Exposed Vocals Interviews ‘Phil The Artist’

As a songwriter, producer, and rapper, Phil the Artist brings a new style and sound blended from uptown and downtown New York. Having played classical piano during his formative years, his song unites classical piano and hip-hop as one. “We Different” is a sonic overview of the culture that makes kids from New York City who they are.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?  

Phil The Artist: I grew up in Washington Heights. Right above Harlem in Manhattan. I have been playing classical piano for 16 years ever since I was 3 years old. Music was always my special ability and it has transformed into me producing, songwriting, and rapping.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Phil The Artist: Phil The Artist comes from the rout being my name Phil, and an artist just being somebody who creates everyday adapting new skills and ideas from anywhere and everywhere. Im an artist because I make complete projects.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Phil The Artist: Soundcloud is a great platform because before you get to a status in which people will buy your music the most important step is exposure and making sure you get people to listen to your music.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Phil The Artist: Set a goal for yourself, and don’t get distracted by people telling you to do other things then what you want to do.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Phil The Artist: You can’t think of anything as a mistake. If you think you are going to forget a lyric or forget how to play the next part… adapt, cut the song, just don’t make it noticeable that you are fumbling. The crowd will not even know most of the time.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about? 

Phil The Artist: I haven’t been on any tours yet but I know that my stage presence is going to be insane anywhere that I go. I can guarantee that.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?  

Phil The Artist: I can get ideas anywhere. I might say something catchy on the train, then just start writing. I don’t have a set in stone process. Art is always changing. I might write a song with a certain flow and then the final project comes out completely different.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Phil The Artist: I only have a Soundcloud right now.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Phil The Artist: California Girls by Katy Perry. That song is fire I don’t care what anybody says.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?  

Phil The Artist: I would by a used Wraith. I would record all of my songs and record a bunch of music videos. I would also buy everything from a thrift store called Tokyo 7. I would also by a share of an apple stock.

 Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?  

Phil The Artist: Right now I use Logic Pro X, Im comfortable with it and know the insides and out. I don’t look to change that process right now.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Phil The Artist: Just sharing it with everybody I know. Your friends will give you the most honest opinions on your music. If they all like it, it will go far.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why? 

Phil The Artist: I would have a show with Young Thug and Michael Jackson…Bringing the old and the new generation sounds to life in one show at Madison Square Garden. Im from New York, so I need the show to be in my hometown.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Phil The Artist:  Im going to put out 8 singles, and then my debut project (Untitled at the moment). It will most likely be a group of songs about my hometown of Washington Heights.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?  

Phil The Artist: I would be film directing. That is my major in school. I also want to score music for films in my older years.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?  

Phil The Artist: I can’t remember the first album I bought. I remember buying The Carter 3 by Lil Wayne. I was very excited I listened to it everyday on the bus and in school.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?  

Phil The Artist: Since I went to music school since elementary school I learned that you just have to block time out of each day for music. Used to be an hour practicing Chopin Waltz’s and now its taking a few hours to produce and write songs. Im more of a composer now.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?  

Phil The Artist: Fans should look forward to a lot of great music, a clothing brand that my team is creating called Low Life, and an entire new sound ready to takeover crowds of all genres.

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/fil.up/

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/fillupdaniels