SCOT LIMBO

What did Norco Music mean to you?

Norco Music became my family. It was a place where I could truly be myself. I had amazing mentors who constantly inspired me and encouraged me to become the best version of myself at the highest level.

From working in the studio to writing lyrics at home or during class, the program allowed me to channel my artistry and discover that I was capable of so much more than I ever imagined. Norco Music helped me realize that my potential didn’t stop with what I already knew—it showed me how much more I could become. It opened doors for me to expand my skills and knowledge. They took what was already there, nurtured it, helped it grow, and turned it into something far greater.

Favorite memory from your time here?

It’s honestly hard to choose just one memory because there are so many. Every moment I’ve spent at Norco, especially in the Music program, has taught me something and given me memories I’ll always cherish.

If I had to pick one, it would be working with Brady in the studio. He always understood what I wanted creatively and knew how to help me get there. His energy always matched mine—or was even higher—which made every session exciting. More importantly, it made me feel like I was in a safe environment where I could grow, experiment, and blossom as a musician.

Some other people who made those memories special were Marty and Jack, also known as Monkeys with Cigarettes. Recording with them, laying down verses, and feeding off each other’s creativity always created an incredible vibe. Those studio sessions are memories I’ll carry with me forever.

What are you doing now?

Right now, I recently graduated from Norco and I’m focused on a few solo projects. My main project is SCOT LIMBO, where I’m continuing to develop my sound and artistry.

I’m also spending a lot of time improving my craft—working on my piano skills, becoming a stronger instrumentalist, and continuing to build on everything Brady taught me about recording, mixing, and mastering. My goal is not only to create my own music, but eventually to record, mix, and produce for other artists, just like Norco did for me.

I’m also working on a separate project under my full name, Ashton Scott Garcia, where I can explore more instrumental music and really push myself creatively to see how far I can grow as an artist.

Biggest challenge you’ve faced?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been learning that criticism isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it’s actually a blessing in disguise.

I’ve learned to ask questions like, “How can I improve? What could I do better? What worked? What didn’t?” Instead of taking feedback personally, I’ve learned to embrace it because it’s helped me grow so much.

Before, I thought, “This is how I do things, and this is how they’re going to be.” But once I started accepting constructive criticism and pushing through that discomfort, I realized how much stronger I was becoming as an artist. I’m still not where I ultimately want to be, but every piece of feedback brings me one step closer.

A moment you knew you were on the right path?

Honestly, the moment I knew I was on the right path was during my first recording session at Norco Music, working on the song “Pressure” from the Helix album back in 2024.

That experience showed me that music was more than just a passion—it was something I wanted to build my life around. The energy in the studio, the collaboration, and everything I learned from the people around me made it clear that this was exactly where I was supposed to be.

I’m incredibly grateful that my journey started at Norco College because I truly believe there’s no place quite like it. That first studio session confirmed that music wasn’t just something I loved—it was what I wanted to dedicate my life to.

Project you’re most proud of?

Honestly, I could say every project I worked on at Norco because each one taught me something different. But if I had to choose one, it would be “Gummy.”

Cody produced the beat and really shaped the story behind it, and then 2AM and I wrote the lyrics together. The song is about insomnia and not being able to sleep, but creatively it was so different from anything I’d done before. It was funkier, more energetic, more animated, and it challenged me both as a songwriter and as a performer.

When Cody and I recorded the demo in his studio before finishing it at Norco, we bounced so many ideas back and forth. That collaborative process was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had making music, and it’s a project I’ll always be proud of.

How do you stay inspired?

A lot of different things inspire me, but the biggest one is simply living life.

Every day gives me something new to learn, experience, or feel. Watching other people create also inspires me because it makes me want to explore new ideas and push myself creatively.

Life itself is my biggest inspiration because when you turn your experiences into art, you’re able to capture everything—the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. Being able to wake up every day, experience life, and then transform those moments into music for others to hear and connect with is what keeps me inspired.

What advice would you give current Norco Music students?

Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

One saying I’ve always believed is, “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” If you don’t ask questions or speak up, you’ll miss opportunities to learn.

Norco Music is a family. If you need help, ask for it. If someone has a skill you want to learn, go talk to them. Art is collaborative, and the best work comes from people sharing ideas, learning from each other, and growing together.

Be yourself completely. Take your craft seriously if this is truly what you want to do. Don’t treat it like just another class or another assignment. Treat it with the same care and respect you’d want people to give you.

At the end of the day, it’s work—but it’s meaningful work. Nurture your craft, invest in it, grow with it, and love it. If you do that, you’ll be amazed at where it can take you.