Artist Spotlight: Phillip Vo
We took a few moments to learn a bit more from one of our newest additions to the Songfinch Artist Community, Phillip Vo. In our interview, Phillip gives us the scoop on his latest release, some of the artists he looks up to, new music for us to check out and more. Let’s get started!
Thank you for taking some time to chat with us! Let’s kick things off by telling us a little about yourself and how music became a part of your life.
Thanks for having me! My name is Phillip Vo, and I’m a college student from Mobile, AL. I love sports, crazy socks, and coffee dates. Growing up, I played music in church (mostly in the churches my dad pastored at). I started writing songs in middle school, and then started playing house shows/writing seriously in college.
We are really excited to have you as a part of the Songfinch artist community. What has been your favorite part so far about writing for Songfinch?
I love being able to use my songwriting ability to make something that I know will impact the listener in a truly unique and meaningful way. It’s a really special thing, and because of all of the memories and inspiration provided beforehand, it makes things easier for me and sets up the song to mean a lot to someone.
With all that is going on in the world, how have you adapted to the music industry? What are you doing to remain connected with your fans and win over new ones?
It’s been hard but fun to figure out how to operate during these crazy times. I think using social media has been a fun way to connect with old friends, as well as create new friendships with listeners who are kind enough to reach out to me. I’ve also tried to pace myself, because there are so many people live-streaming nowadays that the internet is starting to become a little oversaturated with content; so I think now is probably the best time to sit back a little and create just to create/take things a little slower.
You recently released your “Sophomore Year” EP. Tell us about that project and the feedback thus far.
Man, I am super proud of what we were able to come up with. Me and my two great friends/producers Quinn Redmond and Brian Wight basically worked with my crazy schedule because of school, and I’d come up on the weekends and track, and then drive back to school on Sunday nights to make it to class on time. I wrote the 4 songs that are on the EP over the course of my sophomore year in college, and I think you can somehow feel/hear that in the songs. There have been so many kind people who have reached out to me to tell me about a song that impacted them, or a lyric that they resonated with; that’s definitely been a great feeling, and I’m so appreciative that anyone would listen to anything I make.
What is your favorite moment or experience from your music career thus far?
I think my favorite moment so far has been opening for my friend Jordy Searcy in Auburn this last year (before COVID). He’s been such a great help to me and a great friend, and there was just a magical atmosphere in the venue that night that helped push me forward amidst my fear (it was the biggest crowd I had ever played for). Would love to play that show again!!
If you could collaborate with any songwriter, producer or artist, who would it be and why?
I’d love to sit down and write a song with Randy Newman. I respect him so much, and I know I would be a better musician after writing with him.
Who are some of your favorite artists right now? Who is dominating your playlists?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Lauv and Julia Michaels lately. They’re basically two of the best writers in all of pop music right now (I think) and if I could take their methods/song structures but put a message that’s important to me behind them, I think there could be something really special that comes out of it.
What are some key pieces of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
I would say remember why you are doing what you do often, and evaluate that consistently; if you forget the why, then you might be tempted to quit, do things for the wrong reasons, or do things the wrong way. Also work really hard; everyone needs to get their 10,000 hours in for any kind of sustainable success. Also, remember to love people.
Anything else that you’d want to let the readers know?
If you’ve made it this far, I just want to thank you for reading to get to know me a little better and it would mean the world if you gave my music a listen, or followed me Spotify/Instagram! And thanks to Songfinch for trusting me enough to allow me to write songs that mean so much to other people.
Interested in having Phillip create you a personalized song?
We hope you’ve learned a bit more about Phillip Vo. If you’re interested in getting a personalized song created by Phillip, feel free to click the link below and let us know in your submission. We’ll be sure to pass it to him to work on.
