Check Out Scott Boatright’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Boatright.  

Hi Scott, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Highland Park/Detroit (1963-1981…). I fell in love with music as a toddler. Around 1984, I began buying at independent local record stores. In the early ’90s, The Record Collector introduced me to local noise and a few other local artists (Demolition Doll Rods, Dark Carnival, Windy & Carl). Up until then, my concert experience had been mostly major national headliners. When Nirvana broke out, I was rejuvenated; grunge and alternative would lead me to St. Andrews and Magic Stick, where I was introduced to more local artists (openers). I was already aware of Henry Ford College Radio (WHFR) when by chance, I became a member in 1997, where I would spin local and independent artists. In 1999, I would begin hosting Sounds from the Corridor (experimental), then in addition Brain Ticket Death (noise). SFTC would lead to an annual festival, Ear Candy, a live benefit for the station, then live performances on the radio every week on BTD (1999- 2005). Fast forward to 2013, I would return to WHFR, where I was asked to host Motor City Live Drive at 5, where I would once again spin local music (of all genres) every week. This would end at the beginning of the pandemic. In March of 2022, I began hosting a live StreamCast (live video and audio), 11 Mile Sessions Live doing the same. Finally, after accepting a FB invite to be volunteer booker at Hamtramck Music Festival in 2018 would, lead to being Lead Booker at HMF, founder and booker of Corktown Music Festival (CMF), and booker/organizer of Corktown Sounds. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, it was basically a smooth road. Experimental and noise artists are most likely to embrace any kind of exposure, as their genre is not accepted or liked by everyone, it is an acquired taste. Bringing them to the radio station for performances and festivals was easy. The tricky part came later as I would approach rock/punk/metal, etc musicians to play on the radio or even send their music to the radio station. Over time I learned that it would take time in many cases to gain their trust, in other word convince them I wasn’t just looking for free music and that I was serious and able to help them promote their music and shows. Over time this has changed, and now they approach me on a regular basis, and that part is easy again. The pandemic has been my biggest obstacle, as it was for the entire music community. Everything I do came to a complete halt. It wasn’t until March of 2022, when I created and presented the first Corktown Music Festival, that people felt ready and safe; like “carpenter ants,” they came out in droves to enjoy music again indoors. Finally, the biggest challenge today is three things. First, the current generations (18-40ish) are not as interested in coming out to see live music as their predecessors. Second, many venues find that cover/tribute bands yield more ROI (the older generations that still come out) and are more likely to book them. Third, with the exception of a few venues, most establishments expect musicians to play for free, for 1970’s era compensation, or even worse, “pay to play.” 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
That’s a tricky question. I am currently retired all the jobs I worked to raise a family and pay the bills were not music-related, delivery driver, restaurant/bar employee, excavation, building, construction, and finally, clinical health psychologist. Interestingly, that’s what I have in common with most musicians; very few of them rely on their music solely to pay their bills. I guess you could say my current “day job” is being host of the Streamcast 11MIle Sessions Live. I present local musicians’ videos, promote their upcoming shows, and an hour of live band/artist performances/interviews every week. I don’t believe I really specialize in anything; due to modern technology, almost anyone can do what I do. The difference is my studio is higher end, at minimum cable tv quality. I am known for my radio shows, Streamcasts, booking/organizing, and overseeing festivals. That being said, the Corktown Music Festival. With the exception of one other person, Kristin Lyn, who helps me out with many things, this is my baby. I handle everything, including venue relations. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I truly embrace music of all genres and persons backgrounds. While I take what I do very seriously, I make it more personal. Musicians know they can contact me by FB or phone anytime and often seek my advice on many things. I am like that favorite uncle/older brother/grandfather that supports what they do to the best of my abilities. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
That would be a large list so in advance my apologies to anyone I don’t mention. At the risk of a cliche, my family. They are why I love music. My maternal grandparents and parents exposed me to 50’s Doo Wop, Country, 60’s Rock/Pop, Jazz, Blues, and Motown. I was encouraged to pick up the violin, recorder, and guitar in that order. Pre-driving days (because you could actually do that back in that time), my parents would drop by and pick up me and some friends from major concerts mostly in Downtown Detroit. Davin Brainard and Frank Rotondo (Record Collector/Time Stereo) and Windy and Carl (Stormy Records) The first two for most expanding my musical knowledge of local noise and underground bands, inviting me to shows, and the last two for supporting and hosting the Ear Candy festivals. Jay Korinek, station advisor for advocating for my experimental shows, he was not a fan, but he understood the importance of it. Also, at WHFR, Susan McGraw (GM) and Lara Hrycaj (OM). My biggest supporters there, my cheerleaders, put up with my shenanigans and always there for me for better or worse. Alan Contino the best sound and video engineer in the land for both local music shows. The Equivalent of landing Steven Spielberg or Martin Scorsese to direct your film. Also, a good friend. Finally, Kristin Lyn (Unlimited Head, Warhorses, Lady Warship). She was the first one to truly embrace me when I was doing my first local music show. My partner in crime for HMF and providing me invaluable assistance for CMF. 

Contact Info:

• Website: 11milesessionslive.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/scott.boatright

Image Credits
Renee Moisides