Singer named emerging artist; Orangeburg resident receives S.C. grant

McDaniel, who goes by Pr3scott, received $1,800 from the commission in the area of music performance.

Artists benefit from not just financial support, but also receive mentorship and professional support as they further their artistic pursuits.

“We are thrilled for these seven artists, all ready to expand their careers. The South Carolina Arts Commission gets to assist them with a grant providing full support for their projects, and I am honored to mentor them during the grant period,” SCAC Artist Development Director Tanisha N. Brown said. Brown manages the SCAC Emerging Artists program.

McDaniel said he is proud and thankful for the opportunity to receive the grant.

“Being a SCAC Emerging Artist will propel my career and, more importantly, help me be an example for all creatives who are differently abled,” he said.

McDaniel appreciated the recognition that the grant has brought to his music.

“It was the first time I had been given a significant award based on my art and current position in the music industry. I’ve been singing all my life, but not at this professional level. I started singing in South Carolina in January 2022 with new professional coaches and support. My main talents are singing and songwriting,” McDaniel said.

He said the award will help him complete his Christmas song titled “Be My Christmas Eve.”

“A Christmas song is a great tool for artists during the Christmas season. It allows for an annual play of their song and many opportunities. One, often the holiday music genre is family friendly and allows more inclusiveness. Two, this means it can be on all aspects of media like, for example, Christmas commercials, Christmas movies and Christmas television episodes,” McDaniel said.

He continued, “Three, it can lead people to my other songs by increasing the fan base, allowing money to spend on marketing, advertising and distribution.”

McDaniel is the son of the late James Albert McDaniel Jr., a Berklee College of Music alum who was a member of the Brothermen Band and Show. His father was also a trumpeter, songwriter and bass guitarist for BB King, Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the Boston Pops.