Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I was born in Cheshire England of Liverpudlian parents. My Dad comes from an Irish musical family so I do believe’ it’s in the blood ‘or soul lol! He raised my younger brother and I (who’s a killer guitarist) on many genres of music from Classical( Beethoven, Chopin, Vivalidi etc), to Jonny Cash, Eddie Cochran ,The Carpenters, John Denver, Elvis, Bee Gees, and on it went, so rather a huge assortment with strong melodies everywhere.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover the “PHIL LIAM PROJECT”?
A: That’s a bit of a hard one at my ripe old age lol, but for now Phil Liam Project is a studio and online endeavor as it would take about 4 keyboard players and a drummer to pull it off on a live stage. So for now I have 2 Dear friends who take turns helping me create videos for my songs which is a real blessing and helps me concentrate mostly on the music at this time. So through videos, forums, YT all those sorts of things I try share what I create. I guess a message for new listeners would be ‘don’t expect 25 minute pieces of music’ as think my longest is about 9 1/2 minutes, I have this phobia of boring people lol! Be prepared for sonic soundscapes with some fun twists and turns and again lots of melody.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: There are many. My newest synthwave discovery are from I believe Holland and called “Sounds Of Snow” those two guys are amazing sonic texturalists and the sound colours they get incredible,it’s just ambient bliss coming form my speakers! My inspiration seems to come out of nowhere ,nearly every time I plug in my keys or guitar, I come up with something or is that channel something? I have so many ideas and half finished pieces it’s nearly overwhelming but it’s a real labour of love. I get inspired from real life, films,books, shows and my fave artists who range from Tangerine Dream, Mike Oldfield, Ultravox, Delerium ( from Canada), Gary Numan, Enya, Clannad) hey 2 Irish artists! Abba at least for this project. My other project is more guitar based on another channel.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind, “EUPHORIC.”?
A: No super deep message really, I just wanted to write something that was 1) Funky/Beaty, 2) slightly Ambient, 3) somewhat contemporary and accessible. It seems to have taken on a life of its own as it seems a bit of a cross pollination of genres, starting with a distinct 80’s vibe, then a little House, Techno and Rave thrown in for good measure, of course with that ‘Ambience’. I think it has a very positive nearly joyful mood and been told by some that it makes them want to dance.So it’s a modern ‘EDM feelgood piece’ of music you could say. So far it’s one of two funky songs on my forthcoming album called “Rendezvous” while the rest are mostly instrumental ‘Soundscape’ pieces if you like. I thought having a commercial song or two may make someone take notice and here we are ,Cheers!
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: ” Atmospheric”
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “EUPHORIC”?
A: Actually except for a few slight software glitches no not a lot.This song came together rather quickly and all four sections seemed to write themselves and fit beautifully side by side, so a quite seamless transition from one section to the next with great continuity. It was definitely one of my easiest to write and very enjoyable.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Since this particular project has virtually no deep lyrics and only a few vocal samples I would say each song has a particular mood or flavour so I hope it is inspiring, or at least relaxing for listeners except for the two dancey tracks which of course I’d love to see DJ’s spinning and have the younger crowd shaking their bums to! My longterm goals would be to get my music into successful TV ads, a big TV show theme, films and documentaries. A friend of mine always says she sees my song ‘Airspace’ in a travel commercial! I already achieved one goal getting 2 songs into a tiny show here in Canada called “When Paintings Come Alive” in 2016 and 2017,that was an honour!
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Do I have to choose? LOL. My first would be British New Wave band “The Fixx” I just love those guys ,such excellent songwriting! They create Pop/New Wave music with real mood, deep lyrics and such beauty, plus I met them twice they’re lovely lads and dare I say it should be much more well known than for just their massive hit ‘One Thing Leads To Another’ in the 80’s. Other artists would be Thin Lizzy if Phil was still alive they’re my fave band of all time, Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd could add another dimension to my sound, Gary Numan who’s a huge influence and on it goes. Sorry for the extended answer lol!
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Try to play live and get a feel for the performing asepct and play a varierty of styles,that way you are exposed to a wider realm of influence which could actually make your own composing more universal and mature. It also gives you a taste of the musical community to see where you fit as a musician and helps determine which direction you’d like to pursue.
The other bit would be to make sure your recordings are as high quality as you humanly can do as you need to sound somewhat professional to even stand a chance of being heard in this crowded industry. If you have a quality product then do not let anyone tell you ‘no you can’t ‘ because you just may ….right? The other is be patient and don’t expect immediate results (I should know at my age lol),good manners and be professional helps. Never forget anyone who helps you along the way.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: I would advise not spending too many years in Cover Bands playing the same Top 40 songs every other band is playing down the street unless the money is very good lol. I look back and often think I may have finished a few albums by now, if I’d spent more time just doing that. If you love songwriting you need to put many hours into it to get it to a certain standard. Though today’s technology is incredible and allows one to write, record, re-arrange ,edit, mix and produce often by yourself, it can take hundreds of hours. However the end result is worth it especially when you get wonderful compliments online! You have to love creating and I truly do.