Today, we have the privilege of delving into Stephanie Phillips’ world to uncover the stories, inspirations, and aspirations that have shaped her remarkable career.
Stephanie Phillips is a singer-songwriter whose music is described as progressive folk or indie folk. She has been writing and performing music for over 30 years, and her latest album, “Retrospective,” is a collection of songs that she originally recorded in 1993 but never released.
In this interview, Stephanie talks about her creative process, her musical inspirations, and the challenges and rewards of being an independent musician. She also shares her plans for the future and her message to her fans.
Stephanie was raised in a household where both parents were deeply involved in music, her parents’ love for music, and her mother’s poetic gift, ignited her love for music at an early stage of her life. He musical journey began at a young age, Stephanie took guitar lessons and that was when she uncovered her talent for songwriting and singing.
In this exclusive interview, Stephanie opens up about her influences, creative process, and the evolution of her musical style from traditional folk to a folk-pop vibe. She also shares her views on the challenges independent artists face in the industry and her hopes for fair compensation in the streaming era.
Join us in this candid conversation with Stephanie Phillips as she delivers a heartfelt message to her fans, emphasizing the honesty and vulnerability she pours into every song she writes.
Listen to Retrospective below
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“What is your stage name?
Stephanie Phillips
Is there a story behind your stage name?
It is my maiden name.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from everywhere — movies, tv shows, my family, my love… just living life!
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
We always had music in the house when I was growing up. My mother played piano, and she my dad loved to have music on the background — classical, jazz, pop, folk….
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Yes, both parents sing and play piano.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I think I inspired myself, but my dad was probably my biggest cheerleader in wanting me to take my music to the next level.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I took guitar lessons at age 9-11. The singing and writing I guess just came naturally. My mother is a gifted poet, so the lyrics are in my blood, you could say.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I’m not sure I know the correct answer to this, but I think it was either the Beach Boys or America (the band).
How could you describe your music?
I call it progressive folk, but others call it indie folk. It is ballad-driven with strong melodies and lyrics that tell stories.
Describe your creative process.
Usually, i decide to write so I sit down with my guitar and paper/pencil. Generally, I write music and lyrics together.
What is your main inspiration?
I don’t know if I have a main one. I just keep notes of little phrases or ideas for songs and use them when I sit down to write.
What musician do you admire most and why?
I have a number of musicians I admire, mostly because of their ability to touch me with their music: Cheryl Wheeler, Billy Joel, Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, Pink.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Yes, it started out as more traditional folk sounding, and now it has more of a folk-pop vibe.Who do you see as your main competitor?
I don’t think I have a competitor, per se. There’s enough room for all of us.
What are your interests outside of music?
Reading, exercise, being with my girls, my love, and my pets. I also enjoy gardening in the spring/summer, traveling, and going to the beach.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
In my other life, I’m a personal trainer.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
I just think there are too many things for an independent musician to try and get done. There aren’t enough hours in the day for all the marketing, promotion, performing, practicing, writing, etc.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
I wish the streaming services actually paid artists fairly.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
This album is titled “Retrospective” as it was 30 years in the making. Originally recorded in 1993 but never released to the public (because indie artists couldn’t do that then), I decided to release it this year on its 30th anniversary. So, I recorded harmonies with my much younger self and added a bonus track before remastering it.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I am going to be starting a new album in the next few months, hopefully to be released in the first quarter of next year.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
I hope my daughter MCKNZ will continue to add her beautiful keyboard to my next album, as she has in the past.
What message would you like to give to your fans? I would just like to say that I hope people who listen to my music get the honesty and vulnerability I wish to convey with every song I write. And, I thank those who listen, purchase, and give me feedback.
