Meet Phil Beach | Music Artist, Poet, & Community Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phil Beach and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phil, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The reason I pursued an artistic and creative career is because of the freedom of expression that accompanies it, that feeling of creating is what drives me. I can’t imagine myself not creating or utilizing my creativity In my workspace, with the youth I work with, with my peers, and other creative spaces I create to aid in building the artistic and creative community in my hometown of Savannah, GA. I also have to credit the arts and my creative endeavors with playing a role in balancing and maintaining a health mental state. Sharing my craft and empowering others to do in their creativity potential for numerous reasons is something I eat, sleep, and breathe.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
During the day I am a Community Programs Leader for the City of Savannah, at the Pennsylvania Ave Resource Center. It brings me an overwhelming abundance of joy to bring my creativity to the resource center and our youth, adult, and senior members. It is the perfect use of my drive to create and help others explore their creativity, whether it be for fun or for potential creative career endeavors. My creative and community journey began with the creation of a non profit organization, The Indigos,Inc., which was founded by myself and a few creative colleagues. Our initiative was to bring the community artist and the community of Savannah together and bridge the necessary gap. Creating the space for artist in the community to give back as well as mentor and inspire the youth of the community through volunteering, various youth/family oriented creative events, and community give back. My message is simple, we all face life’s hardships, some more than others, the art and creativity allow me to be true to my passions while also shedding light on those that may need it as I did as a youth. I wouldn’t be where or who I am today if I hadn’t be taken in by community members, enrichment programs, and genuine artist who cared to show me how to use my creativity to save my own life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now we are talking, if you were to come to my neck of the woods, here in Savannah, Ga, I would start our trip off with brunch at “Huey’s on the River”, enjoying their beignets and mimosas. We would sight see and walk the boardwalk of River St., visiting the select local shops along the way. “Sorry Charlies” would be a definite happy hour stop for an amazing oyster bar and drinks on the roof top bar. Continuing our trip, we would have to visit Tybee Island and enjoying the tranquility of North Beach and the quaint town of Tybee. Leaving the beach, picking up some oxtails made to perfection from “Kreole Kitchen” on Victory Drive is a must. Ending our night with a few drinks a “Bar Bar”. Moving closer to the middle of the week, night life would have us partying until about 3am, with a great selections of bars and clubs in walking distance from each other. “51 Degrees”, “Pour Larry’s”, and “309 West”, to name a few. Returning back downtown to enjoy the scenery and shops located closer to Broughton Street area, as the location and the surrounding squares are rich in history, maybe not the best history but experiencing it is still a must. They wouldn’t be my friend if they didn’t stop by “Stafford’s Public House” to enjoy an amazing night of creativity, as I host an open mic in the downtown area for local creatives. We would also have to visit “201 Tapas”, a seafood restaurant and lounge, while dancing the night away to the vibes of DJ Carlito Baby. More creativity you say, of course, so we stop by the ‘Starland Yard” in the Starland District for another amazing show hosted by the Spitfire Poetry Group.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to give a shout out to my label founder/ceo and also music artist, “Quailz P’, real name Zaquel Lawrence. At the current place I am myself and music, and where I really want to see myself creatively, this gentleman has been a huge light for me on the path. From his guidance and support, not only as label exec but as a friend, he has pushed and challenged me to grow my brand as an artist, navigate the music industry, and also increase my quality of life as a human, a black man, and a creative.

Website: www.itsphilbeach.com

Instagram: @itsphilbeach

Twitter: @itsphilbeach

Facebook: @itsphilbeach

Image Credits
All Photo Credit: Emerald Arguelles