Scott McMicken

“Collaboration is a nuanced concept that comes in many forms,” observes Scott McMicken, the musician/songwriter best known for his songcraft with Philadelphia-based band Dr. Dog. Since coming to Asheville in 2022, McMicken has made waves in the local music scene partnering with some of the region’s best indie artists. “I could never have imagined the quality and quantity of folks I would meet around here or how it would feel to open up creatively with any number of people, and I’m still just at the beginning of that.”

Even if you don’t know Scott McMicken, listen to his records, and you’ll know you’re hearing something singular and distinct. From the crackled sounds of a nylon-string guitar and plucky piano notes to his teakettle-like voice crooning thoughtful lyrics over almost tropical rhythms, this music sounds wholly different from anything being released these days. In a time of increasingly glossy digital homogeneity, McMicken’s cassette-driven, sepia-toned, lofi recording style feels tangible and lived in. Which makes sense, given his humble beginnings.

After endless childhood moves, McMicken’s family settled in Pennsylvania, where he met best friend Toby Leaman. At just 14, the two started writing and recording music using a Yamaha 4-track, SM-58 microphone, and Boss delay pedal gifted from “cool Uncle Mark.” The pair formed Dr. Dog while at West Chester University, going on to tour with My Morning Jacket. Over its 20-year run, Dr. Dog has released 11 records; become a beloved international traveling act; and signed to ANTI-, one of the country’s most prestigious indie labels. In 2021, the band opted to cease touring but still make albums, and McMicken relocated to WNC—a decision that completely changed the way he worked.

Since arriving, he’s formed The Hypos with legendary Reigning Sound founder Greg Cartwright and launched a solo project, The Ever-Expanding, which features a host of rotating local musicians including Steve Okonski (Durand Jones & The Indications), Ross Montsinger (Hannah Kaminer, Fwuit), Kevin Williams (Tyler Ramsey, Hannah Kaminer), Jacob Rodriguez (Michael Bublé, Coconut Cake), and Dulci Ellenburger (Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Fwuit, Cowboy Judy). Surrounded by these voices, McMicken’s music becomes noticeably more improvisational and loose while maintaining his signature sound. “All through my years with Dr. Dog, you couldn’t find me happier than when I was alone with a bunch of weird [musical toys] and the ability to make a song,” he says. “While I’ve always worked collaboratively, it’s different when you’re one guy surrounded by new people and the opportunity for inspiration every day.”

With two Hypos albums and three Ever-Expanding records under his belt, not to mention a 2024 release with Dr. Dog, McMicken’s revamped process and fresh home base seem to be working well. “The end to all these means is simply a healthy creative outlet,” he says.

“A creative life in all its various angles is such an abundantly deep well. At times, that well can feel dried up, but…in fact, it’s deeper than you can possibly imagine. There are variables in every relationship, room, and instrument you pick up—if you’re engaging in a way of pure openness and not fixating on a specific outcome, if you’re willing to fail and unafraid to try something with a spirit of curiosity, the well really is limitless. That realization rewires how you think of yourself as a human being.”

Nearly every career musician became a professional because making music was fun. But the harsh reality is that making music for a living can eventually become a job just like any other. A lot of artists lose sight of the fun. Thanks to his array of projects, however, Scott McMicken seems to be in no danger of missing out on the joy of it all.