Here’s the premiere of the heartfelt ‘If I Hadn’t Found You’ by Scott Colson, who performs under the moniker Slaw. Beautifully written and arranged, the song’s greatest strength is Colson’s emotive, soulful vocal performance; he injects meaning into every word, delivered with a characterful tone and impressive melodic range.
Colson says of the inspiration behind the song: “‘If I Hadn’t Found You’ is a song I wrote for my wife, who has been the most important person in my life. It’s about how much she has changed everything for the better. Before I met her, I was searching, trying to figure out where I was headed. But when she came into my life, everything started to make sense. She’s been my biggest supporter, my source of strength, and the one who always believes in me, even when I have doubts about myself. This song is a way of saying thank you to her for being there through all the ups and downs. But it’s not just our story—I think a lot of people can relate to finding that one person who makes all the difference. Whether it’s a partner, a close friend, or a family member, having someone who stands by you and helps you become the best version of yourself is something truly special. ‘If I Hadn’t Found You’ is about recognising and appreciating that person who has shaped your life in ways you never thought possible. It’s my way of acknowledging how lucky I am and how much better my life is because of her.” Indeed, many listeners will relate to his open-hearted words and sensitive songwriting. Songs of heartbreak and heartache are commonplace but genuinely affecting songs of love and gratitude are much rarer.
As the song grows, light percussion, sonorous low strings and angelic backing vocals from Kayley Hill begin to add gorgeous depth and texture. Then, with a faster strum to lift off, the strings and Colson’s voice both soar. There are well-crafted changes in pace and volume, pauses and gentler moments interspersed by bursts of emotion, as Colson takes us on an emotional musical journey.
Colson plays and records under the name Slaw, which evolved from his last name as he explains: “A lot of folks have asked about the name and where it comes from. I wish there was a cool story, but here’s the deal: My friends started calling me by my last name, Colson. The ones who thought they were funny started saying Coleslaw. Then the lazier ones just shortened it to Slaw. And here we are—Prince, Sting, and now… Slaw. That’s how it happens.” After years spent running a business renting out beach equipment, from deck chairs to bicycles, Colson decided to give it all up to pursue his musical dream as Slaw. His debut album, ‘Here I Come’, was produced in Nashville by Shawn Byrne. Featuring a combination of bluesy numbers and more tender balladry, the album is held together by Colson’s soulful voice and vulnerable lyrics. He says: “Great music is a beautiful marriage between the sound and the lyrics. When you get the notes and the lyrics to merge perfectly, that’s when you have something special. It’s when people really release their soul into the music that you get chills.” He’s certainly put his heart and soul into this. Enjoy.
