting yours, put this on and practice some self care. Make your bed, take a walk, exercise, or sit in sunlight with an open mind. Who knows, you might just remember who the fuck you are in case you forgot! Either way, we promise it will help!
“That’s a temporary love, we didn’t even know what we wanted from.”
Once the healing vibes start settling in and you get to reflecting on your own actions, perhaps you can relate to the introspective touch that shines through on the second song “GRAVEL.” Sometimes the things we thought we wanted was only out of a perceived void. Carrying emptiness in your heart can make it easy for you to fill the space with anything that fits remotely close to it. That does not mean it is for you but also does not mean that it did not serve a purpose. Two souls do not meet by accident, there’s a lesson in every connection. Whatever brought you into each other’s life will set its course for as long as we can handle. It’s better to forfeit than to force it. What’s love without risk? Explore your chances and move accordingly.
“STRAYS” is Scaai’s first release of 2023 and second commercial release on all digital streaming platforms. With the most prior coming from 2022, with the single “Blush.” This year begins the revamp of his solo endeavors, alongside future collaborations with other artists in his circle. A producer himself, under the alias Chopstikk, has some upcoming plans on and off the mic. We are anticipating his collaboration album with Reno’s Jimmy Teflon. After getting some exclusive insight on the project, we can say that these two contrast each other very well and bring out some of each other’s best work. More on that later. Until then Scaai is here to let the world know he’s not going to let off the gas anytime soon.
Although his solo work is what put him on the WW Music Forecast’s radar, he has been an artist pretty much all his life. An interesting person in real life, we have been staying up to date with this artist via mutual connections in the Northern Nevada creative space. With the work he has been putting in behind the scenes and seeing the final products come to the surface, we couldn’t have thought of a more deserving artist to highlight in our first article of the new year. Naturally, we connected with Scaai to get the basics straight from the source and he was more than happy to share some crucial information for the introduction. See below:
WW: Where’s your hometown?
Scaai: “I was born in Oakland but grew up in Reno”
WW: Who are some of your creative inspirations?
Scaai: “At this point in my creative journey I take so much inspiration [from] a variety of styles. Of course I have a lot of respect for the Kendrick’s and Cole’s of the world but at the same time I love finding new artists to be inspired by. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Isaiah Rashad, Ben Reilly, Jahmed, Jordan Ward, and Zaia. I guess when it comes to what inspires me, it’s usually just hearing music that sounds refreshing and creative. It could be as simple as a lyric or a bassline. Whatever gets me off my ass and in the studio.”
WW: How long have you been doing music?
Scaai: “I’ve been into music since I was young. I started playing the drums when I was like 5 and just always had an ear for it. I’ve been creating/releasing music for about 8 years. It’s definitely had its obstacles, there’s even been times when I didn’t want to do music any more. Overall I’m happy to still be working on it and am grateful for the relationships I’ve gained through it.”
WW: What are your short term goals for music vs. your personal life?
(Music)
Scaai: “I would like to release a couple more records before my collab album with Jimmy [Teflon] comes out next spring. We worked really hard on it and it’s also the first project I executive-produced from start to finish. I also just want to further progress my artistry and establish myself as a creative symbol that genuinely contributes to the current scope of music.”
(Personal)
Scaai: “I definitely need a vacation. I be workin hard in and out of the studio so I’d definitely like to take a couple weeks off and just go somewhere that’s warm and relaxing.”
WW: Now, what are your long term goals for music vs. your personal life?
(Music)
Scaai: “I honestly just want to continue to build my portfolio and make sure that I’m challenging myself to get better as an artist. Hopefully over the next year I can grow a fan base that believes in my art and the pieces I choose to put out. I’m excited to see where I’m at a year from now.”
(Personal)
Scaai: “I’m always striving to be a better version of myself. I just want to continue to show love and appreciation the ones close to me. Life doesn’t come with many genuine connections so I really want to make sure that I’m taking care of the ones that I have been blessed with. Hopefully overtime those relationships are able to grow stronger.”
WW: Last, what’s one fact about you that most people do not know about you?
Scaai: “My artist name ‘Scaai’ is just my real name ‘Isaac’ rearranged. Not that unique but I feel like a lot of people don’t put it together.”
If this is your first time getting familiar with the man himself then go hit him up on Instagram on @scaai.walker or @zmanisaac. Catch up with him around town, catch a drink served by him at the Poor Devil Salon or support his art! A down to earth person, with a lot of perspective to share. Seeing artists like him inspires us to aim a little bit higher in life. We are excited to see where his charisma and overall appreciation for life takes him. We will be rooting for him. Most importantly, he’s got a gang of amazing music on the way for y’all to enjoy. You will not be disappointed. Be sure to hit him up online and let him know that the Weather Watcher put you on!
