Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip James.
Philip, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve been a musician since my older brother gave me my first guitar in 2006. When I picked up my first acoustic guitar I played until my fingers bled, and then I played some more. I started looking up tablature and my brother pushed me to try my first open mic night when I was only 14 years old. Since that day I’ve played in an assortment of bands from punk rock to acoustic duets. I learned a variety of styles and began writing and composing my own music to play across town. I always considered music to be a hobby of mine and it was my outlet through the ups and downs of life.
I stopped playing for a little over a year when I joined the military and got shipped off to boot camp. I participated in Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL (BUD/s) training in the Navy, suffered an injury during training and found myself working in a medical clinic as a Hospital Corpsman while I was healing. Music re-entered my life at this point and I started singing and playing again around San Diego. Before I knew it my time in the military was up and I was honorably discharged from naval service in 2016. I decided to stick around San Diego instead of returning to my hometown in Massapequa, NY. I applied to UCSD to pursue a career in the medical field and have been finishing up my degree in Public Health so that I can apply to school to become a Physician or a Physician’s Assistant.
I plan on using music as a platform to serve my community. I believe that music can be used as a method for healing and helping others. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years as a musician, it’s that music can build connections and bridge barriers across different cultures, communities, people, and regions. It can bring diverse individuals together to accomplish a common goal and it can reach out to people who need others. Through my music I hope to create ideas that will benefit everyone across the community and I plan on starting right here in San Diego.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a solo artist and multi-instrumentalist. I create, compose, mix, master, and produce my own sound with multiple different local artists. I transformed my living space into a home studio to record my own guitar, keyboard, drum beats, vocals, etc. I self-record my own music videos for YouTube to entertain/ engage my audience weekly. My message is for everyone. I try to spread positivity and ambition. I believe that nothing worth having comes easy and that a life filled with passion and hard work is fulfilling and worthwhile. I think that at the end of the day if we treat everyone with love and respect, we will be loved and respected. What more do you need?
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
For those who are looking to record and get out there I’d say don’t wait. I spent way too much time initially trying to perfect my sound before putting it out there. While it is always good to present your best work and put your best foot forward, it’s the process that really shapes your sound. The simple act of recording what you have to the best of your ability instead of waiting for when “the time is right” is the only sure path to self- improvement as an artist and individual.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have content that I post on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Anyone can come check me out and that’s the best way to support me for now. My work will be available on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, etc. when I finish recording my first ever full- length EP. You can find me here:
Instagram: @Philip_James_Music
YouTube Search: Philip James
I recommend checking out my cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” with local SD artist Sophia Szentes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Z3pGuo-jG5ziEmNVYr6Wg?
- Phone: 516 780 1586
- Email: PhilipJamesMusic1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philip_james_music
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhilipJamesMusic1
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/philip_james_music
Image Credit:
Kaleb Scott Photographs
Patina Noir Productions
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
