In this interview spotlight, we chat with Pat Scarlett about the newest project, influences, the digital music world and more.

Full Q&A along with links and streams below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I divide my time between Montreal & New York – and I’d say that both cities have a real influence on my music. I find that the songwriter is often the least capable of defining what he or she is doing. I never really try to classifiy what I’m doing in terms of genre or style, but I guess it spans a few – from Alt-Rock to Indie to a more mellow groove based pop.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?

I guess I’d say there’s just never been a question for me whether this was what I was going to do or not. I don’t find that it’s really a choice – if it is, then you should probably consider other possibilities. Staying the course is really the only option.

How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?

I’ve written in a variety of genres in the past, but I guess this record that I’m working on now feels like the most authentic, the most real sort of expression for me so far. I didn’t set out with a strategy or agenda, just to shut everything else out, tune in, and write/record what comes. So far I like the results.

Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?

Well, of course it’s a very different industry today – hardcopy sales are minimal for most artists, and it’s easier than ever to steal music. However, it’s also easier to access new audiences through all of the various online venues that exists for disseminating music. That’s very cool actually – it may not be a perfect trade off, what there are new avenues worth exploiting.

Where can we follow you online and hear more music?

The easiest way is via www.PatScarlett.com. I’ll be postig new material there as it’s released, videos, show/tour updates as they come up as well.