Scott: I met Nina through the karaoke night she hosts at Waterman Brewing back in 2019. I’d always admired her singing and stage presence. For years I’d tried talking her into letting me build a band around her, but I’d been unconvincing.
While playing with another band, I realized that many of the small indoor venues a group would play in the winter didn’t have room for the large bands I’d been in. I also realized that, in our local venues, people were more interested in hearing live music that compliments the conversations they were having with friends and family at their table, than they were having to focus all their attention on a loud live band.
With that knowledge in hand, I presented Nina with the idea of putting together a small, less-loud trio that’s custom made for the intimate spaces often found at local wineries and breweries. We realized we were onto something, and embarked on this journey. We’d previously been in a band together with Don, and immediately realized his multi-instrument talent would be a perfect fit. And here we are.
NoN: And the name, North of Nowhere… Where did that come from?
Scott: I’ll let Don share how we got to that name. We prefer to let people figure it out what it means on their own, but since the reader made an effort to visit our site, I’d love to share. North of Nowhere is a metaphor for living a life that’s headed in the right direction. At the very least it serves as a reminder to try to keep our individual compasses pointed that way. At best, we hope those that follow us are also North of Nowhere.
NoN: Tell us about your musical background. How long have you been playing, etc?
Scott: It’s 2025. I tinkered around with the drum set in Middle School, then played for a semester at the University of Utah. After a long break, I took up playing for a few years in the early 2000s. Then, after an even longer hiatus, I started playing again in 2023.
So all-in, I probably only have about 5 years of drum set experience. But I had been a rudimental and classical percussionist from 5th grade through college, where I majored in music education. So my hands already had a solid foundation when I started playing the kit.
NoN: You mentioned the term “drum set”. What you’re playing doesn’t look like any drum set I’ve ever seen. Tell me about that thing.
Scott: That is a drum set made out of two cajons. One that acts as a kick drum, and the other doubles as a snare and all my toms. Loota Percussion, a company in Finland makes them. I’ve never had this much fun with a musical instrument before. I recently added a set of DW low-boy hats to solidify the backbeats a little.
NoN: What “firsts” are you experiencing with North of Nowhere?
Scott: I actually have a lot of “firsts” with NoN. For starters, the cajon kit we just discussed. I’d never played it with a band before. This is the first time I’ve sung with a band I’m in. My first duet with a live band. My first time in a trio. And the first time I’ve MC’d a show. So, quite a few firsts!
