We recently connected with PHEN and have shared our conversation below.

PHEN, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Some of the most meaningful projects I have ever worked on are actually projects that haven’t even been released to the world yet.

The first being my debut album, “FOOTING IN THE CLOUDS”. I started writing it at the end of 2021, and I’ve had the chance of watching every song go through a process of molding into the songs they are today. The album takes what was the year of 2021 for me, and puts it into a chronological story. You see the end of a relationship, the inability to let go, the way it impacted my view of myself, my faith, values, and ultimately seeing that when I thought I was failing, I was actually growing. That album is just about complete, 3 and a half years later, and I cannot wait to share it with the world.

The second being an unnamed, unreleased album that I am currently co producing for my friend and artist, Clove. Clove is a wonderful lyricist and songwriter from CNY. Recently, I convinced her to come to the studio to see what her, myself and our friend Steve could create together. That one studio session, that one song, led to us embarking on a journey to produce Clove’s first ever full length album. We’re still producing it currently, and it is truly one of the most special projects I have ever been a part of. Every song hits an aspect of the soul that is sure to leave every listener beautifully devastated.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a pop artist born and raised in Syracuse, NY.

Music has always been a part of my life. My mom was a singer and piano player and I grew up in a church that placed lots of value on music, so it was always around me. I wrote songs as a kid, and growing into my teens, I became more serious about that craft. I decided to pursue it professionally in 2017, after my father encouraged me to not go to college, and pursue my dream of music instead.

For a few years, I’ve just been learning on the fly. Learning about writing, learning about production, learning about live show technology, learning about the industry, formulating what was perceived as my “brand” day to day, on the fly, as I went. I put out a decent amount of music, and had a good handful of successes.

In 2024, I decided to start fresh, start over, start better.. That’s when I became PHEN. For those who may be curious, PHEN, comes from the last four letters of my first name (Stephen).

The music I am writing and planning releases for is music that I hope speaks to an audience that may not be quite sure of where they fit in the world. Personally, I’ve always been the guy that fit in everywhere but also somehow, nowhere. I believe that’s not an individual experience, but one that is shared by many, and I hope my music speaks to them.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I would say two things have formed my reputation: commitment to excellence and emphasis on people.

I have always had a competitive spirit. I never want something I write, produce, a show I perform, to just be another thing, I want everything I do to stand out, to be the best it can be. That has manifested in all facets of my artistry in ways that I am super proud of. In the quality of music I’ve created with my friends, in the advanced approach to how my team performs shows, to the aesthetic I am currently building and refining. I think people take notice of that, that I don’t tend to just throw things together, I take my time, and make sure everything that people hear or see is the absolute best it can be.

I also am just very focused on relational equity in my team members, and in every connection I make. This industry may be about music and art, but it lives and dies on one thing.. people. I think being a good friend, a good listener, a good person comes before any of amount of creativity, any good idea, or any good opportunity. I don’t make friends so I can have a good connection or gain things from them, I genuinely have a desire to know and build connection with people.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Recently I had a show booked at a local venue in my hometown. This would be my first show in my hometown as PHEN.

The night before the show, my drummer contacted me to let me know that he was incredibly sick and he was not going to be able to do the show. Quite a crazy position to be put in with less than 24 hours before the show.

My keys player, my guitar player and I completely reworked the show to be a relaxed, intimate, acoustic show that leaned on improv and crowd work. It honestly was a hit! The vibes were immaculate, the engagement was felt, and everything had a good, chill evening! Not what I envisioned, but that was a welcomed result.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://songsbyphen.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/songsbyphen
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTWgM11csi-ciURz_wHosmg
• Other: Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/phen/1793195023
  Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/70pCFX9rkd4z5wlQxMiItw?si=VSelWixTS-G41qBc_V5c7g

Image Credits

Timmy Saui – he took the performance photo