Exclusive Interview with LIDO BEACH

Lido Beach is an American rock band led by singer Scott Waldman, who hails from Lido Beach, NY. Based in Los Angeles, the band is known for its catchy alternative rock songs and heartfelt lyrics. Scott Waldman, with his engaging stage presence and emotional vocals, infuses personal experiences into the band’s music, like nobody else. Lido Beach has built a loyal fan base and received praise for their energetic live shows and relatable music. Their discography includes a mix of introspective ballads and powerful rock anthems, highlighting their versatility and dedication to genuine musical expression. Check out the exclusive Interview below:

1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?

LIDO BEACH: I always loved musical theatre and that started my performance journey. I started writing songs and playing guitar in middle school and it was all different from there!

2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?

LIDO BEACH: I was formerly trained on the trombone, and I still managed to be horrible. My singing happened through hours and hours of The Beatles, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and musical theatre. Eventually I took guitar lessons, and said lessons were the tipping point for my entire career.

3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, what’s the story behind choosing the name ‘LIDO BEACH’?

LIDO BEACH: Musically? The Beatles, “Weird Al” Yankovic, The Who, Nirvana, Green Day, and Weezer to name a few. The band name is the literal town on Long Island that I grew up in. The adjacent town Long Beach got much more love so I wanted Lido to have a tad more.

4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?

LIDO BEACH: You tell me? People ALWAYS say that it sounds very 90s, which makes sense given the time I started playing guitar. The lyrics are equally important and I try to create meaningful and captivating art overall. I just want people to connect, even if they don’t know what the lyrics are really about.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as ROCK?

LIDO BEACH: My middle school holy trinity was Green Day, Nirvana, and Weezer, so the first solid of batch of songs that I wrote definitely echo those bands, and likely by design. I don’t write songs very often anymore but when I do, those influences can definitely be heard, but in an unintentional and natural manner. I hear Silverchair in the songs :)

6. Music often transcends entertainment. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

LIDO BEACH: I try not to tell people what my songs are about. If someone gets something positive out of a particular lyric that has nothing to do with what I specifically wrote about, then that’s what the song is about! Music an be any vehicle you described but for me, it’s an emotional vehicle.

7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment you’re still seeking?

LIDO BEACH: Yes and no. From a therapeutic and positive standpoint, absolutely. From a “career” career standpoint, sadly no. Being in a full-time touring act is not glamorous, even if you are on a cushy bus. This is NOT for everyone, and certainly not me at this point in my life.

8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?

LIDO BEACH: My songs are usually sparked by traumatic events.

I can’t count on one hand the amount of happy songs I’ve written. Usually, it doesn’t take more than a few hours (or less) to write every lyric and melody. Maybe that’s bad? Maybe that’s good? But it’s how I do it and some people like it.

9. What’s been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?

LIDO BEACH: Loss. Plain and simple. Familial. Romantic. Loss.

10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.

LIDO BEACH: For The City Drive, when we signed with Columbia Records. For Lido Beach, when we had “My Oh My” featured in The Super Bowl.

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

LIDO BEACH: I think it’s impossible to fully ignore negativity, but regarding my own personal art I recognize that everyone is entitled to their opinion even if their opinion is wrong ;)

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

LIDO BEACH: Until this new batch of songs from 2024 (and the two I wrote 20+ years ago), it was most certainly the live music element. However, now it is the home writing element and studio actualizing elements that I have enjoyed MUCH, much more. With this EP, it’s ALL me.

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

LIDO BEACH: Their own personal way for sure.