Scott Fair Announces Debut EP from New Project Set Dressing
Mandy, Indiana producer and guitarist Scott Fair has revealed the upcoming debut EP of his new side project, Set Dressing, titled I Can’t Be Alone Tonite. Set for release on April 11 through Fire Talk, the project has already generated buzz with the release of its latest single, “Date Line.” The single is accompanied by a uniquely styled music video created by Gretchen Krueger, known for its retro aesthetic featuring grainy 3D animations of toys and colorful items.
New Single and Video
Set Dressing has been gaining traction for its distinctive sound, with “Date Line” marking the second song shared from I Can’t Be Alone Tonite. The track follows the earlier release of “Class Valedictorian” last month. Fair noted the influences behind the “Date Line” music video, pointing to the sonic elements of 1990s toys and the artistic themes of liminal spaces, along with inspiration drawn from the experimental horror film Skinamarink.
In speaking about the visual elements, Fair stated, “Gretchen Krueger and I felt that there was a dark undercurrent to this track that was being masked by a sugary, day-glo coat of paint.” He further explained that the song and its imagery explore how bright plastic packaging can distract from more sinister or harmful intentions. This artistic duality speaks to the complexities within the music and imagery associated with Set Dressing.
Project Identity and Label Partnership
Set Dressing is described in promotional materials as an anonymous extension of Fair’s noise-rock band, with its identity represented solely by an avatar. The release under Fire Talk continues Fair’s collaboration with the label, which previously issued Mandy, Indiana’s debut album, I’ve Seen a Way, in 2023.
Upcoming Performances
In addition to the EP release, Set Dressing is preparing for live performances with two shows lined up in the UK. On April 12, the band will perform at P3 Annihilation Eve in Manchester, followed by an appearance at the Sounds From the Other City Festival in Salford on May 4. These shows will serve as a platform to showcase Set Dressing’s unique sound and visual identity to a wider audience.
Conclusion and Implications
The launch of Set Dressing and the debut EP I Can’t Be Alone Tonite represent an important development in Scott Fair’s career, showcasing his creative evolution beyond his work with Mandy, Indiana. The songs and visuals connected to this project resonate with themes relevant to contemporary listeners, emphasizing the intersection of familiar nostalgia with underlying darker narratives.
As Fair expands his artistic boundaries, Set Dressing’s approach may offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the music industry, particularly in how artists engage with multimedia to enhance their storytelling. The debut EP is anticipated to not only appeal to fans of Fair’s previous work but also attract new listeners intrigued by its innovative concept.
For those interested, the EP is available for pre-listening at Set Dressing’s official page.
