2017 just started and with each month I have set a goal to discover, and promote up and coming artists. The decision for this month was not hard at all. The minute I heard the smooth and sultry sound of Phiilo I was hooked. The duo from Colorado has recently been making waves in the EDMsphere. The bold flavor of music made by these two coats your ears, eases your mood, and transports you to a serene musical play land.
With Jonny William on the vocals that echo a Marvin Gaye inspired EDM sound, and Nick Carruth’s production, keys, and guitar that not only stand alone but simultaneously complement Johnny’s lyrics in a musical match made in heaven.
I got the chance to ask these game changers a few questions about how these guys met, what we can expect from them, and where they draw their inspiration.
RR – You were originally a four piece, and you decided to continue as duo. Was there a moment that defined the connection in Phiilo? (You just knew you that continuing with just the two of you was the right idea.)
Nick – I’ve played in bands for many years now and always appreciated working and playing with other musicians in a collaborative / improvisational context. The band I was in at the time was looking for a lead singer, then Jonny and I met randomly one night in a bar and he mentioned he actually sang. After he joined, we would hang out after band rehearsals and eventually we just naturally started to explore a fresh way of making music. That’s how Phiilo came about.
RR – If you could perform at any festival what festival would top your charts?
Jonny- If we could play at any music festival in the world, I would definitely choose to play at Electric Forest. Reason being is because it has such an eclectic group of artists, and attendees. EF was the first festival I went to too. Crazy story, a random kid I met there was actually the one who convinced me to move to Colorado haha. From the vibes of the people, to the euphoric feeling of watching Lauryn Hill perform with Stephen Marley… I can’t help but to choose Electric Forest.
RR – My favorite song you have released so far is Higher Places. What was the songs inspiration?
Jonny – Love that this is your favorite song. To be honest, the inspiration derives from thinking about a fantasy, in some crazy way. The first verse, I wanted to speak about a woman that I’d met in person. (But really in fiction) I kind of made up a scenario that we were in, and went with it from there. The second verse, talks about a personal experience I had with someone at the school I went to in Denver. She was a girl I saw a couple times a week while getting coffee. I looked at her, she looked back…you know. That game that we all play.
RR – Do you draw any inspiration from any specific artist or genre of music?
Nick – We draw inspiration from all kinds of different genres of music. Production wise, we draw inspiration from artists like Odesza, Flume, Disclosure, and local artists like Illenium, Big G, and Said The Sky.
Jonny – Songwriting wise, we draw inspiration from artists like Jon Bellion, Miguel, and even John Mayer. I grew up listening to a lot of Frank Sanatra, and Neo-Soul / Jazz music..
Nick – Ya I grew up on a lot of jazz, blues, and even some jam-bands.
RR – How did the both of you meet?
Nick – Funny enough, we randomly met one night at a bar in Boulder, CO. Jonny had just moved to Colorado and a mutual friend introduced us. Right away we hit it off and even went out partying that night and hit the studio together the next day.
RR – If you can see Phiilo five years into the future what would be your ideal vision?
Jonny – In 5 years, I see Phiilo selling out MSG. We’re starting to pick up a lot of traction in Colorado and we’re hoping that our music will continue spreading across the state and eventually the country. We offer a sound that I don’t think anyone else in the industry has really done; live vocals, all original music, live guitar and drums, all mixed with a banging electronic sound. We strive to not just be another electronic DJ duo spinning the same old hits you hear at every DJ set, we really want to offer a whole new experience that we feel is lacking in a lot of places.
Keep your eye on this duo. I predict big things in their future, 2017 will take Phiilo places.
Connect with Phiilo:
facebook.com/phiilomusic
twitter.com/phiilomusic
instagram.com/phiilomusic/
soundcloud.com/phiilomusic/
Share On
