Artist Spotlight
Exclusive Interview With Phillex Stewart – Next Rated Artist
Phillex Stewart is an American artist, and songwriter you need to keep an eye on. We had a chance to interview Phillex Stewart to talk about his career path, and journey in the music industry.
If you aren’t familiar with Phillex Stewart Read more:
Questions and Answers:
- Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Phillex Stewart: I’ve wanted to pursue music for some time now, but I really started taking it seriously last year during Quarantine. I kept praying and asking God what my purpose was. One day I prayed and asked if I should put my energy into pursuing music. Literally not even 5 minutes later I got a text from someone I knew from high school but hadn’t talked to in years. He told me he really messed with my music and to never stop because I’m gonna go far. I took that as a sign to put my all into music and I haven’t looked back since.
- Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
Phillex Stewart: I haven’t had anything too crazy happen to me yet but I do find it interesting how easily you can connect with a total stranger just by them hearing your song. At least twice a week I get a dm from someone I don’t know saying they really like my stuff. I’m always very appreciative of feedback so I always text back and end up having nice conversations.
- Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Phillex Stewart: I’ve made many mistakes but none of them I would consider funny. The closest thing I can think of is when I dropped my first song. I paid for Instagram ads thinking I would get a whole lot of views and streams, spoiler alert, I barely got anything and I was so confused. What I learned from that is that, if you want to boost your views, you have to make a release plan and you can’t just put a little bit money into a song and expect it to take off.
- What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Phillex Stewart: One of my most interesting projects I’m working on is a show I made called “Pretty Girls Listen”. Basically I got a bunch of pretty girls together, played one of my songs, and recorded their reactions to it as well as their thoughts about the song. Episode 1 is out now on my YouTube channel @PhillexStewart, check it out!
- Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Phillex Stewart: I’ve met so many interesting people on my journey I couldn’t possibly name them all, but to name a few, there’s my boy Shawn Senat and my boy Bishop aka Rokkai. Bishop taught me a lot about how the underground music scene works and he really looked out for me and continues to do so. My boy Shawn is just an incredible and inspiring musician who has opened my mind to trying new things with my music.
- Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Phillex Stewart: I’d say, if you’re trying to pursue music as a career and not a hobby, make sure you put a lot of energy into the business and marketing side of music. It sucks but no matter how good your music is, you won’t get far if no one hears it. In regards to burning out, just make sure you take a break when you need it and don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re struggling to make your next song. Sometimes you have to grow as a person before you can pick up the pen and pad again.
- You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
Phillex Stewart: You have to embrace failure. If you haven’t failed, you haven’t done enough. My advice is to revel in the small victories because if you truly understand what you have accomplished, it makes failure less of a hindrance and more of a stepping stone.
- Can you share with our readers any self care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.
Phillex Stewart: I try to workout everyday. Although I dread working out, it’s such a good thing to do and my day doesn’t feel complete without it. It not only strengthens the body but the mind as well and it serves as a reminder that you have to do things you don’t like if you really want to improve yourself.
- What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
Phillex Stewart:
1) There are so many people who are out to scam you!
– I’ve been scammed too many times to count. Make sure you ask a lot of questions and does your research before you pay for something. If someone is guaranteeing you a certain number of streams, its a scam.
2) Learn the business!
-Music is so easy to make now so the market is over saturated. If you want to stand out, you have to put in the work to understand how to market yourself and build a brand.
3) Focus on singles, not mixtapes!
-When people don’t know who you are, it’s way easier to get them to listen to a single than it is to get them to listen to your whole mixtape.
4) Don’t just drop songs, create a personalized release strategy!
-People are more willing to check out your song if they’ve been seeing you creatively market it prior to its release. Put in the extra effort to make people excited for when you drop music and you will see a big difference.
5) Understand that everyone won’t like your stuff, and that’s okay!
-Everyone likes different stuff and while the goal is to make music that most people will like, understand that you can’t please everyone and what makes one person dislike your song could be the same thing that makes another person like it.
- Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Phillex Stewart: “There’s more than one way to skin a cat”. I probably say this to myself every day. When things aren’t working out in my life, I always remind myself that there are multiple ways to do something. So if what I’m doing isn’t working, I need to change my perspective on it in order to create a new solution.
- None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Phillex Stewart: There are a few people who, without them, I wouldn’t have made it this far without my family who always support me, and my best friends Nia Luke and Byron (Martez) Barkley, who believed in me since day 1. But the person who pushes me the most is my best friend and producer, PJ. If I hadn’t met him, I would’ve stopped making music a long time ago. He’s an amazing musician and we always challenge each other to become better, not settling for anything less.
- You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amounts of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Phillex Stewart: If people would just listen I feel like a lot of problems would be solved. Most people are just trying to get their own point across and instead of listening; they’re just waiting for the other person to finish talking. My movement would be all about getting people to truly try understand others and not dismissing them just because of a difference in opinion.
- We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂
Phillex Stewart: I would love to have lunch with Pharrell. I love his music and I value his longevity. I would love to hear what he thinks about my music and get his input on it.
14 How can our readers follow you online?
Phillex Stewart: Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @Phillex_stewart
Subscribe to my YouTube channel, Phillex Stewart
And add me on snap @phillex9
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Hannah Johnson delivers dazzling retro Pop brilliance in her debut EP “Lifetime”
“Lifetime,” the long-awaited debut EP of Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Hannah Johnson, firmly establishes an irresistible blend of soulful richness with retro pop vibes and heartfelt storytelling. Recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Appomattox, Virginia, the EP introduces audiences to Hannah’s distinctive sound, offering an introspective musical journey through love, self-discovery, and emotional resilience.
Comprising a five-track release, the EP showcases a compelling fusion of heartfelt lyricism commencing with the mesmerizing opening single, “Slow Motion,” which sets the stage for timeless melodies and delicate yet enchanting vocals that invite listeners to immerse themselves in her world of introspective rhythms, where time and emotions invested in romantic bonding are paused or put in slow motion. The follow-up track, “Mine, Pt. 2,” seamlessly merges infectious R&B vibes infused with pop-driven hooks, demonstrating Hannah’s knack for crafting a soothing and danceable anthem that effortlessly bridges genres radiating vulnerability and empowerment.
At the heart of the EP lies “I Do,” a charming ode to love and devotion imbued with optimism and warmth. Its lyrics speak directly to those who crave affection, making it a tender yet impactful anthemic undertone for anyone navigating relationships searching for validation. The narrative deepens with the fourth track, “Push Me Away,” an emotionally charged song highlighting Hannah’s talent for creating vivid, cinematic moments while exploring the dynamics between intimacy and distance, engaging the audience with her introspective songwriting.
The EP concludes with the fifth track, “Lifetime,” a sonic reflection of her enduring commitment to lifelong love and embodying her evolution as an artist. With its lush production and evocative lyricism, the closing track leaves a lasting impression, encapsulating Hannah’s bold pursuit of following her dreams, which is evident in this release and leaves listeners eager for more from a rising star.
Each song exhibits meticulous craftsmanship, brimming with genuineness and reflecting her profound devotion to music. She skillfully combines classic influences and shimmering melodies with contemporary sensibilities, immersing her audience in a nostalgic and authentically original sound. This remarkable debut offers a promising glimpse into the future and positions Hannah as an artist worth watching, poised to make a significant impact in the music scene. It is highly recommended for pop music fans searching for intriguing soul-stirring melodies.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Hannah Johnson’s EP “Lifetime“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
Single Review: Luanne Hunt “Ghosts of a Simpler Time”
Luanne Hunt’s “Ghosts of a Simpler Time” is a heartfelt ode to nostalgia, weaving a longing for the past with reflections on the present. In an era where life feels increasingly chaotic, Hunt’s song serves as a soothing balm, evoking imagery of backyard barbecues, fireflies, and carefree summer nights—all classic symbols of Americana that many listeners will identify with.
The song’s lyrics, like in the opening verse, offer a clear visual of an idyllic past: “Backyard barbecues and fireworks, pride for the Stars and Stripes, forty-fives and faded jeans, little league and apple pie.” These are not just personal memories; they represent a collective yearning for a time when life was simpler and values felt more grounded. The chorus further emphasizes this longing, posing the question, “Where is our America?” and lamenting the fleeting nature of those golden days.
Musically, “Ghosts of a Simpler Time” feels firmly rooted in Americana and country, with a melody that captures the wistfulness of its subject matter. Hunt’s warm, tender vocal delivery is both genuine and comforting, making the listener feel as though they are being invited into a personal conversation about shared experiences. There’s a natural beauty in how her voice conveys a sense of both loss and hope, capturing the melancholic but fond reflection on simpler days.
The second verse continues this evocative imagery: “Catchin’ fireflies beneath the stars, fallin’ in love on summer nights, library books and radios, American dreams shinin’ bright.” These lyrics tap into universal experiences, painting a picture of innocence and youthful optimism. There’s a sense of purity and peace in these memories that contrasts with the modern world’s complexity and confusion.
What makes the song truly poignant is its subtle commentary on the present day, most notably in the bridge: “Lately there’s a shadow, growing across the land, and there’s bound to be a price to pay, these changes we don’t understand, tell me how we bear the weight.” Here, Hunt speaks to the disorientation many feel in today’s world—rapid societal changes, a sense of division, and the loss of familiar cultural touchstones. Yet, she doesn’t dwell in bitterness; instead, she reflects, inviting listeners to find solace in remembering the past, while grappling with the challenges of today.
Overall, “Ghosts of a Simpler Time” is a beautifully crafted song that blends personal reflection with cultural commentary. It resonates not just because it reminisces about the past, but because it connects those memories to the emotions many are feeling today. In doing so, it reminds us that while the world may have changed, the values of love, community, and simple joys can still offer comfort, even if only through memories.
For a deeper dive into nostalgia with a modern twist, check out “The Forgotten Arm” (2005) by Aimee Mann. This concept album also reflects on past struggles and simpler times but through the lens of a fading love and life’s complexities, blending Americana and rock with haunting lyricism.
–Ralph Morris
