Scout Niblett

by Kurt Morris
Scout Niblett is Nottingham, England's answer to all the brash, intelligent, and honest female songwriters of America in the early 21st century. Continually compared to Cat Power and fellow countrywoman PJ Harvey, Niblett (real name: Emma Louise) can also stand on her own, with a strong, stark voice and a penchant for songs containing only drums and vocals. She is also known for having a fondness for wigs, as she is seen in many of her photos donning a blond wig. Her lyrics, however, display a more serious side, as they create their own place where love and its complimentary senses rule and take on their own lives. While often playing solo, Niblett also utilizes a revolving cast of bandmates from time to time.
Taking her stage name from Harper Lee's famed novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Niblett first emerged as a musician in 2001, having contributed to a split 7" with Songs: Ohia on the Indiana-based Secretly Canadian Records. Her first full-length, Sweet Heart Fever soon followed. Another 7" was released in 2002, and 2003 saw the release of both the I Conjure Series EP and I Am, the latter of which was recorded by the revered engineer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago. North American dates in spring 2005 with the Kills coincided the release of Kidnapped by Neptune, Niblett's debut for Beggars Banquet. Continuing her partnership with Albini, she returned in October 2007 with This Fool Can Die Now, which also featured four duets with Will Oldham (aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy).