Origin
I was born and raised in the chaos and wonders of New York City, where rats, pigeons, and humans converge to form a rich cultural stew—each doing their part to make sure you don’t sit down on a subway seat.
And, of course, I’m a Knicks fan. Which means I’m well-acquainted with disappointment, yet I stick around, waiting for that elusive “up” that never quite materializes.
Like the majority of kids who suffer under the regime of anxious parents, I sought refuge in music and basketball. Music became my creative outlet, a space where I could explore different sounds, rhythms, and emotions.
On the other hand, basketball offered a completely different kind of fulfillment. It taught me the importance of teamwork, strategy, and the fleeting belief that this time, maybe I wouldn’t miss the shot. Spoiler: I missed the shot.
Music
When I was 18, I was awarded a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, which set the stage for an incredible journey. Working alongside talented musicians from around the world, I explored diverse sounds and musical traditions.
This passion for global music led me to live and take up artist residencies in countries like India, Mozambique, UAE, Spain, Venezuela, and Mexico, each of which has profoundly influenced and shaped my creative path.
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with remarkable artists like Meghan Trainor, Nick Hakim, Busty and The Bass, and Akie Bermiss from Lake Street Dive. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with incredible talents such as Roy Ayers and Arooj Aftab.
As many know, working as a musician can be a tough gig—literally. So I decided to venture into other roles, working as an operations officer and client specialist for both a law firm and a mountain goods store, while still hoping to “make it”.
It was at the mountain goods store that I discovered a passion for understanding what makes both physical and digital products truly exceptional. I began questioning, in my inner Dieter Rams accent, ‘What drives people to engage with this design more than others?’ ‘Is less really more?’ and, ‘How can we transform this business into something that not only sells products but also enhances people's lives in meaningful, incremental ways?’
Design
And so we arrive at the present day! My musical journey—full of imagined notes and emotional crescendos—taught me that storytelling isn’t just an art; it’s a vital part of connecting with people. Complementary to that, my office and client operations jobs sharpened my skills in communication and empathy, showing me that understanding others is as crucial as a, uh, well-timed drum fill!
I channel these strengths into crafting experiences that don’t merely address problems but spark genuine connections. It’s about blending the art of imagination with the science of human understanding, to create products that resonate on a deeper level.
So who is this guy, Scott? Well, when the creativity of a musician meets the analytical mind of a problem solver, you’re looking at ME!
EXTRA
I believe that the music and literature we engage & enjoy can reveal a whole lot about who we are as people. So, here are my top 5 albums and books—each a significant part of my personal journey, even though choosing just five was a challenge!