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Scott Helman
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Scott Helman
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Key Information

Scott Helman (born October 1, 1995) is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Toronto. He released his debut EP Augusta in 2014,[1] followed by Spotify Sessions in 2016 and Hang Ups in 2018. His album Hôtel de Ville was released in 2017 by Warner Music Canada.

Early life

[edit]

Born and raised in Toronto, Helman graduated in 2013 from Earl Haig Secondary School.[2] He says his parents were very supportive of his music career.[3][4] He got a guitar for his 10th birthday, and stated that by the time he was 14 he wanted to be a professional musician. At 15 years old, he signed a development deal with Warner Music Canada,[5] where he began writing sessions with writers such as Simon Wilcox and Thomas "Tawgs" Salter.

Career

[edit]

In 2014, Helman announced the release of the track "Bungalow" as the first single from his debut EP Augusta. He later toured with Tegan and Sara, Shawn Mendes, Walk Off the Earth, and Vance Joy.

Since the May 2017 release of his full-length album Hôtel De Ville, Helman has toured and released the singles “Kinda Complicated,” “Ripple Effect,” and the gold-certified "PDA".

In February 2018, as part of CBC Music's Junos 365 Sessions, Helman performed the Tragically Hip's song "Bobcaygeon" as a tribute to Gord Downie.

In mid-2018, Helman was invited to open for Vance Joy's five Canadian tour dates and his European tour. In advance of the European tour, Helman released "Hang Ups," followed by a remix featuring Spanish singer Blas Cantó.

In 2019, Helman toured the United States, opening for Dean Lewis.

In 2020, Helman released his album NonSuch Park with new songs to spark this career. He also talks about his grandfather's inspiration on his album.[6]

In 2021, Helman was a panelist for Canada Reads, an annual "battle of the books" competition, defending Two Trees Make a Forest by Jessica J Lee in a series of debates that took place on CBC radio.[7]

In 2024, Helman formed his own independent label, Fo Fum Records, and released the EP Augusta 10, a tenth anniversary celebration release of his 2014 EP. The single "Somewhere Sweet", a long-time fan favourite in concert, featured a music video directed by Ben Knechtel.[8]

Tours

[edit]
  • U.S Tour - Supporting Walk Off The Earth - 2015
  • European Tour - Supporting Walk Off The Earth - 2015
  • Canadian Tour - Supporting Matthew Good - 2015
  • Canadian Tour - Scott Vs. Ria - 2017
  • Canadian & European Tour - Vance Joy
  • Canadian Tour - The Hang Ups - 2019
  • North American Tour - Supporting Dean Lewis - 2019
  • Canadian Tour - CP Train - 2019
  • Back Together Tour - Canada 2023
  • Augusta 10 Tour - Canada 2024

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominee/work Result Ref
2016 Juno Awards Breakthrough Artist of the Year Scott Helman Nominated [9]
Pop Album of the Year Augusta Nominated
2018 Songwriter of the Year "21 Days", "It's Kinda Complicated", "PDA" Nominated [10]
Pop Album of the Year Hôtel de Ville Nominated
2019 Video of the Year "Hang Ups" Nominated [11]
2020 Single of the Year "Hang Ups" Nominated [12]
2021 Video of the Year "Wait No More" Nominated [13]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
CAN
[14]
Hôtel de Ville 45
Nonsuch Park (SA)[15]
  • Released: 4 September 2020
  • Label: Warner Music Canada
  • Formats: digital download
 —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

EPs

[edit]
List of EPs
Title EP details
Songs for Friends EP[16]
  • Released: 24 June 2014
  • Label: Warner Music Canada
  • Formats: digital download
Augusta
  • Released: 14 October 2014
  • Label: Warner Music Canada
  • Formats: EP, CD, digital download
Spotify Sessions[17]
  • Released: 6 May 2016
  • Label: Warner Music Canada
  • Formats: streaming
Hang Ups
  • Released: 19 October 2018
  • Label: Warner Music Canada
  • Formats: digital download
Augusta 10
  • Released 14 October 2024
  • Label: Fo Fum Records
  • Formats: digital download

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album / EP
CAN
[18] 		CAN
All-Format
[19] 		CAN
AC
[20] 		CAN
CHR/ Top 40
[21] 		CAN
Hot AC
[22] 		CAN
Rock
[23] 		BE
(FL)
Tip
[24]
"Bungalow" 2014 31 14 10 21 11 27 — Augusta
"Machine" 2015 — — 36 — 37 — —
"That Sweater" — — — 45 38 — —
"21 Days" 2017 — — — — — — — Hôtel de Ville
"Kinda Complicated" 85 10 7 19 5 — —
"PDA" 83 11 8 17 6 — 4
"Ripple Effect" 2018 — — 32 — 33 — 44
"Hang Ups" 51 9 2 18 5 — — Hang Ups
"Everything Sucks"[26] 2019 — 28 — 26 14 — — Nonsuch Park (SA)
"Evergreen"[27] — — — — — — —
"Wait No More"[28] 2020 76 17 7 23 8 — —
"Papa" — — — — — — —
"Lois" — — — — — — —
"Coming Home (For Christmas)" — — — — — — — Non-album single
"Good Problems" 2021 — — — — — — — Nonsuch Park (SA)
"Old Friends"[29] — — — — — — — Non-album singles
"Pretty" — — — 37 — — —
"Where the Sidewalk Ends"
(with Gnash) 		2022 — — — — — — —
"Drive" 2023 — — — — — — —
"Back Together" — — — — — — —
"Every Time (Drive By)" — — 18 — 38 — —
"Chuck Taylors" — — — — — — —
"Collarbone" — — — — — — —
"Somewhere Sweet" 2024 — — — — — — — Augusta 10
"Machine" (2024 version) — — — — — — —
"Machine" (with Wild Rivers) — — — — — — — Non-album singles
"Something About Julien" 2025 — — — — — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Other appearances

[edit]
List of other appearances, showing year released and album
Song Year Album
"Jockey Full of Bourbon"[30] 2015 Sounds of the 80s
"Hand in My Pocket"[31] 2017 Covered in Gold: 5.0, Side A
"Happy Hanukkah"[32]
(Walk Off the Earth featuring Scott Helman) 		2018 Subscribe to the Holidays
"Lean on Me"[33]
(as part of ArtistsCAN) 		2020 Non-album single
"Lovesong"[34]
(with Jann Arden) 		Hits and Other Gems

'The Hotel Sessions' Youtube Series

[edit]
List of Episodes
Episode Title Video Details
Scott Helman - The Hotel Sessions Episode 1: Feel It Still[35]
  • Released: 3 July 2018
Scott Helman - The Hotel Sessions Episode 2: Go Your Own Way (Feat. Deanna Petcoff)[36]
  • Released: 1 August 2018
Scott Helman x Alessia Cara - The Hotel Sessions Ep 4: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Whitney Houston)[37]
  • Released: 30 January 2019
Scott Helman x Jann Arden - The Hotel Sessions Ep 5: Lovesong (The Cure)[38]
  • Released: 3 April 2019
Scott Helman x Johnny Orlando - The Hotel Sessions Ep 6: Bury A Friend (Billie Eilish)[39]
  • Released: 1 May 2019
Scott Helman x Hunter Hayes - The Hotel Sessions Ep 7 : It’s Not Living (The 1975)[40]
  • Released: 13 September 2019
Scott Helman x Ria Mae - The Hotel Sessions Ep 8: 3 Nights (Dominic Fike)[41]
  • Released: 27 January 2020
Scott Helman x Valley The Hotel Sessions Ep 9: Golf On TV (Lennon Stella f/JP Saxe)[42]
  • Released: 9 April 2020
Scott Helman x The Reklaws The Hotel Sessions Ep 10: Mood (24kGoldn f/Iann Dior)[43]
  • Released: 21 January 2021

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Scott Helman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Scott Helman (born October 1, 1995) is a Canadian from , , recognized for his lyric-driven that delves into personal themes such as love, grief, , and social activism. He began pursuing music seriously after receiving a guitar at age ten, attended art school during his teens, and signed with Warner Music Canada at 15. Helman's career breakthrough came with his 2014 debut EP Augusta, which featured the single ""—a Top 40 hit on Billboard's that achieved platinum certification in . His 2017 full-length debut album, Hôtel de Ville (named after a street where he lived), produced two gold-certified singles, including "PDA," earning him 2018 JUNO Award nominations for Pop Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Follow-up releases include the 2018 EP Hang Ups, nominated for Single of the Year at the 2020 JUNOs, and the 2020 album , inspired by the loss of his grandfather. In 2019, he released the single "EVERGREEN" to spotlight the climate crisis, launching the associated #EvergreenProject for environmental awareness. Throughout his career, Helman has toured worldwide, collaborating with artists like and performing at events such as the MuchMusic Video Awards. His influences include songwriters like and , and he draws from personal experiences, including a long-term relationship and his ADHD diagnosis, to craft direct, storytelling-focused songs. As of 2025, he continues to release music independently through his label Fo Fum Records, including the EP Augusta 10 (2024) and the single "Something About Julien" (2025), and maintains a strong presence on platforms like with over 250,000 monthly listeners.

Biography

Early life

Scott Helman was born on October 1, 1995, in , , . He grew up in the Lawrence Park neighborhood, an upper-middle-class area of the city. His parents provided a supportive environment during his childhood, recognizing his unconventional interests early on; they encouraged him to attend school subjects like math but were ultimately pleased that he discovered a deep passion for . From a young age, Helman was exposed to a rich array of music through family listening, drawing inspiration from classic artists such as —particularly their album The Dark Side of the Moon, which he aspired to emulate—along with , , , , and . This early immersion in timeless recordings fueled his fascination with songwriting and performance. He briefly explored other childhood activities, including and soccer, but quickly abandoned them in favor of music. At the age of ten, Helman received his first guitar as a gift, which he played obsessively after school until bedtime, honing his skills without formal training. By around age twelve, he began composing his own songs, laying the foundation for his creative development in Toronto's vibrant cultural scene.

Education and early influences

Helman attended in , a public institution renowned for its specialized arts programs, where he focused on visual arts while nurturing his emerging interest in music. He graduated from the school in 2013, having balanced academic studies with extracurricular performances that showcased his songwriting talents. At the age of 15, Helman signed a development deal with Warner Music Canada, which provided him with professional resources to refine his craft as a nascent songwriter. This agreement marked his entry into the music industry, allowing him to participate in structured writing sessions that honed his skills without immediate pressure for commercial releases. His family's encouragement, rooted in their support for creative pursuits, played a key role in facilitating this early professional step. Under the development deal, Helman began collaborating with established songwriters, including , known for her work with artists like , and producer Thomas "Tawgs" Salter, a frequent collaborator in Canadian pop and indie scenes. These partnerships introduced him to collaborative songcraft techniques, emphasizing melody and lyrical introspection, which became hallmarks of his style. During his teenage years, Helman's musical influences drew from a blend of classic folk-rock icons such as , , , and , alongside contemporary indie and pop artists like , , and . This eclectic mix informed his development of an indie-pop sensibility, characterized by heartfelt storytelling and acoustic-driven arrangements that bridged generational sounds.

Personal life

Scott Helman has been in a long-term relationship with his wife Katya Cybulsky since 2010, when they met at age 15 during high school in . The couple, who have described themselves as best friends and life companions, got engaged around 2023 and married in 2025; their enduring partnership has subtly influenced themes of love and commitment in Helman's songwriting. Helman resides in , , where he was born and raised, and has maintained the city as his base amid career travels, including writing trips and tours. Beyond music, Helman engages in various hobbies that reflect his creative and active lifestyle, including , , , , , and tattooing, as evidenced by the diverse items in his home garage. He has also been involved in , particularly environmental causes, creating initiatives like the Manuscript—a collaborative artwork and petition delivered to politicians to advocate for —and releasing the 2019 song "" to address the climate crisis through fan-submitted testimonies. A significant personal challenge for Helman came in 2019 when his grandfather, Alan, passed away while he was on tour in the United States; this grief profoundly shaped his emotional landscape and led to the creation of the tribute song "Papa" on his 2020 album Nonsuch Park, which draws inspiration from his grandfather's life and legacy. Helman was diagnosed with (ADHD) in his youth, which he has said shapes his hyper-fixations and creative process. Post-2020, Helman has publicly discussed as a key personal concern, emphasizing its importance in his life and among his circle of friends, while framing it within broader themes of self-discovery and resilience in interviews. In 2025, Helman released the single "Something About Julien," in which he explored his queer identity and attraction to men, sharing his coming-out experience with his wife.

Career

Breakthrough and debut releases (2014–2016)

Scott Helman's entry into the professional music scene began with the release of his debut (EP), Augusta, on October 14, 2014, through Warner Music Canada. The seven-track EP, produced by Thomas "Tawgs" Salter, showcased Helman's melodic pop style influenced by his roots and featured songwriting contributions from Salter, Ron Lopata, , and Michael Wise. The tracklist included "Bungalow," "That Sweater," "Machine," "Tikka," "The Lion," "," and "21 Days," blending introspective lyrics with acoustic-driven arrangements that highlighted Helman's and storytelling ability. The lead single, "Bungalow," released earlier in 2014, served as the EP's breakout moment, capturing attention with its nostalgic, summer-infused vibe inspired by a fleeting encounter. Promotion for the single included an official directed by Connor McDonald, released on November 13, 2014, which depicted Helman in intimate, dimly lit settings to emphasize the song's themes of transient romance. The track's radio play on Canadian stations and streaming traction helped establish Helman as an emerging pop artist, building anticipation for Augusta and marking his transition from self-released demos to major-label support. In 2016, Helman followed up with the Spotify Sessions EP, a six-track collection of intimate, acoustic renditions recorded exclusively for the streaming platform. Featuring stripped-down versions of songs from Augusta such as "Bungalow," "Cry Cry Cry," "Machine," "Tikka," "The Lion," and "That Sweater," the EP emphasized Helman's raw vocal delivery and guitar work, offering fans a closer look at his songcraft in a live-session format. This release amplified his growing online presence and contributed to early media buzz. Helman's rising profile during this period was further boosted by his win in Spotify Canada's inaugural Emerge program in 2015, where he outperformed 11 other emerging artists to secure the top spot, gaining increased playlist exposure and industry validation. This accolade, combined with features on platforms like and early critical praise for his authentic pop sensibility, solidified his breakthrough as a promising Canadian talent.

Hôtel de Ville era (2017–2019)

Building on the foundation laid by his debut EPs Augusta (2014) and Spotify Sessions (2016), Scott Helman released his first full-length studio album, Hôtel de Ville, on May 12, 2017, via Warner Music Canada. Named after the street where Helman lived during its creation, the 12-track record explored themes of young adulthood, relationships, and self-discovery through a mix of and alternative influences. It debuted and peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. The album's promotion centered on key singles that highlighted Helman's melodic songwriting and emotional depth. "Kinda Complicated," the released in March 2017, captured the uncertainties of modern romance with its upbeat tempo and introspective lyrics. This was followed by "PDA" in September 2017, a nostalgic track about public displays of affection that achieved in for exceeding 80,000 units. "Ripple Effect," issued in May 2018, delved into the lingering impacts of past relationships, further solidifying Helman's reputation for relatable storytelling. In February 2018, amid growing acclaim for Hôtel de Ville, Helman honored the late of with a poignant cover of their 1999 hit "Bobcaygeon" for CBC Music's Juno 365 Sessions, reflecting his deep roots in Canadian music heritage. Helman extended this creative period with the release of the Hang Ups EP on October 19, 2018, under Warner Music Canada, featuring three tracks including the titular single "Hang Ups," "Dostoevsky," and "Lifeguard." Produced by Thomas "Tawgs" Salter, the EP marked a transitional phase, blending raw vulnerability with polished production as Helman navigated personal growth and artistic evolution.

Nonsuch Park and independent phase (2020–present)

In September 2020, Helman released his second studio album, Nonsuch Park (sa), through Warner Music Canada. The album, named after a park near his late grandfather Alan's home in Sutton, , where they shared walks and conversations, explores themes of loss and reflection. Personal grief from his grandfather's passing influenced its introspective tone, marking a maturation in Helman's songwriting. Leading singles included "Wait No More," which encouraged living in the present amid uncertainty. In 2021, Helman participated as a panelist on CBC's , defending Jessica J. Lee's Two Trees Make a Forest: Travels Among Taiwan's Forests and Family Trees. He praised the book for intertwining personal heritage with environmental narratives, emphasizing its relevance to themes of identity and connection in his own work. The title was eliminated in the second round of debates. Transitioning to independence, Helman founded his own label, Fo Fum Records, in September 2024 to gain greater creative control. The label's debut release was the EP Augusta 10 on October 14, 2024, which he self-produced and described as a return to raw, narrative-driven pop. Tracks like "" highlighted his evolving production style, blending electronic elements with personal storytelling. On November 5, 2025, Helman issued the single "Something About Julien" via Fo Fum Records, exploring themes of fluid attraction and vulnerability. The release included an official audio video and presave promotions, positioning it as a continuation of his introspective phase with undertones.

Live performances

Supporting tours

Scott Helman's early career featured several high-profile supporting roles that provided crucial exposure to larger audiences and facilitated his transition from local performer to national act. These opportunities allowed him to showcase material from his debut EP Augusta (2014) alongside established artists, honing his stage presence while reaching fans of diverse genres. In 2015, Helman made his international breakthrough by opening for on a month-long U.S. tour, marking his debut performances south of the border. The run included stops at venues like in and in , where his acoustic sets, often featuring looping techniques reminiscent of , impressed audiences with tracks like "." Later that year, he extended this exposure to , supporting the same band on dates across the , including shows at Rock City in and other cities, further broadening his reach beyond . Helman continued building momentum through Canadian tours, opening for fellow Torontonian at the homecoming show in on his #ShawnsFirstHeadlines tour in 2015–2016 that highlighted emerging pop talent. In late 2015, he joined Matthew Good's Chaotic Neutral Tour across , performing as the special guest on all dates from November to December, where his energetic sets complemented Good's rock-oriented performances in cities like and Campbell River. These slots emphasized Helman's versatility in pop and indie scenes, promoting his growing catalog to mature Canadian audiences. In 2018, Helman opened for Australian artist on cross-Canada dates that extended to the U.S., solidifying his reputation for dynamic live support. Pre-2020, he also filled opening slots for other Canadian acts like on subsequent runs and festival appearances, contributing to his network within the domestic music community. These experiences collectively amplified his visibility, paving the way for independent headlining endeavors.

Headlining tours and residencies

Helman's first major headlining tour, the Hôtel de Ville Tour, launched in May 2017 to promote his debut studio album of the same name, spanning multiple cities across including stops in , Hamilton, and . The tour kicked off at the CBC Music Festival in and ran throughout , emphasizing intimate performances of album tracks such as "PDA," "Kinda Complicated," and "," with setlists blending upbeat pop anthems and reflective ballads to capture the album's themes of young adulthood and relationships. In 2019, Helman embarked on the Hang Ups Tour, his first extensive headlining run through Canada, announced in December 2018 with dates from March to April across provinces like Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia. Setlists centered on his 2018 EP Hang Ups alongside staples from Hôtel de Ville, including "Hang Ups," "Everything Sucks," and "House Key," often performed acoustically to foster closer audience connections in mid-sized venues. The tour extended into the U.S. with additional headline dates amid his support slots, such as shows in Dallas and San Diego, marking his growing international presence. Following the , Helman's live performances adapted to emphasize stripped-down, acoustic formats and smaller venues for safer, more engaging experiences, as seen in his 2023 Back Together Tour across . This 11-date run, starting in November 2023, featured reimagined arrangements of hits like "" and "PDA" with guest appearances, such as Sofia Camara, and focused on themes of reconnection after isolation, drawing enthusiastic crowds in cities like and despite initial rescheduling due to illness. The 2024 Augusta 10 Tour celebrated the 10th anniversary of Helman's breakthrough 2014 EP Augusta, presented in an all-acoustic format to highlight its raw, formative tracks like "Bungalow" and "Tikka." Announced in October 2024 under his independent label Fo Fum Records, the tour ran through December across , including Vancouver's The Pearl and London's Rum Runners, with special guest Lia Pappas-Kemps joining for collaborative performances that evoked nostalgia and personal growth. Setlists prioritized intimate storytelling, adapting pandemic-era lessons in audience proximity while incorporating new material from the anniversary EP Augusta 10. As of November 2025, no major headlining tours or residencies have been announced in connection with Helman's recent single "Something About Julien," released on November 5, 2025, though isolated performances continue in select Canadian markets.

Recognition

Juno Awards nominations

Scott Helman has earned multiple nominations at the , Canada's premier music honors, recognizing his contributions to and songwriting. These nominations highlight his breakthrough with early releases and subsequent artistic growth, spanning categories like artist recognition, album quality, songwriting prowess, and visual storytelling. The following table summarizes Helman's Juno Award nominations:
YearCategoryNominated WorkNotes
2016Breakthrough Scott HelmanFor his emerging presence in Canadian pop.
2016Pop Album of the YearAugustaHis debut EP establishing a distinctive indie-pop sound.
2018Songwriter of the YearScott Helman (for "," "It's Kinda Complicated," and "PDA")Acknowledging his lyrical depth on themes of relationships.
2018Pop Album of the YearHôtel de VillePraised for its polished production and emotional resonance.
2019Video of the Year"Hang Ups" (directed by Ben Knechtel)Noted for its innovative rotating-room concept.
2020Single of the Year"Hang Ups"Recognizing its chart success and broad appeal.
2021Video of the Year"Wait No More" (directed by Ben Knechtel)Highlighting its intimate, narrative-driven visuals.
These nominations underscore Helman's consistent impact in pop, with a focus on his ability to blend heartfelt songwriting with engaging visuals from his Hôtel de Ville era and beyond.

Other accolades and media appearances

In 2018, Helman's single "PDA" from the album Hôtel de Ville was certified Gold by , recognizing its commercial success with over 40,000 units sold in the country. Earlier in his career, Helman won Canada's Emerge program in 2015, becoming the inaugural recipient after outperforming 11 other emerging Canadian artists in a competitive selection process designed to spotlight rising talent. Beyond music certifications, Helman expanded his public profile in literary circles as a panelist on Canada Reads in 2021, where he advocated for Jessica J. Lee's memoir Two Trees Make a Forest during the annual "battle of the books" competition. In September 2024, Helman garnered media attention for launching his independent label, Fo Fum Records, which coincided with the announcement of his album Augusta 10—a reimagined version of his debut EP marking its 10-year anniversary—and the release of its "Somewhere Sweet," highlighting his transition to artistic autonomy. In 2025, Helman co-wrote "I Grew Up On A Farm" (performed by ), earning a SOCAN Award for the song with the greatest number of radio and on-demand audio stream performances in the country genre in 2024.

Discography

Studio albums

Scott Helman's debut studio album, Hôtel de Ville, was released on May 12, 2017, by Warner Music Canada. The album explores themes of young adulthood, including love, relationships, and personal growth, drawing inspiration from Helman's experiences living on Hôtel de Ville street in . It peaked at number 45 on the Canadian Albums chart. The tracklist for Hôtel de Ville is as follows:
No.TitleLength
1Intro1:46
2Kites3:11
3Kinda Complicated3:01
4Sweet Tooth3:21
53:35
63:22
7PDA3:33
83:01
93:28
103:24
11Hôtel de Ville3:46
12Bendy3:13
Total length: 37:58. Helman's second studio album, , was released independently on September 4, 2020, amid the , which influenced its intimate production and themes of personal reflection. The album was inspired by the life and passing of Helman's grandfather, incorporating elements of loss, growth, and environmental concerns. The tracklist for (sa) is as follows:
No.TitleLength
1(nonsuchpark)0:50
2Wait No More2:45
32:55
4Good Problems3:12
52:48
6(california)0:52
7Afraid of America2:49
8Papa3:06
9Tumbleweed2:24
10Everything We Missed2:52
11(nonsuchpark reprise)0:49
Total length: 25:56.

Extended plays

Scott Helman's extended plays mark key milestones in his career, serving as platforms for experimentation with melodic pop structures, acoustic arrangements, and thematic explorations of youth, relationships, and personal growth. His debut EP, Augusta, released on , 2014, features seven tracks that establish his signature melodic pop style, blending acoustic guitar-driven melodies with introspective lyrics. The EP, produced independently, captures Helman's early songwriting influences from his time in , where he penned much of the material while inspired by the local street of the same name. Tracks like "Bungalow" and "That Sweater" highlight a sweet, nostalgic vibe that propelled his initial rise in the Canadian indie scene. In 2016, Helman issued Spotify Sessions, a six-track EP recorded live at Spotify Studios, incorporating acoustic versions of his originals alongside covers to offer fans intimate reinterpretations. Released on May 6, 2016, the collection includes stripped-down renditions of songs such as "," "," and "Tikka" from his prior work, paired with covers like Conor Oberst's "," emphasizing Helman's versatility in blending his pop sensibilities with folk influences. This EP served as a bridge between his debut and full-length album, showcasing live performance energy without the polish of studio production. Hang Ups, released on October 19, 2018, comprises three tracks that extend the emotional and relational themes from his 2017 album Hôtel de Ville, delving into vulnerability and modern romance with a raw, confessional edge. Produced by Thomas "Tawgs" Salter, the EP includes the title track "Hang Ups," "Dostoevsky," and "Lifeguard," which build on the album's narrative of personal hang-ups and self-reflection through upbeat yet poignant pop arrangements. Though shorter in length, it functions as an experimental companion piece, testing new song structures ahead of future releases. Marking a reflective return to his origins, Augusta 10 arrived on October 14, 2024—exactly ten years after the original—as a reissue EP with seven re-recorded tracks, incorporating fresh arrangements and subtle new elements to honor his evolution as an artist. Limited to 200 vinyl copies for Record Store Day Black Friday in Canada, the EP revisits staples like "Bungalow (Augusta 10 Version)" and "That Sweater," blending updated production with nostalgic fidelity to provide context for his ongoing independent phase. This release ties briefly to his broader discography by recontextualizing early work amid later thematic developments in albums like Nonsuch Park.

Singles

Scott Helman's singles career began with the release of his debut track in 2014, marking his entry into the Canadian music scene with a focus on infused with nostalgic elements. His early singles, such as "," established his sound and achieved significant commercial success, including platinum certification in . Subsequent releases like "PDA" and "Hang Ups" built on this momentum, earning gold certifications and strong radio , while later tracks like "Wait No More" and "Somewhere Sweet" reflected his evolution toward more introspective themes during his independent phase. The following table lists Helman's key standalone singles, including release years, associated projects (where applicable), peak chart positions on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 (where available), and certifications from Music Canada.
TitleYearAlbum/EP PromotedPeak Position (Billboard Canadian Hot 100)Certification (Music Canada)
Bungalow2014Augusta (EP)31Platinum
Kinda Complicated2017Hôtel de Ville (album)—Gold
PDA2017Hôtel de Ville (album)—Gold
Ripple Effect2018Hôtel de Ville (album)—Gold
Hang Ups2018Hang Ups (EP)—Gold
Wait No More2020Nonsuch Park (sa) (album)—Gold
Somewhere Sweet2024Augusta 10 (EP)——
Something About Julien2025Standalone (forthcoming album single)——
"Bungalow" debuted as Helman's breakout hit, spending 22 weeks on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and reaching platinum status by 2016 for exceeding 80,000 units in Canada. "PDA," released to promote his debut album, garnered over 50,000 radio spins via BDS monitoring and achieved gold certification in 2018 for 40,000 units. Similarly, "Ripple Effect" and "Hang Ups" both received gold certifications, with "Hang Ups" topping CBC Music's charts in 2018 and ranking #26 on CBC's Top 100 Canadian Songs of the year. In 2020, "Wait No More" marked a shift toward themes of patience and connection amid the , earning gold certification for strong streaming performance exceeding 6.2 million plays in alone. "Somewhere Sweet," the from his 2024 EP Augusta 10 under his independent label Fo Fum Records, explores longing and nostalgia without yet achieving formal certification as of late 2025. Most recently, "Something About Julien," released on November 5, 2025, as a standalone single previewing his forthcoming 2026 , originated from a viral bar snippet that amassed over 2 million views online, generating early buzz for its candid exploration of attraction and vulnerability.

Guest appearances and covers

In 2015, Scott Helman contributed a cover of ' "" to the Sounds of the 80s, a collection of unique covers of released by Warner Music Canada. The track, featuring Helman's acoustic interpretation, was accompanied by a self-directed that highlighted his early DIY approach to music production. Helman revisited classic Canadian rock in 2017 with his rendition of Alanis Morissette's "" for the tribute-style compilation Covered in Gold: 5.0, Side A, which showcased emerging artists covering iconic Canadian songs. This version emphasized a pop-infused arrangement, aligning with Helman's style while honoring Morissette's 1995 original from . Helman made a guest vocal appearance on Walk off the Earth's 2018 cover of Matisyahu's "," included on the band's holiday Meet Me at the . The collaboration blended festive elements and was performed live together on shows like . In 2020, Helman joined a star-studded ensemble of Canadian artists, including , , and , for the charity single "Lean on Me" by ArtistsCAN, a cover of Bill Withers' 1972 classic benefiting the Canadian Red Cross' relief efforts. His harmonies contributed to the track's uplifting of during the pandemic.

The Hotel Sessions YouTube series

The Hotel Sessions is a YouTube series launched by Scott Helman in 2018, consisting of intimate acoustic performances filmed in hotel rooms, often featuring collaborations with other artists. The series debuted with Episode 1 on July 3, 2018, where Helman covered Portugal. The Man's "Feel It Still" solo, setting the tone for stripped-down renditions of popular songs and originals. It ran through 2021, with the final episode released on January 21, 2021, showcasing Helman's ongoing commitment to raw, unpolished musical expressions during his travels. The series began in mid-2018, with early installments including an acoustic duet of Helman's original "Hang Ups" with Spanish singer Dani Fernández, filmed during his European tour in December 2018. Subsequent episodes highlighted covers such as Fleetwood Mac's "" in Episode 2 and Whitney Houston's "I Wanna " with in Episode 4, uploaded on January 31, 2019. Other key installments featured on The Cure's "Lovesong" (Episode 5, April 3, 2019), on Billie Eilish's "" (Episode 6, May 1, 2019), on James Bay's "Coming Over" (Episode 7, September 2019), on Dominic Fike's "" (Episode 8, February 4, 2020), Valley on Lennon Stella and JP Saxe's "Golf On TV" (Episode 9, April 9, 2020), and on 24kGoldn's "Mood" (Episode 10, January 21, 2021). The format emphasized simplicity, with Helman and guests performing in casual settings using minimal equipment, capturing spontaneous energy and vocal harmonies. This approach not only showcased musical versatility but also originals like the "Hang Ups" acoustic version, which highlighted Helman's songwriting in a vulnerable light. Episodes were typically short, around 3-5 minutes, focusing on emotional delivery over production. The series played a key role in fostering fan engagement, particularly during tours, by offering access to Helman's travels and s, bridging the gap between stage performances and personal moments. Filmed on the road, such as the Fernández duet in , it allowed fans to feel closer to the artist amid demanding schedules. Viewer response was strong, with episodes accumulating significant online traction; for instance, the Valley garnered over 437,000 views, reflecting its appeal in building community and excitement around Helman's live work.

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