If there is one album you spend the night awake with this year, let it be ‘Supernova’ from Phil Q. An EP meant to take you away from reality, all while giving way to impressive soundscapes lyricism. We got into why Phil Q. loves to make music meant for that escapism, as well as where in the Bay Area he pens these tracks, and more like perfect date nights.
Kendra: Have you always been drawn to music?
Phil Q.: My whole life I’ve always been drawn to music. The first song I remember listening to was “Got to Get You Into My Life” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Since then I’ve never left the house without music.
I have played piano since I was six and sang since I was 10 with my mom’s karaoke machine. I didn’t realize that music was my passion until I started playing other instruments and producing music at age 16. No matter what phase in my life I’m in, music has always been there for me. And now I get the chance to create something of that caliber, to be the music that can shape someone else positively. Circle of life!
Kendra: Your EP, ‘Supernova’ dropped back in April, and you said it’s the sort of music that makes listeners feel like they’re floating in space. Which, “Dream” is definitely that song for me. With that, if you could float in space (or perhaps you’ve done so in a dream), what would you hope to see?
Phil Q.: That’s a very good question! If I floated in space, It would be for more than just seeing the vast reaches of the universe, which I want to explore. I would also float in space as a form of escape from our world. We live in a world full of all kinds of things: stress, anger, sadness, and the like. Every once in a while it’s nice to escape from it in search for peace and serenity. In space, you can wander the infinite cosmos and find things that you’d never see back on Earth; learn more about the universe and yourself. That’s the kind of world I want to transport my audience to when the “Supernova” EP starts playing.
Kendra: But to bring it back down to earth, I also really enjoyed “Rooftops.” I think if I had to pick a favorite, that’d be it, and it made me want to ask you about the Bay Area. Do you ever write on any rooftops there, or do you do most of your musical work between four walls?
Phil Q.: When I write, it is anywhere BUT the four walls. I usually come up with the best lyrics when I’m immersed in the experience itself. Most of my best work is written on the road on a chill night drive down 880. I would blast the music on repeat, just watching the lights speed by, and I would write because I was in the right headspace to do it. When I wrote rooftop, I thought of the time I was just chilling on a hilltop in the Bay Area with my friends, and where my imagination took me when I looked up at the stars. I just traded the word, “hilltop” for “rooftop.”
Kendra: Other than floating, this album is full of what you like to call “date night anthems.” With that, what do you think is the absolute perfect activity for a first date?
Phil Q.: I’m really glad you asked that! The perfect date night activity for me is speeding down the 880 highway with my date in the passenger seat, just engaged in deep intimate conversation surrounded by chill music. No need to impress each other, no need for all the pressure of a first date. Just us, being vulnerable with each other and confiding in each other. That is when a real connection is usually formed.
Kendra: On top of ‘Supernova,’ you also have another new single, “Dawn to Dusk.” You worked with Khaysie on that. How did you two connect?
Phil Q.: Khaysie and I met one night at the 626 Night Market in Pleasanton. He was a host and I was one of the performers. That was around the time he wanted to begin his music career too! We spent the next 1-2 years sharing the stage in many different places around the Bay Area. Then we figured that it was time to share a song too! That’s when we came together to create the ultimate party song that transitioned from day to night. Khaysie began the song with his pop-inspired daytime party anthem, and I ended with some R&B dance music for the nighttime, representing how the party doesn’t stop, no matter what time it is.
Kendra: Time for a side note: This month I’m asking everyone for a song they listen to when they’re feeling a little lost creativity and are in need of some musical inspiration…
Phil Q.: For me, the song I would mostly listen to is anything in the Are & Be Spotify Playlist whenever I need inspiration. I also branch out to other different genres to figure out how to put together certain elements from different styles to create my unique sound. I can’t pick a song in particular, but anything in that playlist I’d listen to to gain inspiration.
Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Supernova’ and a new single out now, what else can fans be on the lookout for as we roll into summer?
Phil Q.: I’ll be performing all my new music around the Bay so follow my Instagram for more details! I also have a secret summer single coming out very soon, as well as a few other projects on the way! Find me under the name, Phil Q. on all streaming platforms!
