“The message I want fans to take away from my music is there is a hope and a reason to keep going, and it’s OK to dance along the way,” Carl B. Phillips said in a recent interview.
Carl B. Phillips is an independent artist who just released his new single “Heaven Help Us All,” which is now out on all streaming platforms everywhere.
The latest single is a cover of the Stevie Wonder song “Heaven Help Us All.” According to Phillips, he chose to sing a cover to this song because he wanted to express his feelings on the recent world events in regards to the Black Lives Matter movement, COVID-19, and protests happening across the nation.
“I selected this song to share my thoughts on what’s going on in the world today from COVID-19 to injustices,” he said. “I am joined on the song by my friends and fellow gospel artists Stephen Anderson and James Murray.”
The Detroit, Michigan based artist said that he had always loved music from an early age, and that he believes that he has a sound and a message in his music that inspires others.
“I am inspired when someone tells me I listened to your song recently and it helped me through a difficult time in my life,” he said.
Keep reading to learn more about Carl B. Phillips and his journey in music so far.
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
Born and raised in Detroit, MI. Still living in Detroit.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
From a child I’ve always loved music. My parents played Motown, Aretha, and the Blues when I was growing up. I was introduced to gospel music in the early 70s through Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace album. After becoming a choir director in 1976, my passion for gospel music increased and the birth of songwriting to tell my own testimonies and stories was born.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
Most definitely, growing up in the Detroit gospel music scene in the 70s and 80s gave me exposure to the beginning careers of now legendary gospel artist such as the Clark Sisters, Commissioned, The Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Thomas Whitfield. I also had the opportunity to see several artists who paved the way for the next generation including Mattie Moss Clark, Rev. Charles Nicks, and my mentor Donald Vails. The mixture of traditional and contemporary artist I listened to and followed help to define the sound I have today.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My sound is a mixture of traditional gospel music with a groove. I love the late 70s R&B from Kool & The Gang, Sly and the Family Stone and The Ohio Players. I like to incorporate those types of grooves into my music. I also write songs which are scriptural based. You may hear the groove first but when you listen to the lyrics you will hear scriptures which speak life.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
My reason for being passionate about my music is I believe I have a sound and a message in my music which if people take the time to listen it will inspire the listener. I am inspired when someone tells me I listened to your song recently and it helped me through a difficult time in my life.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Prior to the pandemic one of my hobbies was traveling to eat. I have a goal of eating in all 50 states. I’ve eaten in 34 states so far. As an introvert to stay creative I have to create a space in my schedule to dream, be it going for a walk, or a drive, or just sitting in the park people watching.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Some of my main musical influences are from gospel music The Clark Sisters, Donald Vails, John P. Kee, and Donald Lawrence. From R&B my influences are Michael Jackson, Sly & The Family Stone, producer Norman Whitfield and Berry Gordy.
What are some of your music career goals for the future?
One of my future music goals is to complete either an EP or just to continue to drop singles.
What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?
I’ve always wanted to be recognized for being a writer. Two projects come to mind which showcase my writing skills. The first is the single “After All These Years” by gospel singer Freddi Rene. The song was released last year and I am one of the writers along with Gregory Pearson and Gabriel Young. The other project is from the 80s by gospel artist Esther Smith. The song I co-wrote with Donny Russell, “Go And Minister To The Lost,” allowed me to see my first royalty check.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
Next for me, I’m wrapping up the video for “Heaven Help Us All” hoping to release the video in a couple of weeks. Also, once things settle looking forward to recording some new music.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
The message I want fans to take away from my music is there is a hope and a reason to keep going, and it’s OK to dance along the way.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Website: http://www.carlbphillips.com
Facebook Music Page: https://www.facebook.com/carlbphillipsmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlBPhillips
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlbphillips/
