Biography
After fronting bands for well over a decade, Lindsay Phillips changed direction. Armed only with a guitar and a handful of arresting songs he stepped back onto the stage as a solo artist. If you are fortunate enough to see him perform, it is his voice, all gravel and melodic charm, that will pin you. His songs are laments - haunted offerings to the lost souls of love. Whilst committing himself with integrity to this theatre of the romantic-macabre, Phillips still manages worthwhile achievements. He has played countless shows throughout Australia, toured North America and Europe twice, self recorded/released two EPs, and has been included in showcase performances at Popkomm 2006 in Berlin and NXNE 2007 in Toronto.
His debut album VARNING is available now on vinyl, CD and digital through Departed Sounds - distributed by Other Tongues. Recorded live to 2-inch tape in one day and described as "a minimalist affair set in sonic widescreen", VARNING stands as a testament to Lindsay Phillips as an artist and performer. Work is currently in progress on the follow up longplayer TAEDIUM VITAE, produced by Myles Mumford.
-Excerpts from an article by Stuart Reedy (Independent)
In his own words…
"As a songwriter and performer for well over 20 years, I could say that I have finally found my place in this world as a solo artist - that's how I like it, and for now, that's how it will remain.
Everybody wants to play in a band…it's exciting - you go onstage as a unit - you're with your comrades in the studio, all focused on one vision. Or so we'd like to think.
I've managed to cover quite a few angles. Was a piper in the Flinders Shire Caledonian Pipe Band from the age of 8 through til I was 15. Learnt some piano and clarinet, sang in the choir, but when I was given a guitar at age 11, that was it.
The next 15 years of my life were devoted to writing for and fronting bands. Did death metal in the early 90's…rock 'n' roll either side of that.
Five years ago I decided I'd had enough. Visions of musical direction splinter, as do time and financial constraints. In general - personal commitment was lacking, I'd thought.
In response I have simplified my life, and in one way or another everything I do benefits my work as a solo writer and performer. I believe that I'm writing the most inspired material of my career, and in re-learning the art of live performance have vastly outstripped any sort of showmanship that I might have mustered in the past.
People have told me many things over the years. One of them mentioned that 'nobody wants to watch solo artists - they wanna see bands.'
I don't believe a word of it.
Lindsay Phillips"
"…Phillips has come out of nowhere with this wrenching first album of gallows folk. It’s quite literally timeless." Doug Wallen - Mess + Noise
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