Scott Hutchison

Scott Hutchison (20 November 1981 – 10 May 2018) was a Scottish singer,
Scott Hutchison
songwriter, guitarist and artist. He was the founding member and primary songwriter
of the indie rock band Frightened Rabbit, with whom he recorded five studio
albums, and created the artwork for each release.[1]

Hutchison was also a member of the musical collective The Fruit Tree Foundation,
and released one solo album under the moniker Owl John. His last musical project
was the indie "supergroup" Mastersystem, featuring Frightened Rabbit bandmate and
brother Grant alongside members ofEditors and Minor Victories.[2]

Hutchison studied illustration at the Glasgow School of Art, before forming

Frightened Rabbit in 2003. Initially a solo project, Hutchison collaborated with his
brother Grant on the band's debut album, Sing the Greys (2006), and recorded the
band's critical breakthrough, The Midnight Organ Fight (2008), as a three-piece,
following the collapse of a romantic relationship.[3]

Following the album's release, the band's fanbase expanded significantly and a third
studio album, The Winter of Mixed Drinks, was released in 2010. Signing to Atlantic Hutchison performing with
Records, the band released its fourth studio album, Pedestrian Verse, in 2013. The Frightened Rabbit at SXSW in 2013
following year, Hutchison recorded a solo album as Owl John. In 2016, the band Background information
released its fifth studio album,Painting of a Panic Attack.[4] Born 20 November
1981
Hutchison disappeared on 9 May 2018, and his body was found the following day on
Selkirk, Scotland
the banks of the Firth of Forth.[5][6]
Died 10 May 2018
(aged 36)
South
Contents Queensferry,
Scotland
Biography
Childhood and early life Genres Indie rock, indie
Formation of Frightened Rabbit,Sing the Greys and The Midnight folk
Organ Fight (2003–2009)
Instruments Vocals, guitar
Owl John
Years active 2003–2018
Collaborations
The Fruit Tree Foundation Labels Atlantic Records,
The Birthday Suit Fat Cat Records
Mastersystem
Associated acts Frightened
Disappearance and death Rabbit, Owl John,
Discography The Fruit Tree
Frightened Rabbit Foundation,
Mastersystem
Mastersystem
Owl John
The Fruit Tree Foundation Website frightenedrabbit
Other appearances .com
References
Biography

Childhood and early life

Described by his mother as a shy child, Hutchison was raised in the Scottish Borders town of Selkirk, with his brother Grant. Moving
to the city of Glasgow, he studied illustration at the Glasgow School of Art: "I was there for four years and I didn't particularly want
to be an illustrator, so I wanted to apply the rules that I learnt to everything I do, in terms of working in a bank or writing music."[7]
While living in Glasgow, he worked in a specialistwhisky shop in the residential area ofHyndland, noting: "I began to appreciate and
admire the heritage of flavour in adram of single malt."[8]

Initially considering himself solely a guitarist, Hutchison began singing at the age of nineteen, stating: "Up to that point I was just a
guitar player. I didn't know I could sing, I had been told I couldn't."

His early songwriting influences included American artists, Ryan Adams, Wilco and Laura Cantrell, with Hutchison noting, "When I
started writing songs, my references were [these]Americana acts. [...] I could associate with those stories. And you can see American
folk's deep connections with Scottish folk."[1]

Formation of Frightened Rabbit,Sing the Greys and The Midnight Organ Fight (2003–
2009)
In 2003, Hutchison began performing under the name Frightened Rabbit, a name given to him by his mother to describe his once shy
nature,[9] and began recording and performing with his brother the following year. The duo recorded the band's debut album, Sing the
Greys, at The Diving Bell Lounge, with producer Marcus MacKay
, and released it independently on local label, Hits the Fan, in 2006;
the band signed soon after toFat Cat Records.[10]

Joined by guitarist Billy Kennedy, the band reissued the album on their new label and began work on its follow-up, The Midnight
Organ Fight (2008), with producer Peter Katis, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Influenced by the collapse of his relationship with his
high school and college girlfriend Shell Jubin who was a housemate on Big Brother 5, the deeply personal album was released to
.[11]
widespread critical acclaim and increased the band's exposure significantly

Owl John
Owl John was a solo musical project by Hutchison, formed in 2014. Regarding Owl John and his decision to release a solo record,
Hutchison noted, "It was approximately 10 years ago that I started a band called Frightened Rabbit. In that time I've dedicated so
[12]
much of my life to that good wee band with a stupid name, I felt it was time to indulge Owl John."

Hutchison recorded the project's sole album, Owl John (2014), alongside his Frightened Rabbit bandmate Andy Monaghan and the
band's touring guitarist Simon Liddell.[13]

In January 2014, whilst touring in support of Frightened Rabbit's fourth studio album, Pedestrian Verse (2013), Hutchison expressed
his desire to record solo material without the band, stating: "The process has to be different, otherwise I'm just going to make a
[14]
Frightened Rabbit-sounding record, which I really don't want to do."

The idea for a solo album stemmed from Frightened Rabbit's label, Atlantic Records: "It was actually the idea of the label to make it
rather than me. I thought we were going to get off tour and go straight back into writing another album, and the guy at the label knew
e'll pay for this record. Go away, make a record and indulge yourself.'"[15]
things weren't really quite right. He basically was like, 'W

The following month, work began on the album, on the Isle of Mull, with bandmate Andy Monaghan producing, alongside Simon
UK Albums Chart.[16]
Liddell. Released on 4 August 2014, the self-titled album debuted at number ninety-nine on the

Collaborations
The Fruit Tree Foundation
Hutchison wrote and recorded with The Fruit Tree Foundation, a collaborative project featuring Scottish indie rock and folk
musicians. The resulting album, First Edition, was released in 2011. Regarding the experience, Hutchison stated: "It was really
beautifully done. I thought it was such a great thing, and also personally, for me, that was my first taste of proper collaboration and it
really changed my outlook on songwriting. Before, I was kind of like, 'Yeah, I know how to write songs. I don't need anyone's help',
and then, of course, you learn so much. So it changed my whole outlook, and I would love to get involved in that kind of thing
again."[17]

The Birthday Suit

Hutchison performed a guitar solo on the track, "A Bigger World", by the indie rock band The Birthday Suit, and is featured in its
accompanying music video. The song was the first single to be released from the band's third studio album, A Hollow Hole of Riches
(2014).[18]

Mastersystem
Hutchison formed the "indie supergroup" in 2017 with his brother Grant, and the brothers, Justin and James Lockey from Editors and
Minor Victories respectively. The band released one album,Dance Music, in 2018.[19]

Disappearance and death

Hutchison was reported missing by Scottish police and the members of Frightened Rabbit on 9 May 2018.[20] Hutchison was last
seen at 1 a.m. 9 May leaving a hotel in South Queensferry.[21] Shortly before he was last seen, Hutchison made two tweets from his
Twitter account: "Be so good to everyone you love. It's not a given. I'm so annoyed that it’s not. I didn't live by that standard and it
. Thanks."[22]
kills me. Please, hug your loved ones", followed by "I'm away now

His brother and band-mate Grant, on the band's of

ficial Twitter account, urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact
Police Scotland[23] given his fragile state.[24]

On 10 May, the Chief Inspector of Police Scotland reported that they were searching the area around the Forth Road Bridge for
[25]
Hutchison, and were looking to contact two individuals who were spotted walking along the bridge the night he disappeared.

Police discovered a body at 8:30 p.m. in the Port Edgar region near South Queensferry,[26] and on 11 May confirmed it was that of
[26][3]
Hutchison; no immediate cause of death was disclosed.

Frightened Rabbit issued a statement following Hutchison's death, which read:

There are no words to describe the overwhelming sadness and pain that comes with the death of our beloved Scott,
but to know he is no longer suffering brings us some comfort. Reading messages of support and hope from those he
has helped through his art has helped immensely and we encourage you all to continue doing this. He will be missed
by all of us and his absence will always be felt but he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and colour that will forever be
remembered and shared.

— Frightened Rabbit, [26]

Several celebrities and musicians mourned Hutchison on social media on the day his body was discovered, including
Stuart Murdoch,
Jo Whiley, Gary Lightbody, Hayley Williams, Sarah Silverman and Jay Baruchel.[27][28] Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of
Scotland, responded to Hutchison's death on Twitter, writing "Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Scott’s family, friends and
fans. A remarkable and much loved talent."[27]

Discography
 [29]
Listed here are Hutchison's work with Frightened Rabbit, and other collaborations.

Frightened Rabbit
Sing the Greys (2006)
The Midnight Organ Fight(2008)
The Winter of Mixed Drinks (2010)
Pedestrian Verse (2013)
Painting of a Panic Attack(2016)

Mastersystem
Dance Music (2018)

Owl John
Owl John (2014)

The Fruit Tree Foundation

First Edition (2011)

Other appearances
"Fall Apart" – Withered Hand (2014)
"A Bigger World" – The Birthday Suit (2013)

References
1. Lewis, John (7 February 2013)."We were never cold enough to be art school" (http://metro.co.uk/2013/02/07/frighten
ed-rabbits-scott-hutchison-we-were-never-cold-or-germanic-enough-to-be-art-school-3383630) . Metro. Retrieved
21 October 2013.
2. "Meet Mastersystem - the "gnarly" new supergroup from Editors, Frightened Rabbit and Minorictories
V - NME" (htt
p://www.nme.com/news/music/mastersystem-editors-frightened-rabbit-supergroup-album-dance-music-tour-interview
-2247687). NME. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
3. Coscarelli, Joe (11 May 2018)."Scott Hutchison, Frightened Rabbit Singer
, Is Found Dead at 36" (https://www.nytim
es.com/2018/05/11/arts/music/scott-hutchison-frightened-rabbit-dead.html)
. The New York Times. Retrieved 12 May
2018.
4. "Frightened Rabbit announce new album and share track 'Death Dream ' " (http://www.nme.com/news/music/frighten
ed-rabbit-3-1199089). NME. 19 February 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
5. Quinn, Dave (11 May 2018)."Frightened Rabbit Singer Scott Hutchison Found Dead at 36"(http://people.com/musi
c/frightened-rabbit-singer-scott-hutchison-dead-age-36)
. People. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
6. Strauss, Matthew; Monroe, Jazz."Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison Dead at 36"(https://pitchfork.com/news/body-
found-in-search-for-frightened-rabbits-scott-hutchison)
. Pitchfork. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
7. Sharp, Craig (8 July 2007)."Interview: Scott Hutchison"(http://www.dirtyzine.co.uk/content/view/528/39/). Dirty Zine.
Retrieved 6 April 2011.
8. Hutchison, Scott (October 2012)."Guest column – Whisky and me by Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison"(https://w
ww.qthemusic.com/articles/column/guest-column-whisky-frightened-rabbits-scott-hutchison?rq=Hutchison)
.Q
Magazine. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
 9. Marchese, David (25 January 2010)."How They Became… Frightened Rabbit"(https://www.spin.com/2010/01/how-t
hey-became-frightened-rabbit). Spin. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
10. Devlin, Kieran. "Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison: a songwriter who found humanity in our flaws"
(https://www.the
guardian.com/music/2018/may/11/frightened-rabbit-scott-hutchison-songwriter-humanity) . The Guardian. Retrieved
11 May 2018.
11. "Frightened Rabbit wraps up its session with the momentous 'Head Rolls Off' " (https://music.avclub.com/frightened-r
abbit-wraps-up-its-session-with-the-momento-1825757288) . The A.V. Club. 4 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
12. "Owl John" (https://www.sputnikmusic.com/bands/Owl-John/59025/). Sputnik Music. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
13. Bermingham, Finbarr (1 August 2014)."Saving Grace: Owl John on the record that rescued Frightened Rabbit" (htt
p://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/interviews/saving-grace-owl-john-on-the-record-that-rescue
d-frightened-rabbit). The
Skinny. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
14. "Owl John – Self Titled Album" (https://hhhhappy.com/owl-john-self-titled-album/). Happy Media PTY. Limited.
Retrieved 13 May 2018.
15. Kaplan, Ilana (18 July 2014)."Exclusive Video Premiere and Interview: 'Hate Music', Owl John" (http://www.interview
magazine.com/music/exclusive-video-premiere-and-interview-hate-music-owl-john#_) . Interview Magazine.
Retrieved 18 September 2014.
16. "Official Albums Chart Top 100: 10–16 August 2014"(http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20140810/75
02). Official Charts. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
17. Smith, Kelly (7 October 2013)."Interview: Scott Hutchison from Frightened Rabbit"(http://www.list.co.uk/article/5538
0-interview-scott-hutchison-from-frightened-rabbit)
. The List. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
18. "The Birthday Suit announce single 'All Of This Everything
' " (http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/news/entry/the-birth
day-suit-announce-single-all-of-this-everything)
. A Badge of Friendship. 5 March 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
19. Trendell, Andrew (5 April 2018)."Mastersystem "Dance Music" review"(http://www.nme.com/reviews/album/masters
ystem-dance-music-review). NME. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
20. "Concern for missing indie band singer"(http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-44055054). BBC News. 9 May 2018.
Retrieved 11 May 2018.
21. Kreps, Daniel (9 May 2018)."Frightened Rabbit Singer Scott Hutchison Reported Missing"(https://www.rollingstone.
com/music/news/frightened-rabbit-singer-scott-hutchison-reported-missing-w520087)
. Rolling Stone. Retrieved
10 May 2018.
22. Kreps, Daniel. "Frightened Rabbit Singer Scott Hutchison Dead at 36"(https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/frig
htened-rabbit-singer-scott-hutchison-dead-at-36-w520181). Rolling Stone. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
23. Aswad, Jem (9 May 2018)."Frightened Rabbit Singer Scott Hutchison Reported Missing, Bandmates 'W orried' " (htt
p://variety.com/2018/music/news/frightened-rabbit-singer-scott-hutchison-reported-missing-bandmates-worried-1202
804421). Variety. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
24. "R.I.P. Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison"(https://www.kexp.org/read/2018/5/11/rip-frightened-rabbits-scott-hutchis
on). KEXP. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
25. Howarth, Angus. "Scott Hutchison: Police seek pair who may have seen singer near Forth Bridge"
(https://www.scots
man.com/news/scott-hutchison-police-seek-pair-who-may-have-seen-singer-near-forth-bridge-1-4737902) . The
Scotsman. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
26. "Body confirmed as missing Frightened Rabbit singer"(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-44079462). BBC
News. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
27. "Scott Hutchison: Nicola Sturgeon, Jo Whiley and Alex Kapranos lead tributes"
(https://www.scotsman.com/news/sco
tt-hutchison-nicola-sturgeon-jo-whiley-and-alex-kapranos-lead-tributes-1-4738341)
. The Scotsman. Retrieved
11 May 2018.
28. Carras, Christi (11 May 2018)."Hayley Williams, Snow Patrol, Sarah Silverman, More Pay rTibute to Frightened
Rabbit's Scott Hutchison"(http://variety.com/2018/music/news/sarah-silverman-hayley-williams-snow-scott-hutchison
-dies-1202807509/). Variety. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
29. "Scott Hutchison discography"(https://www.discogs.com/artist/1727707-Scott-Hutchison). Discogs. Retrieved
11 May 2018.

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