Although he debuted less than two years ago, Auckland multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Josef Scott took his time figuring out what kind of music he wanted to make long before his latest single, “Summer Dopamine.” While at Roundhead Studios in New Zealand, he worked with in-house engineers and gradually zeroed in on his sound, best described as within the neighborhood of Portugal. The Man and The Internet.
In quick succession, he’s released two EPs, 2022’s Epilogue and 2023’s It’s Not You, It’s Me, with the latter containing “Interlude,” a bubbly pop groove that feels designed to get stuck in your head. Aiming to continue the success of It’s Not You, It’s Me, “Summer Dopamine” is Scott basking in the sun of alt-pop. According to Scott, he sought to capture “the euphoria we feel for summer and fleeting romances that come and go.”
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Fueled by smooth guitar licks and gentle vocals, “Summer Dopamine” follows a fiery yet brief romance that could only happen in the summertime. For the song’s first half, Scott flourishes in the simplicity he’s set for himself to carry the story forward. The combination of a catchy melody and subtle whistles in the chorus would have been enough, but the introduction of a saxophone from left of center ties the sunny disposition together.
Contrary to the breezy atmosphere of “Summer Dopamine,” the track was made during the desolate cold. “‘Summer Dopamine’ was born out of my first winter in Boston,” said Scott. “Come April I’d almost forgotten what it was like to feel warm outside, and…I began reminiscing on my fondest memories from the homeland, New Zealand.” Although directed at his home in Auckland, the longing for bright sun rays and clear skies is universal for anyone who’s been through harsh winters.
Given his relative recency, Scott does not plan on touring or playing shows. Instead, he’s looking to make 2024 his most prolific year through a steady supply of new music to match his rapidly growing reach, with new music every six to eight weeks or so. With a plan like that, his eventual crossover to the rest of the world will come sooner rather than later.
Words: David Sosa
“Summer Dopamine” by Josef Scott is out on streaming services. His next single, “All My Love” will be released Feb. 28th. For more on new music and potential live shows, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.
