PHILLIP PHILLIPS

Get to know multi-platinum artist, Albany native, and one of Georgia’s Own, Phillip Phillips. Phillips rose to fame in 2011 with his harmonious hit, “Home.” You may remember his performance, as it is the most successful coronation hit of any American Idol winner to date. Since then, Phillips has released four albums and ten singles, including his most recent, “Love Come Back to Me.” What’s Ne[x]t for Phillip Phillips? Let’s find out.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU LOOK LIKE?

It depends on where I am. If I am home, it is craziness with my three-year-old son, Patch, and my wife, Hannah. I may take work calls or work on an idea, but I try to focus on my family when I am home. If I am on tour, I get a little more sleep and spend most of the day rehearsing before the show.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE.

I am a proud husband and father. My family and I live in Albany, Georgia, where I was born and raised. My wife inspires me. I am a pretty private person. I keep my circle small. I have kept the same friends since I was a kid. Enjoying a good meal with friends and family is one of my favorite ways to spend time.

GROWING UP, WERE YOU ALWAYS INTERESTED IN MUSIC?

My brother-in-law played the biggest role in my musical interest—he encouraged me to pursue music. But yes, I have always found joy in music.

WHEN DID YOU START PERFORMING?

My senior year of high school.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST SONG YOU WROTE?

The first song I wrote will likely never see the light of day. The first song I wrote that I released was “Hazel.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG YOU’VE EVER WRITTEN?

That’s not a fair question. My favorite song I write will always be the next one.

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR WRITING?

Everyday life and lived experiences inspire me.

YOU HAVE RECENTLY RELEASED TWO NEW SINGLES. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT "DANCING WITH YOUR SHADOWS"? WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION WRITING THIS SONG?

“Dancing with Your Shadows” is about knowing someone so well and being able to see them fall or struggle before they do. I wrote this song during a particularly difficult time with someone in my life. They were going through a lot and in a really dark place. Sometimes, when someone is in that place, they don’t need you to fix it—they just need you to be in it with them. [They need someone] To dance in the shadows with them.

My wife is a therapist. She always talks about how she will climb into the trenches with her people, until they realize they have the tools to climb out themselves. We’ve all danced with our shadows once or twice.

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MUSIC?

When I was 14, I knew my career would be in music. There was nothing else for me.

ASIDE FROM THE GUITAR, WHAT OTHER INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY?

Nothing expert level, but I can pick around on the piano, bass, and other synths.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG MUSICIANS?

Commit your time and practice all day. Eat, sleep, and breathe your craft!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE TO DATE?

Rock in Rio, a recurring music festival in Brazil.

WHEN YOU ARE NOT WRITING MUSIC, ON TOUR, OR PERFORMING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

I enjoy playing pickleball, photography, and anything appreciating the outdoors.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT GEORGIA?

The outdoor opportunities. I love the outdoors.

@PHILLPHILL ON INSTAGRAM

@PHILLIPHILLIPS ON TIKTOK

@PHILLIPS ON TWITTER

LOOK FOR PHILLIP FROM JUNE-NOVEMBER FOR VARIOUS STOPS THIS YEAR IN SUPPORT OF HIS NEW RECORD "DRIFT BACK" OUT AT THE END OF SUMMER!

TELL US A FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU.

I actually cannot read music—I play by ear.

I KNOW YOU ARE A BIG FOODIE, SO WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?

That is too hard. I love Asian food. Izakaya by Katsuya in Los Angeles always tops my list.

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY THREE PEOPLE, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Saul Leiter, Martin Scorsese, and Jimi Hendrix.

IF YOU COULD PERFORM WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

I am superstitious—so I’m keeping this one private.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST FINANCIAL LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN LIFE?

A home is the investment of a lifetime—invest well. Get trusted financial advisors; I have the best.