Movers and Shakers Interview with Scott Page

Published by: Dillon Kivo

Tell us your name and a little about yourself.

My name is Scott Page and I am an entrepreneur, technologist, and musician. As a musician, I am the saxophonist for Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Toto. As a technologist and entrepreneur, I’ve led several ventures including Walt Tucker Productions and audio-video post-production companies that produce projects for the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, and others. I also founded Seventh Level Inc., a CD ROM game in educational software. We coproduced “Tuneland”, The world’s first interactive music cartoon starring Howie Mandel and featuring David Gilmour. Currently, I am the CEO of Think: EXP a Los Angeles-based media company focused on immersive entertainment. I have been named one of the top one hundred multi-media producers by Multimedia Magazine, One of the top hundred coolest people in Los Angeles by Buzz Magazine, and one of the 50 New Media Innovators profiled in Pioneer Electronics.

What exactly does your company do?

Think: EXP strives to bridge the gap between the human spirit and technological innovation with a one-of-a-kind live immersive concert experience. Think: EXP is a super-group consisting of myself, Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction, Kenny Olson from Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band, Norwood Fisher of Fishbone and Derek Day. We perform in a 360° dome, our own twist on Pink Floyd with virtual reality (without the glasses) surrounding us and the audience. Think: EXP is a business model in which I have created the concept of immersive entertainment along with the concept of building intelligence into our merchandise and taking fandom to the next level. Think: EXP is on a mission to create these immersive experiences by reimagining the classics and is currently venturing “Beyond The Wall” with the music of Pink Floyd. Think: EXP is also involved in contributing to and creating the Watts Conservatory of Music for the children of the Watt’s area Middle School. We are taking a conscious, capitalistic approach so that we build giving into everything we do. It creates a win, win scenario.

What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?

Lord knows, like everyone I’ve had my share of challenges, but what I will say is I’ve learned not to view setbacks in a negative way anymore. Now understand, in reality, these challenges are actually all positive if you look at them from a different point of view. What at the time seemed like a major setback actually turned out to be a major blessing in disguise. I’m one of those people that don’t really care about the outcome anymore, I know it will be what it will be. I focus 100% on the ride because the ride is the only thing that is real, something out of the future is only an illusion.

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

Not to listen to music critics. Believe in yourself. Enjoy the ride.

Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?

Quincy Jones is one. When he speaks to you, you know he is speaking directly to you. He had that quality. My father Bill Page who was a musician and a serial entrepreneur. He actually discovered the Wawa pedal which is still used today all of the time. He played for The Lawrence Welk show and played with Judy Garland and many others. My mom who was the first Russian War Bride to come to America taught me the importance of forgiveness.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?

In my career, I feel so blessed to have been able to play with the best of the best, and through each of these ideas I have learned a lot and they truly have shaped my career. Dave Gilmour from Pink Floyd is my music guru. He taught me the power of playing melodies. He completely changed the way I play today, so I am so grateful for the knowledge gained from him. Pink Floyd also taught me the power of a brand and how a world-class Entertainment brand operates. The members of Supertramp taught me the power of teamwork. Jeff Procaro, the drummer of Toto was my mentor and without a doubt the single most important influence as to why I’m a musician today. Quincy Jones who is truly one of a kind taught me the power of intense presence.

What do you see as your greatest success in life?

I have had an incredible life so far not to say that it’s all been easy. I’ve had my ass kicked many times but because of this, it has driven me to take a deeper inward look and spiritual path. Today nothing means more to me than inner peace, there is no more mental suffering about anything, a complete surrender to what is, basically die before you die.