It’s 11:27 pm and it’s thundering outside. I’m emotional as I’ve been grieving the state of our world. I click play on Scott Helman’s music video for his single “Papa” feeling hopeful.
It’s 11:31 pm and I’m wiping tears of joy and sadness. It is Helman’s genius that enables me to feel this deep dichotomy of emotion.
The music video for “Papa” is depicted in the format of a simple split screen. On one side, we see Helman as he appears to be watching what the viewer sees on the other side—a video montage of his late grandfather, Alan. Helman’s face is bright and in focus as he reacts to the vintage footage of Papa dancing, getting married, kissing his bride and smiling while holding up a glass of gin. It is evident that Alan was a lively and zestful man who had a deep love for family and life. These two perspectives portray happy memories and the sad reality that Papa is no longer with us.
Although the single is inspired by and dedicated to Papa, the spotlight belongs on Scott. Canadian pop singer-songwriter. Alan’s devoted grandson. The kid who sang and played guitar at his Bar Mitzvah. Helman personifies vulnerability as Helman’s innermost feelings are brilliantly expressed through his heartfelt and spot-on lyrics. “You’re looking back at your life, I’m looking forward to mine. It’s true but it doesn't make sense though that we’re both running out of time.”
Helman plans to release his forthcoming album NONSUCH PARK (sa) on September 4th. Helman states, “This album is about my changes, my growth, my hardships, my celebrations, my fears, my courage and my love. Each person has a sanctuary within —a place they can return to where things make sense, where the tides are kind, where colours are bright and their lives feel meaningful. For me that place was the large park just down the road from my Papa’s house in Sutton, UK – Nonsuch Park...This work is a declaration —a declaration of love, meaning, questions and truth, and it is all dedicated to you, Papa.”
Helman is on the forefront of a long and successful career as he tears open people’s hearts and reminds us that we are human. And as humans, we all change, we all grow, we all question and we all seek truth.
NONSUCH PARK (sa) Track List:
(nonsuchpark)
Wait No More
Lois
Good Problems
Evergreen
(california)
Afraid Of America
Everything Sucks
True Crime
(meetagain)
Papa
Watch the music video for “Papa” below