A Chat with Stephanie Phillips (10.01.23)
Embracing her passion for music at an early age, singer-songwriter Stephanie Phillips has been writing songs and playing the guitar for as long as she can remember. Describing her music as “progressive folk”, Phillips takes inspiration from James Taylor and Dan Fogelberg stirring your soul from the first chord. We speak with Phillips about her album Carousel of Hope, phobias, musical evolution and future plans.
OSR: What made you decide to begin making music?
Phillips: I didn’t really decide. It just came naturally to me as I wrote my first song when I was 10 years old.
OSR: What or who inspires you to make music?
Phillips: I have a lot of inspirational people in my life – my family specifically. But other artists have inspired and influenced me as well – Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, and Cheryl Wheeler, to name a few. I find myself inspired by social justice issues and other events that happen around the world.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Phillips: Music is the universal language that can communicate emotion better than any words and that has the ability to connect people – regardless of age, race, gender, etc.
OSR: What can you tell us about your album Carousel of Hope? Is there a theme or backstory?
Phillips: Carousel of Hope is the culmination of finding a stable new love and finally putting my music front and centre in my life and making it a priority.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your album?
Phillips: I hope they are uplifted and empowered. I want my listeners to feel hopeful when they listen to this album.
OSR: How do you feel your music has evolved in Carousel of Hope and do you believe evolution in one’s music is important?
Phillips: My music has definitely evolved over the years and Carousel of Hope is an obvious indication of that evolution. Stylistically speaking, I am playing the guitar differently and experimenting with new fingerpicking and new strumming methods. I’ve also discovered some different chords and have opened my mind to writing more creatively as well. Yes, I think evolving as an artist – just like as a human being – is important. It shows that you are growing and learning and finding new ways to be present in this life.
OSR: Tell us one truth and one lie about yourself.
Phillips: Hmmm… it’s hard for me to lie, so you’ll probably know which is which right away. I love animals and babies. I love rollercoasters.
OSR: Do you have any phobias and, if so, why are you scared of whatever you are scared of?
Phillips: I don’t really have any phobias, although I do sometimes have a hard time with large groups of people, especially when I feel like I can’t escape.
OSR: Do you have future plans as an artist?
Phillips: Yes! I want to continue writing and performing. I am hoping to play more frequent and larger gigs, and ultimately, I’d like to land some sync licenses. And, of course, there will be more albums in my future!
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Phillips: I hope you enjoy my new album and stream it on your favourite platform, and I would welcome feedback through personal DM’s to my Instagram page. If you’d like to purchase any of my music for download, go to www.songwriterstephaniephillips.com
Many thanks to Stephanie Phillips for speaking with us. For more from Stephanie Phillips check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
