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

Hi Tim, why did you pursue a creative career?
I think everyone’s experience is different, and each experience is unique. We don’t have definite rules on persistence, and giving up. When I decided to come back to music full time it was during a rough patch where working to improve my professional life was feeling stagnant. I remember waking up and just not being happy anymore. So, I went out, bought another drum set and started practicing again. I booked a small jazz gig not too long after and after playing in front of a crowd and feeling that vibe again I just knew this is where I need to stay.

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.
I think with all music…Playing drums specifically for me now that things are becoming more digital and electronic it’s kind of like a puzzle or game. When an artist reaches out and wants live drums on their EP/LP and the sample tracks are full of 808’s. The best part is breaking that down into something that still gives the artist that feeling but is still a good representation of what I can do as a musician. If you are going to do this kind of thing or be involved in any creative role you really cannot go in halfway. If you are going to record or play live you have the mindset that you get to do something you love so have fun. And if you are going to go into a studio to record, speak up about what you need to be successful. Don’t be afraid to ask for a run through with the band or the artist you are working for before the tape starts going. Even if the engineers don’t like it an extra 20-30 minutes of notes with the band can ultimately keep you on for repeat business. I tell everyone I am the best O.K-est drummer. This isn’t because I don’t practice or know certain genres of music. It’s because I enjoy any percussion I can find in a track so there isn’t much I can’t listen to. I have influences from everywhere that clash with some things and others especially with pop music that just seem to work really well. End of the day I just want to have fun making music and that’s where I stay at mentally with any project I am on.

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?
I Have to start the day at Java Vino. I’ve been going there for coffee since 2011 and I’ve no intention of stopping now. There is so much to do in the city but we are dealing with a pandemic so it really depends but for me walking down Wylie St. and checking out any murals or going to the High Art Museum are how I’d introduce any of my friends to the city that haven’t been here before. At some point go to Piedmont and Centennial Parks. And because it’s the last restaurant I ate at with my dad, Bones for dinner at least one day. There is so much to look at in this city I really have no idea how to fit it all in a week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The band Another Year Unknown. In a weird way that was the best decision they could have made. It allowed me to work with so many other artists and styles of music. To the point where even in these crazy times for bands and music artists I’ve still had weekly gigs. I’ve still been able to record for artists. My musical journey branched out further and I’ve gotten to work with some really amazing up and coming artists because of it. Ben, Mike, and Tracy from Taj Tom from Last Leg Cole and Devan from Snowblind Christian from KellyTown My siblings Raffi, Ilyse, Devin, G, Isaac. The random checkups and support when I forget to slow down and breathe. Megan for probably being the best supporter of all of this. To have someone say go for it whenever a new artist reaches out or a new project presents itself does a lot and I appreciate everything that comes with that. My Uncle Mike, Aunt Yolie and everyone at National Divine just gave me a creative outlet and worked with me when I finally decided that I was going to make being a musician more than just a dream again.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timphillips_drums/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timphillips_drums-108124734067912/
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCpgUDmiRoH_Z0SGoIf66UiQ
Other: https://collisiondrumsticks.com/artists/tim-phillips/

Image Credits
John Schultz – @just_only_john

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