FILE – Scott Hoying made an appearance at the 31st annual MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala honoring Joni Mitchell in Las Vegas on April 1, 2022. On Friday, Hoying’s debut album “Parallel” was released. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
FILE – Scott Hoying, member of the a cappella group Pentatonix, performed at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on May 16, 2019. Hoying’s debut album “Parallel” was released on Friday. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)
This image released by BMG shows the cover of “Parallel,” the debut album by Scott Hoying of Pentatonix. (BMG via AP)
During a two-month break from Pentatonix’s world tour, Scott Hoying, the baritone of the group, got married and released his most personal music to date. His debut solo album “Parallel” consists of seven tracks and was released on Friday. Hoying’s bandmates have also released solo albums in the past, and although he had considered going solo for years, it was a process he approached with hesitation. However, he found the experience therapeutic and it allowed him to strengthen his creativity and build confidence.
“I have always been a little bit scared to be vulnerable and kind of put myself out there as a solo act,” Hoying told The Associated Press. “And I feel like this timing is just so perfect because I’m entering this very beautiful era of my life, like producing and making music and being more motivated than ever. And then I’m in love … and I’ve just had a lot of personal growth over the past couple of years. It’s just like this really big new chapter that’s starting. And it feels kismet and amazing.”
The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the creation of the album. Due to social distancing, Pentatonix had to record their parts separately, which led Hoying to explore digital audio technology. He became inspired by the process, watched tutorials on YouTube, and began writing songs. The result was hundreds of songs, with Hoying selecting seven for his solo debut.
“Parallel” centers around Hoying’s relationship with his husband, Mark, and their connection. It also includes a tribute to his late dog in the song “Bubs.” Other tracks on the album explore themes of personal growth, finding confidence, and embracing the unknown parts of life.
After the release of “Parallel,” Hoying will join Pentatonix on their North American tour starting in August. The group, which formed in 2011, has seen ongoing success and recently performed at college football’s national championship game and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hoying and Mitch Grassi, another member of Pentatonix, also formed the group “Superfruit” and have released albums together.
In addition to his music career, Hoying is working on developing a musical called “The Life of Death” about the Grim Reaper and his daughter. He finds the process of writing a musical liberating and enjoys the creative freedom it offers.