Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Phill Celeste. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Phill, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

It was 2013. I had dropped out of art school, quit my job and decided I wanted to start busking on the street in Baltimore. You see a handful of guitarists, bucket drummers and horn players around town if you pay attention. I told myself I was gonna make it like Tracy Chapman or Benjamin Clementine. Guitar in hand, I walked downtown and began playing a corner by the office buildings around lunchtime. I was quickly approached by police officers on segways, who told me I needed a license to play outside. It would cost 40 bucks. I was waiting on my last paycheck from work and after rent, bills and food, had exactly 40 left in my account. With a big gulp of air, I withdrew my last $40 and went to the Office of Public Works to submit my application. I walked out with a laminated yellow placard displaying my name, stamped by the city of Baltimore. I was officially a busker! I decided to put my license to use outside of a nearby barbershop. Guitar case laid down in front of me, I began to play. Before I finished my first song, a man dropped a 20 in my hat. I made the $40 back and then some and started busking everyday, eventually getting a steady gig at the train station and building up a band.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Phill Celeste aka Life on Planets, a solo artist working in the realm of dance music. I sing, produce, play guitar and write songs about love and magic. I met a house producer in the artist warehouse scene of Baltimore. After creating a small body of work with them, I was tapped to release music on labels like Soul Clap, Studio 54, Fools Gold, Empire and more. I seek to breathe life into musical collaborations with my voice and lyrical content; giving soul and groove to every record. I have played internationally, with recurring shows in countries like Colombia, Spain and Romania. It has been a blessing to travel, meet new people and collaborate around the globe with people from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Other artists. Of course I would always talk about what I’m doing with friends and fellow musicians. But after having big critiques in school, when it came to creation mode I used to keep it very close and private until I was finished making. Over time, I’ve quieted my fearful ego and show my works in progress to my friends, family and collaborators, be they fellow artists or not. I’ve opened up to collaboration when it comes to my art in places that would have been off limits before. When you crack something open and let go of the attachment, something special can emerge. When you have other heads involved the work can go faster and give you more perspective even if its just a small advice halfway through. Whether its affirmation, perspective or criticism, I wish I had been more open to taking my hands off the driver’s wheel earlier in my career. It can be challenging to know when to ignore other opinions or to follow them but that’s a struggle in any aspect of life in this society. Teasing that feedback can show you what’s really important and what you’re holding onto for no reason.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to take my feelings and transmute them into something that can help people. Whether its unwinding and relaxing, getting the courage to dance in front of others, or receiving joy; there are so many ways that music can help and heal us. I want embolden people to be free, to shake off these strange shackles that seem real yet only exist in our minds. It’s not just about music, its a lifestyle. In my neighborhood you might see me wearing a crazy outfit dancing down the street, running around like a monkey doing cartwheels at the park or doing the most on the dance floor at the club. If no one else does, who will? And with a spark, with the example set by someone else, might it change? And what other conversations or feelings can come from that? Through this journey of expression, I hope to answer those questions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lifeonplanets.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeonplanets
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livinglifeonplanets
• Twitter: @lifeonplanetsss
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQIPtLCp7IbCTOed_JC77cMoTfGBv-1qH

Image Credits
Em Walis Jonny Rios Emma Mortimer Pedro Martinez