Naomi Scott Trades Acting for Musical Freedom

Actress Naomi Scott, known for "Smile 2" and playing Princess Jasmine, is now focusing on her musical aspirations with her debut album, F.I.G. (Falling Into Grace). Scott, 32, experienced a "quarter-life crisis" at 27, feeling a need to reconnect with her foundational passion for music. This led her to adopt a more childlike and natural songwriting process, returning to basics with her music.

The album F.I.G. signifies a journey of self-exploration, with "Grace" serving as an alter ego for Scott to embody desired traits. Musically, it combines R&B, new wave, and alt-pop, drawing inspiration from artists like Peter Gabriel and Janet Jackson. Dev Hynes contributed to the track "Cut Me Loose," which deals with paranoia and self-sabotage. Scott views the album's creation as a DIY process, prioritizing authenticity over polished perfection.

Scott's role as Skye Riley in "Smile 2" involved portraying a fictional pop star grappling with addiction and supernatural visions, a challenging yet rewarding experience that earned her critical acclaim. Despite the character's persona, Scott intends to forge her own musical path, distinct from pop archetypes. She aims for a "girl-in-progress" feel, emphasizing that her artistic journey requires time to hone her sound and find collaborators.

Reflecting on her decade in Hollywood, Scott expresses a desire to avoid extreme fame, viewing it as detrimental to human beings. She prefers the "nicest demographic" of fans who approach her, often discussing her roles in "Lemonade Mouth" or "Smile 2." Scott emphasizes that acting allows her to be a "color in a painting," whereas music empowers her to be the "artist" and "painter" of her own work.