Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott McClure.
Scott, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Scott McClure: Ocean and the Stars / Elevate The Sky
Originally from Bremen, Kentucky, now based in Los Angeles, Scott McClure is the creative force behind two musical worlds: the shimmering dream pop duo Ocean and the Stars, and the synth-soaked solo project Elevate The Sky.
With roots in alternative rock and an unshakable love for cinematic synthscapes, Scott blends heartfelt nostalgia with futuristic sound. He’s shared the stage at legendary venues like DNA Lounge (San Francisco), Catch One, El Cid, The Grand Star Jazz Club, and The Green Door (Los Angeles), and performed at the acclaimed synthwave event Outrun the Sun in 2018.
Elevate The Sky
Launched in 2015, Scott’s solo project Elevate The Sky is a radiant blend of synthwave, dreamwave, and synthpop. Influenced by the neon nostalgia of Tangerine Dream, Electric Youth, Vangelis, Daft Punk, and Fleetwood Mac, the music captures the magic of youth, wonder, and the stars above.
Fan-favorite tracks like Wild Hearts, These Walls (feat. Dana Jean Phoenix), We Are The Dreamers (feat. Michael Oakley), and Race Against Time have helped define Elevate The Sky’s signature sound: hopeful, cinematic, and endlessly uplifting.
Ocean and the Stars
Formed in 2023 alongside vocalist Kassi Gooch, Ocean and the Stars channels the dreamy melancholy of Slowdive, Electric Youth, and Chromatics, the lush textures of M83, and the surreal moods of Twin Peaks. Their music floats between heartbreak and wonder, inviting listeners into a cinematic world where love and longing drift on waves of reverb and analog warmth.
Key releases include Ocean Soul, Lonely Hearts & Daydreamers, Taylor Has 3 Cats, Wicked, and their latest single Lady In The Moon — a glowing nocturne of emotion and atmosphere.
Whether drifting through moonlit ballads or pulsing through synth-driven anthems, Scott McClure’s music is a journey—through memory, space, and emotion. Two worlds. One heart. Always dreaming.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My musical journey hasn’t always been easy.
I grew up in Bremen, Kentucky, a small town where being different could make you feel like an outsider. I faced racism growing up, and like many musicians starting out, I ran into the usual band struggles — members who didn’t show up for practice, or were too lost in addiction to take things seriously. It was frustrating. I knew how much I cared about the music, and I just wanted to build something real, something that meant something.
In 2008, I left home and moved to California. I didn’t have much, but I had drive. I took on whatever jobs I could to survive while trying to carve out a space for myself creatively. Balancing that grind with making music has always been tough — financially, mentally, emotionally. And honestly, it still is. But no matter how hard it gets, music, family, and friends have always pulled me forward.
There have been moments that reminded me I’m on the right path — like winning Best Guitarist at Club La Vela in Florida. I’ve recorded at amazing studios like Broccoli Rabe Studios in New Jersey and John Vanderslice’s Tiny Telephone in San Francisco. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with incredibly talented artists over the years, including U-Turn, Thunder and Lightning, Dana Jean Phoenix, M.K. Khan, Starfarer, Sound Engine, Blake Carpenter, Power Rob, Valley Lights, Chelsea Owen (of Oceanside 85), Star Madman, Slackmachine, and Michael Oakley. Every one of those connections has meant something to me — reminders that I’m not alone in this.
I’ve also gotten to work on some truly surreal projects — like creating music and being in an ad for Sublime Media Group (led by Jon Doss and Austin Albany), appearing on the In Search of Darkness documentary soundtrack (which includes the legendary John Carpenter), and even having songs featured in the film American Teen directed by Aaron Lee Lopez.
Now, I’m focused on building something even more meaningful with Kassi Gooch in our current band, Ocean and the Stars. It’s a project filled with heart, atmosphere, and the kind of sound that speaks to people who’ve felt loss, love, or longing. We’re gaining momentum, and it feels like everything I’ve been through — every high and low — has led to this moment.
At the end of the day, my story isn’t about overnight success. It’s about persistence, about believing in something bigger than the setbacks, and about finding hope in the middle of the noise. Music saved me. It’s how I process the world, and how I connect with others who might be fighting their own silent battles.
I’m still dreaming. Still creating. Still reaching for the stars.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a storyteller through sound. Whether I’m building lush synth-driven landscapes or crafting dreamy alt-pop ballads, my focus is always on creating a feeling — something cinematic, nostalgic, and emotionally resonant. I write, perform, and produce music that’s meant to transport people, whether they’re driving at night with the windows down or just getting lost in their headphones.
I specialize in blending organic elements like guitar and vocals with electronic textures — pulling from genres like synthwave, dream pop, and indie rock. I’m known for creating music that feels both retro and forward-thinking, something that connects emotionally but also has a polished, atmospheric edge.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the way I’ve evolved as both an artist and a human being. When I look back, I can see how much I’ve grown — not just in terms of production or songwriting, but in how I approach collaboration, how I support other artists, and how I stay true to what I believe in musically.
I’m also proud of the way I’ve been able to connect with listeners around the world. Getting messages from people who say a song helped them through a rough patch or inspired them in some way — that’s everything. It reminds me that this isn’t just about me; it’s about creating something that resonates and reaches others.
What sets you apart from others?
I think one thing that sets me apart is my ability to fuse genres and moods in a way that feels seamless — from synth-heavy anthems to hazy, dream pop textures, there’s a signature vibe that runs through it all. I treat each song like a little movie — every sound and lyric has a purpose in telling the story.
Also, I’m not just chasing trends. I care more about creating timeless music than what’s hot right now. My influences run deep — from classic rock to ‘80s synth scores to modern indie — and I think that depth brings a certain richness and honesty to the work.
On top of that, I’m hands-on in every part of the process: writing, recording, producing, performing. This isn’t just a project — it’s a reflection of who I am and the world I’m trying to build through sound.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
On my journey, I’ve taken more than a few leaps of faith.
I left home and moved across states and even countries — from Richmond, Virginia to Nova Scotia, Canada, and eventually to California — all in pursuit of my dream. At one point, I took a huge risk and cashed out my 401(k) to invest in building my own recording studio and music venture That venture didn’t turn out the way I hoped, and financially, it set me back quite a bit. But even though it was a tough lesson, it taught me so much about resilience, commitment, and the cost of chasing something bigger than comfort.
I’m finally recovering from that chapter, and I don’t regret the risk — because it brought me to where I am now.
Today, I’m running two thriving creative ventures: Elevate The Sky and Ocean and the Stars. Both projects are steadily growing, gaining momentum, and connecting with people around the world. In many ways, they’ve become my full-time passion — my “businesses” not just in name, but in energy, love, and dedication.
Every step, every risk, and every setback has shaped the artist I’ve become. And I’m just getting started.
Pricing:
- Vocal Tracking $75 per track
- Guitar Tracking $50 per track
- Synthesizer Tracking $50 per track
- Basic Guitar lessons $50 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/oceanandthestars and https://linktr.ee/elevatethesky
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanandthestarsband/ and https://www.instagram.com/elevatethesky/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceanandthestars/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oceanandthestars and https://www.youtube.com/@ELEVATETHESKY
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ocean-the-stars
- Other: https://linktr.ee/oceanandthestars
Image Credits
Ocean and the Stars Photos by Scott McClure
Elevate The Sky Photos by Brad A. Kinnan
