Scott Colson, known in the music world as Slaw, is an artist with a voice that bridges genres – a style reflecting soulful grit, country edge, and pure rock and roll energy. Growing up in Macon, Georgia—a city synonymous with Southern rock—Colson’s musical upbringing was steeped in the sounds of early Elvis Presley and classic R&B. This rich blend of influences has shaped his sound, a testament to his lifelong exploration of various musical genres. As he puts it, “I’ve been doing deep dives into almost every musical genre for my entire life.”
The name Slaw comes from a playful evolution of his last name: “A lot of folks have asked about the name and where it comes from. I wish there was a cool story, but here’s the deal: My friends started calling me by my last name, Colson. The ones who thought they were funny started saying Coleslaw. Then the lazier ones just shortened it to Slaw. And here we are—Prince, Sting, and now… Slaw. That’s how it happens.”
When Colson was young, his family moved to Peachtree City, Georgia, just south of Atlanta. Although music has always been a part of his life, he didn’t start playing, singing, and writing songs until high school. When he went to college at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, he won the school talent show singing a version of “Heartbreak Hotel” for his fraternity and played around with small acts at several bars and clubs around town. Throughout his twenties and thirties, he played with a number of blues and rock bands. Eventually, he put music aside to focus on creating a successful business that provides beach equipment gear to renters of vacation properties. All the time he was renting bicycles and beach chairs to vacationers, however, Colson had music on his mind and wanted to get back and put everything he had into a solo project. About a year and a half ago, he sold his business and started the process of making his debut album as Slaw, the fittingly titled Here I Come.
Produced by Shawn Byrne in Nashville, Here I Come highlights Scott Colson’s exceptional ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions through his music. The album features eleven tracks that range from raw blues to vulnerable ballads. Premiering exclusively on American Blues Scene is the video for the title track which kicks off the collection with a powerful, minor-chord blues anthem that embodies a resolute message of possibility and perseverance. Colson describes the song as a reflection of his personal journey and seizing the right opportunities. Of the song, he tells us:
‘Here I Come’ is a deeply personal anthem that marks my transition from a decades-long career in business to finally chasing my true passion—music. I’m diving into this new world with the same intensity I brought to my previous life, but with a fire that’s been smoldering in my heart for years. This song is also a message to younger people out there, like my own kids included, searching for their way in this life. It isn’t always a straight path; it twists, turns, and sometimes leaves you lost. But if you hang in there, you eventually find your rhythm. This is my story, my message to them: Never give up, because the place where you belong is out there, waiting.
What I’ve learned through my own journey is that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, to pursue what truly makes you feel alive. This song is a testament to the idea that life is full of opportunities, even when it seems like the doors are closing. We all face setbacks, doubts, and moments where we aren’t sure we’re on the right path, but we always have to keep pushing forward.
‘Here I Come’ is about having the courage to step into the unknown, to embrace the challenges, and to trust that the hard work and persistence will eventually lead you to where you’re meant to be. It’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt lost, reminding them that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that it’s never too late to chase your dreams with everything you’ve got.
