3 credits short of a degree, he left NSCAD for a music career. The school is now honouring him
CBC
When he was a student at what was then known as the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax, Andrew Scott had a professor who regularly said that painting was something that could be done until someone dropped dead, while rock n' roll had a best-before date.
It was a message that resonated with Scott, who attended the Halifax university, but in 1991, he faced a pivotal decision.
Three art history credits short of getting a bachelor of fine arts, Scott debated whether to finish school or pursue music with the promising new band he was in, Sloan, where he was the drummer.
Dropping out of school meant he wouldn't have the satisfaction of completing something he'd started, and he wouldn't be able to show his diploma to his mom.
"But with regards to the band … we had such a blank slate in front of us and it just seemed too good an opportunity to turn down," said Scott.
The decision was made at a time when the band hadn't even put out an album.
Besides, music wasn't something that was going to be a long-term thing.
"I remember distinctly begging my mom for X amount of dollars to buy a certain drum kit and I was like, 'Mom, I'm not going to be in a rock band when I'm 30,'" said Scott.
"I literally said those words. I'm basically 60 and I still love my job."
Sloan has put out 14 studio albums, with some considered by critics and fans alike to be some of the best Canadian albums ever made, such as 1994's Twice Removed and 1996's One Chord to Another.
The band also criss-crosses the country regularly playing shows and they also tour in the United States as well, playing songs that have become an essential part of Canadiana, such as Money City Maniacs, If It Feels Good Do It and The Rest of My Life.
At NSCAD University's May convocation ceremony, Scott is being named a Life Fellow, which is "awarded to individuals whose commitment and service have made a profound and lasting impact on NSCAD University," says its website.
Scott said he's thrilled and humbled by the honour. His mom is also very pleased.
"Oh my God, she was so over the moon," said Scott, who spoke to CBC News by telephone from Hamilton just before the soundcheck of a recent concert.
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This First Person column is the experience of Mehdi M. Kashani, who lives in Toronto. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
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