Scott Fair, known for his work with Mandy, Indiana, is stepping into new territory with his side project Set Dressing and their upcoming EP I Can’t Be Alone Tonite, set to release on April 11 through Fire Talk.
The track “Date Line” has been released alongside a vintage-styled music video by Gretchen Krueger, filled with fuzzy 3D images of toys and instruments. Previously, the song “Class Valedictorian” was shared as part of this project. Talking about the video for “Date Line,” Fair mentioned that they were inspired by toy sounds from the ’90s, liminal spaces, and the film Skinamarink. “[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,” said Fair. “The song and visual explore how bright plastic packaging can distract from more sinister or harmful intentions.”
Set Dressing is like an undercover version of Scott’s noise-rock band but only seen through an avatar. Sticking with Fire Talk keeps Scott connected to the label that also released Mandy, Indiana’s album I’ve Seen a Way earlier in 2023.
Fans sometimes wonder what inspires artists to create such unique soundscapes.
In upcoming months, Set Dressing will perform in Manchester at P3 Annihilation Eve on April 12 and then at Salford’s Sounds From the Other City Festival on May 4.
You might want to check out their interview titled “Mandy, Indiana Combat Our Dystopian Hellscape With Menacing Post-Punk.”
