“While I’m alive, I’ll make tiny changes to Earth.” Written by Scott Hutchison, the late frontman of the band Frightened Rabbit, this line has provided comfort, consolation, and inspiration to those who loved Scott’s music. A talented and witty lyricist, Scott’s songs could be devastatingly crushing or funny, visceral or resonant—sometimes all in the same track. But an artist is more than the work they produce, and so, on this episode of Object of Sound, we’re celebrating not only Scott’s music, but also his life and legacy. We speak to Ben Gibbard, Frank Turner, Georgia Maq, and more, who share memories and impressions of the way Scott and his music shaped their lives. We’ll also hear from listeners who called into the Object of Sound hotline to talk about what Scott’s music means to them, and all the changes—both tiny and profound—that he has made to the lives of his listeners. Closing the episode, Hanif walks us through a playlist of some of his top Scott Hutchison songs. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental illness and suicide that may be upsetting for some listeners. Please take care of yourself. We invite you to listen to this episode if you feel comfortable and able, or to skip out and join us again next week.
If you are in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the USA can be reached with the three-digit dialing code 988, or by calling 1-800-273-8255.
Music In This Week’s Episode:
Swim Until You Can’t See Land - Frightened Rabbit
The Twist - Frightened Rabbit
Ten Tons of Silence - Owl John
A Good Reason to Grow Old - Owl John
Bird is Bored of Flying - Mastersystem
Notes on a Life Not Quite Lived - Mastersystem
Show Notes:
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental illness and suicide that may be upsetting for some listeners. Please take care of yourself. We invite you to listen to this episode if you feel comfortable and able, or to skip out and join us again next week.
If you are in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the USA can be reached with the three-digit dialing code 988, or by calling 1-800-273-8255.
Ben Gibbard, Craig Finn and Jeff Zeigler all contributed to Tiny Changes: A Celebration of Frightened Rabbit’s ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’, along with previous Object of Sound guests Julien Baker and Aaron Dessner.
Ben Gibbard, Craig Finn, Julien Baker and Aaron Dessner also participated in the Rough Trade Tribute, Tiny Changes: A Celebration Of The Songs Of Scott Hutchison on Dec 5, 2018.
In 2019, Scott Hutchison’s family created Tiny Changes, a non-profit organization that supports efforts to improve mental health in children and young people.
Frank Turner wrote A Wave Across the Bay to honor Scott’s memory.
Credits:
This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.
