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

Hi Phil, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Arthur C. Clarke’s quote comes to mind: “The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them to the impossible.”

To me, life is about discovery and learning. This quote reminds me to stay curious.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I graduated from Full Sail Center for the Recording Arts (now Full Sail University) in 1990 and immediately moved to Atlanta to begin an internship at Soundscape Studios. It was there that I met many of the insanely talented musical creators that I continue to work with to this day. Among them: Jermaine Dupri, LA Reid, Usher, Outkast, Organized Noize, TLC, Toni Braxton and Dallas Austin.

I’ve been working in the recording industry ever since.

Along the way I’ve been the lucky recipient of three Grammy Awards (Mariah Carey’s “The Emancipation of Mimi,” Best Contemporary R&B Album, 2006; Ludacris’ “Release Therapy,” Best Rap Album, 2007; Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World), Best Dance Recording, 2011), along with 14 other nominations.

My goal for every mix that I do is the same: to make sure my clients’ creative visions are realized. All the creative decisions I make are in service to the song. Is the message coming across? Is the energy right? What can I do to give this track a unique voice that sets it apart from all the others in the marketplace?

Like most professional journeys in life there are ups and downs. My career is no different. I choose to view all of it as a learning process. As director James Cameron once said, “Failure has to be an option in art and in exploration, because it’s a leap of faith. And no important endeavor that required innovation was done without risk. You have to be willing to take those risks.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Georgia Aquarium (georgiaaquarium.org). I love this place. I can spend hours just marveling at the beauty here.

BoccaLupo (boccalupoatl.com). Come hungry.

Umi (umiatlanta.com). Delectable.

Bacchanalia (starprovisions.com/bacchanalia). Still one of the best.

Food tour at Ponce City Market and along the Beltline.

Pyng Ho (pynghorestaurant.com). If you’re here around the Chinese New Year definitely book a table for the multi-course feast.

The Busy Bee Cafe (thebusybeecafe.com). A must for soul food.

Dragon Con (dragoncon.org) if the visit coincides. Great people-watching.

An Atlanta United game (during MLS season).

A Braves game (during MLB season).

A Hawks game (during NBA season).

A Falcons game (during NFL season).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jermaine Dupri is the biggest reason I have a career in music. We met at Atlanta’s Soundscape Studios (now Stankonia) in 1991 and we’ve been working together ever since.

Industry veterans Thom Kidd, Darin Prindle and Rick Sheppard. I couldn’t have done it without their mentorship. I will always hold them in high regard. Our friendships remain strong to this day.

Jon Marett, owner and manager of the aforementioned Soundscape Studios. He welcomed me as an intern straight out of school when every other studio I called ignored me.

Website: philtan.com

Image Credits
Full Sail University Cara Pastore

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves rec