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PRESS RELEASE – INTERVIEW WITH SCOTTGALAN

“I’m loud because I was silent for too long.”
An intense and moving interview with musician and artist ScottGalan – about lived experiences of violence, systemic failure, and the invisible wounds of a childhood in crisis.

Vienna, May 1, 2025 – Editorial questions by: Jessica & Felix (Onlinepresses Editorial Team)

Table of Contents

1. Why now? – Speaking out publicly

2. Structural conditions of out-of-home placement

3. Violence in the birth family

4. Activation of child protection systems

5. Experiences in foster care

6. Coping with long-term effects

7. Resources and sources of support

8. A message to other survivors

9. Words to the perpetrators

10. Nude portraits as symbolic expression

11. School and educational journey

12. Music as survival art – a discussion of his discography

13. Relationships & emotional belonging

1. Why now? – Speaking out publicly

Editorial question (Jessica): “ScottGalan, why are you choosing to speak publicly about your story now?”
ScottGalan replied: “Because I was silent for too long. For years, I adapted, turned inward, pretended everything was fine. But inside, I was in turmoil. This story isn't just a look back at the past – it’s a cry for justice, a signal to all those living in their own shadows, believing they’re alone.”

2. Structural conditions of out-of-home placement

Editorial question (Jessica): “What circumstances led to your placement in care?”
ScottGalan: “My sister was taken into care first, and I followed shortly after. Child services and the family court were involved. Our mother had only one condition: that we stay together. Shortly after, our parents left the country – it wasn’t emigration, it was escape. Pure irresponsibility. We were left behind, powerless to defend ourselves.”

3. Violence in the birth family

Editorial question (Felix): “What kind of violence did you experience in your family?”
ScottGalan: “Physical, psychological, and emotional violence. We often went hungry for days, our parents drank and abused us. My sister had to be hospitalized after one assault. The violence was constant – fear was our daily companion.”

4. Activation of child protection systems

Editorial question (Jessica): “How did the authorities get involved?”
ScottGalan: “It was our neighbors who heard our screams and called the police and child services. Their civil courage was crucial – it saved our lives. Unannounced visits and close supervision by foster parents followed. Looking back, I know this intervention spared us even worse consequences.”

5. Experiences in foster care

Editorial question (Felix): “What were your experiences in foster care like?”
ScottGalan: “Foster care wasn’t family – it was a power dynamic. I was always the ‘problem child’ blamed for conflict. One time I tried to visit a friend, but the foster son, on his mother’s orders, threw me to the ground and knelt on my neck. I panicked and defended myself with a metal bucket. A lawsuit followed, and the court ruled that he acted without justification.”

Editorial question (Jessica): “Were there any positive memories from that time?”
ScottGalan: “There were small moments of joy. Once, I invited my foster mother Regina to eat at McDonald’s – I was proud to have paid off my debts there. But that gesture is no longer appreciated. Our conversations escalate quickly because she sees herself as a hero but refuses to acknowledge her mistakes.”

6. Coping with long-term effects

Editorial question (Felix): “How do you deal with the long-term effects of your experiences?”
ScottGalan: “I have FASD, suffer from depression, panic attacks, and flashbacks. These invisible wounds fight inside me every day. Sometimes I feel trapped in a cage of pain and grief. But in the darkness, I find comfort in my art – in music, which helps me find even a spark of hope. I’m also working on a book, a project that often pushes me to my limits. The path to publication feels distant. Sometimes it feels like my condition keeps pulling me back. But I won’t give up. I keep fighting, even when it’s overwhelming and I doubt myself.”

7. Resources and sources of support

Editorial question (Jessica): “Were there resources or moments of light in your life?”
ScottGalan: “Lady Gaga. Her music felt like a hug when I thought no one understood me. She saw me without knowing me. That music was my refuge.”

8. A message to other survivors

Editorial question (Felix): “What message would you like to share with others?”
ScottGalan: “You are not the problem. You’re not to blame for what happened to you. Hold on. Fight for yourself. Speak up and don’t let them silence you. You are worthy.”

9. Words to the perpetrators

Editorial question (Jessica): “What would you say to the perpetrators?”
ScottGalan: “You no longer get to define who I am. You have no access to my life. Shame on you. I’m no longer silent – I will be heard.”

10. Nude portraits as symbolic expression

Editorial question (Jessica): “Why did you publish nude portraits?”
ScottGalan: “For a long time, I felt worthless – as a person, as a body. The portraits were a powerful statement – an attempt to show myself. I wanted to be seen, no longer just the object of others’ gaze. I wanted to present myself as a subject.”

11. School and educational journey

Editorial question (Jessica & Felix): “What was your school experience like?”
ScottGalan: “A disaster. I didn’t fit into the system. Teachers treated us with indifference, often with contempt. My foster mother constantly argued with my teachers. I withdrew and only showed up when there was art or music. I didn’t care about anything else.”
“Professionally, I was often rejected – because I’m inconvenient, because I’m honest and direct. But I’ve come to terms with that.”

12. Music as survival art – a discussion of his discography

Editorial question (Jessica): “Scott, how do you see your music?”
ScottGalan: “Music is the only way I can organize the chaos inside me. Every track is a reflection of my inner world. Music isn’t just a hobby – it’s my survival mode.”

Editorial question (Felix): “You’ve already released 17 works and are working on new projects, right?”
ScottGalan: “Yes. New music is in the works. I compose, produce, and experiment. There’s still so much to say, and I want to be heard. Music is how I make sense of the chaos.”

13. Relationships & emotional belonging

Editorial question (Jessica & Felix): “Scott, you met someone special in 2012. How do you experience your relationship today?”
ScottGalan: “With a sweet smile I say: Daniel – yes, he’s the love of my life. It’s not always easy, but I know he’s the one I want to go through everything with. He helps me bear the shadows of the past. I’m grateful to have him by my side.”

Website: www.theworld-scottgalan.com
Contact & Booking: Onlinepresses Editorial Team

An interview that rethinks the social, artistic, and psychosocial dimensions of family violence – with a voice that will no longer be silenced.

© 2025 The World of ScottGalan Music International