Scott Bennett

Scott Bennett is a United States singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. He performs and records with Brian Wilson’s band, playing keys, vibes, guitar and percussion, and is also associated with The Dotted Line. His work sits across pop and rock, with credits as a writer, player, singer and producer.

Work with Brian Wilson

Bennett is a touring and recording member of the Brian Wilson band. He appears on stage with the ensemble on keys, vibes, guitar and percussion, and is identified with the group alongside The Dotted Line. His playing and singing are part of the live and recorded support around Brian Wilson’s work.

Solo work and The Dotted Line

He releases solo material under his own name and as The Dotted Line. His second solo CD, The Dotted Line, draws on classic pop and rock structures while moving into more atmospheric and emotional territory. The release receives BBC airplay and leads to an interview with Jonathan Ross. Bennett is described as the creator of the project and as a Los Angeles-based singer, writer and multi-instrumentalist.

Session, writing and production credits

Bennett plays bass on The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips. He also sings and plays drums, bass, guitar and keyboards on Liz Phair’s whitechocolatespaceegg. Other credits include vocals for Greg Dulli’s Twilight Singers project, writing with Dulli, singing and playing guitar with Zach Broocke, and producing the debut by The Fictions.

He works extensively as a session singer, player, writer and producer for advertising campaigns, including McDonalds, Disney, Bud, Miller, Subway, 7-Up, Gatorade, P&G, Johnson & Johnson, Noxema, Kraft, Pontiac and Ford. He also scores television and film, including Karen Sisco for ABC, Zoey 101 and Drake and Josh for Nick Jr., four independent short films, and numerous songs placed in television programmes. One of those songs becomes JT and Colleen’s theme on The Young and the Restless.

Other collaborations and performances

Bennett writes with members of Filter and Smashing Pumpkins, and he has more than 300 songs to his name. He also works with former Afghan Whigs leader Greg Dulli, the Los Angeles pop band The Fictions, and Drake Bell from Drake and Josh. Earlier in his career, he plays guitar and keys in Rent in the 1990s.

He performs with artists including The Who, Sheryl Crow and Tom Waits at Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit. With the Brian Wilson band, he appears at the MusiCares salute to Paul Simon, the TNT tribute to Brian Wilson at Radio City Music Hall, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee at Buckingham Palace, and an Adopt A Landmine event with Paul McCartney. He also appears at Madison Square Garden with Sting, James Taylor, Don Henley, Roger Waters, John Mellencamp, Jeff Beck and Sheryl Crow.

Recognition

Bennett wins a Grammy for his work on the Smile album. He also wins a nationally televised battle of the bands hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. at the age of 18. The Chicago Tribune describes the debut by his earlier band The Falling Wallendas as “Breathtaking”.

Brian Wilson praises Bennett as “the most talented musician” he has met, and Paul McCartney calls the Brian Wilson band “the best band on the road”.