After spending the last few years turning out a wealth of bright and inventive delights, US artist Nashville Phil is back to deliver his take on the traditional Christmas tune with 'Swerve Me Again'.
Blending traditional festive elements with a more tongue-in-cheek aesthetic, 'Swerve Me Again' makes for a wonderfully fun listen. With its bold and bouncing energy perfectly set to his breezy vocal style throughout, this is the perfect new addition to your Christmas playlist this year.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I guess that would’ve been my mother’s voice – she’d sing show tunes and such – she loved musicals – I recall South Pacific, Calamity Jane, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma! all on 12” vinyl LPs. Also Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was born in 1956 so I’m practically as old as rock and roll. I listened to everything from Country (Chuck Berry knocked me out) through blues, R&B and soul, Motown, the British beat groups . . . then all through the seventies – amazing times.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music by Ray Charles.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Just the one?? That’s not fair! Well, I love songs which tell a story, so maybe Harper Valley PTA.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Hook first! I’ll begin with a lyric phrase and try to make it sticky, mess around with the rhythm and the contour until it locks in. Songs often reveal themselves while I’m out walking – steady footsteps give me the backbeat. I mostly have the lyric before the melody, and I generally have the melody before the chords.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
They’re nearly all dead and the ones who are still alive are past their peak, so it’s legacy recordings for me.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I’ll open for whoever calls me first!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Frankly, I’m hopeless on guitar – I just chunk and chop, and I can’t sing worth a damn – I’m a songwriter who does just enough to put it over, so working with a band is a beautiful thing.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Getting decent gigs.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t bore us, get to the chorus; and whatever you do, don’t quit.
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Nashville Phil's new single 'Swerve Me Again' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.