The iconic Australian swimwear model and DJ talks about her music, sexiness, days dating Warnie, this stunning comeback to the world of men’s magazines and so much more. Welcome back indeed…
Hello, Emily. Congrats on your first MAXIM Australia cover. How do you feel?
The first ever cover photo shoot I did was for MAXIM in the UK years ago! So, this feels like coming full circle and it’s a real opportunity to be given the pleasure of a photo shoot at home in Sydney with you.
Welcome back to the men’s lifestyle magazines. What made you want to return and do this cover photo shoot for MAXIM?
I’ve spent more time away from TV and modelling work over the last few years, focussing on music and playing sets across Australia. Also, there are parts of the world I just yearned to visit. I’m thankful to have had those achievements. But I keep wanting to return because it’s new experiences like these that gets me excited. I get to explore another side of myself here, and it feels good, to be honest! Those years I spent modelling over the last decade were the best. I’ve never thought that I’d stop forever. Being able to shoot this time around on a boat in Sydney Harbour was a dream come true. I feel lucky to have spent a day out here with crystal blue water. Being by the water is my happy place and Mark Sarian, the Founder/Director of Babylon Studios, made this happen.
Well, you ruled men’s magazines for almost a decade – what are your fondest memories from those days?
The best part was all the people I met all those years ago. It seems like a short time now because time has flown by, but there was a whirlwind of activity and places to go. Travelling the world for work was a great time with the crew on board the shoots – we’d work with stylists, artists, make-up and creative photographers.
Tell us a funny story about working with legendary former men’s mags like RALPH and ZOO?
I am lucky we worked overseas a lot then. We travelled to Santorini for a cover shoot and stayed in a villa – there was a lot of nakedness on those trips away! I remember when we shot my second cover for MAXIM UK on Ibiza’s stunning, famous party island, I was dehydrated and passed out on the plane ride back. The cabin crew were highly suspicious and called my manager, thinking I’d had too much fun on a night out before leaving, but it was just my tiredness from shooting all day on the beaches in summer and driving to hidden locations.
How do you feel now doing this MAXIM photo shoot after not appearing in men’s mags for a while.
It’s been uplifting to be dressed like this. Genuinely, the outfits, hair and make-up, the team of people on board and friends here have made it a wild time out of my comfort zone from having years off recently. It’s cool to create these moments together. Believe it or not, this isn’t actually my everyday look, although I do enjoy it from time to time.
Well, you look stunning. What is the sexiest thing about you?
My attitude to life. I’m an attentive partner who wants to listen to what my partner needs and hear them. I’m not particularly eager to let things get to me that often – it’s more enjoyable to be living this way. And hopefully, the people around me, too!
When do you feel sexy?
A dimly lit venue with a sexy black dress helps set the mood, but in bed. I keep that part of my house as my boudoir – if you know, you know.
What is your best asset?
My eyes. Otherwise, I’m always trying out new things and making life exciting and fun – I couldn’t imagine staying in one place for my whole existence and I’m attracted to people like that.
So, what have you been up to since we last saw you?
Well, DJing through Asia, India and the UK. I love travelling, eating new foods, meeting friends and seeing smiling faces around the world. For me, happiness is wanting more and more of that. Music is a part of my life that I can’t and won’t stop – I’ve tried to quit before, and there’s just no doing that. Of course, I could tour every day but I also need to take time to reset after staying up late, so I’ll train – I like boxing best.
How did you get into DJing and the music scene?
Music was a huge part of my childhood and has always been a big part of my life. Since I was 13, I’ve been obsessed with dance music. Studying two years of dance in high school taught me to be at my best. Timing is everything in music, and knowing when to play the next song creates a lift in mood with different beats – it’s all about knowing how the energy is. After graduating high school, I got to work in a strip club and a house music club. These clubs were the best start possible – watching the DJs play vinyl night after night taught me a love for the craft and the application of songs to alter the room’s energy.
When you’re not DJing or posing for MAXIM, what could we find you doing?
With my dog at the park, café with friends and family… usually low-key stuff. Life’s fast-paced enough – if I went too hard on my days off, I’d run out of breath. Yes, my work is exciting, but I can only keep up with everything if I have a healthy daily routine.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I’ve overcome a problematic past. Having managed these challenges has allowed me to be back here today. I am more attuned to who I am.
You’ve had your fair share of media coverage. How do you feel when you read negative stuff about yourself in the press?
People don’t expect someone on the other side of the screen to read what they’re saying. Fortunately, I can think of times that were just weird, and I was only young, but it was a helpful lesson to learn. Just don’t believe everything people say about you!
Would you ever date one of your social media followers?
Yeah, why not? I’ve been out with people I’ve met in real life, but I wouldn’t want to limit what could happen. These days, I’d prefer to keep an open mind – anything is possible online now!
What’s the best way a man could win his way to your heart?
Loving people and kind people are the best. People who love their friends and pet lovers, too. If someone doesn’t like pets, it’s questionable. I also don’t know if I could date a man who wasn’t into his music. I’m more of a people person, so someone social always catches my eye – eye contact lights me up.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
That we love to date! We want to be shown about your life – don’t be a dick. That’s it. So simple. Not all women want a relationship. Some do. Just ask. Although intimacy keeps improving when you get to know someone more closely.
Describe your ideal date?
Dinner, sharing good food and wine. I love to get to know people and walk by the ocean – keys to my heart.
You once dated the late Shane Warne. What are your favourite memories of your time with him?
It was lovely to be friends first and stay friends after. Genuinely caring right up until the end. It’s sad, but I have many happy memories of Shane [Warne]. Tanning in Las Vegas, inside jokes, lots of music in that time, bands… We stayed in contact because we had these in common.
What’s been the toughest thing about his death for you?
Missing our communication. Calling each other by our made-up names – A-side and B-side… those kind of moments are priceless.
What’s one thing you have learnt about men over the years?
Following incredible, inspirational men, talking about their lives and challenges and overcoming them has inspired me. That’s powerful. It’s great to see our undoing this toxic idea that men must be one thing because no-one is.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
I’m working on more music, more collabs and I may get back into acting and modelling. And while there’s plenty to appreciate at this moment, I can’t wait to do more!
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Emily Scott
BORN: June 3
HOME TOWN: Canberra ACT
CURRENTLY LIVES: Sydney NSW
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Lively, creative, peace-loving, persevering, intuitive.”
LIFE MOTTO: “When I’d mention my dreams my dad used to tell me, ‘Do it. The sky is the limit.”
THREADS & INSTAGRAM: @emilyscottofficial
TIKTOK: @emilyscottdj
Photography by NEIL DIXON
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
Producer MARK SARIANS (BABYLON STUDIOS)
Make-up by KIMBER ARTISTRY
Wardrobe by HOUSE OF VAUNT & DIAMOND DOLLS SWIMWEAR
Creative Director WILLY BAGATCHOLON
For the full article grab the September 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
