A diverse album featuring alternative rock, reggae and pop

12 MP3 Songs in this album (42:55) !
Related styles: ROCK: Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, REGGAE: Smooth Reggae

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Details:
When Philip 7 hits the stage the last thing one would expect to hear is the raw, edgy alternative rock sound he has become best known for. With locks like a lionâs mane cascading down his back, and smooth chocolate skin stretched over well defined muscles this walking anomaly has carved a niche for himself in a musical genre not typically known for its West Indian roots. He is arguably among the best alternative vocalists in Barbados whose raw vocal talent began to bloom over a decade ago when he began performing with the local R&B acappella group Suave. Here is where the gradual roll out of his vocal range and versatility began.


Shortly after the break up of Suave, Philip was invited to audition for the blues and soul band âAcoustic Blueâ. Needless to say, the audition was successful and Philipâs growth and evolution as an artiste began. It was also with Acoustic Blue that he got bitten by the rock bug. They were brave, crazy, in your face and undaunted. It was in this environment that Philip felt he had outgrown playing covers and yearned to play original music. Eventually gaining a spot on the local nightclub circuit the band changed its name to Le Groove and began performing at McBrideâs Irish pub, St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados. Under the name Le Groove, Philip recorded six original tracks notably âWithout Youâ and âWhere Were Youâ. The singles became a staple on local radio and one could say here is where Philipâs local fan base began to grow.


Philipâs journey continued as a vocalist with the Toni Norville Project, further impressing audiences with his range of sweet R&B and reggae vocals. Such was his passion for the stage that he teamed up with singer Kirk Browne and formed the band âStrategyâ. This partnership cemented Philip as a local star of the stage and allowed him to work on his performance skills as he became a weekly feature at various venues across the island.


After a year with Strategy, Philip decided to return to the genre that brought him the most satisfaction. The year 2005 witnessed the emergence of the alternative band Masala - a 7 piece band featuring Philip together with some of the islandâs most versatile musicians. Together they tirelessly rehearse and fine tune their sound to set the band apart from any other as they incorporate various genres of music into their alternative rock set.


Barbadian music producer Gary Serrao of Gee Wiz Studios keenly watched Philipâs evolution over the years and introduced him to Canadian music producer Derek Brin. This marked yet another milestone in Philipâs career. So impressed was Derek with Philipâs vocal style that they recorded the edgy soulful track âBeautiful Surpriseâ a song which had been previously been penned by songwriters in a Sony/BMG songwriters camp. Then came the songâs reggae remix which was recorded by the legendary Clive Hunt at Harmony House, Jamaica and shortly thereafter an international quality music video produced by Stuart Hall of Creative Junction and shot at various locations in Barbados.


This single catapulted Philipâs career and in January, 2008, Philipâs peers endorsed the hit single âBeautiful Surpriseâ and he was awarded âBest Rock/Alternative Artistâ at the 3rd annual Barbados Music Awards. With the success of âBeautiful Surpriseâ Philip again put his faith and talent in the hands of the trackâs masterminds for yet another series of recordings. Barbadian producer Gary Serrao and Canadian based international producer Derek Brin began to work on follow up tracks which demonstrated Philipâs vocal range and diversity. âNothing Left to Sayâ, âBlame It On Loveâ and âUnconditionalâ were subsequently released and as the momentum continued to build the team quickly returned to the studio for another phase of recordings, this time with the assistance of Canadian songwriter Rupert Gayle and internationally recognised engineer Andrew Dawson.


In between the hectic schedule, Philip found time to record his first soca single which he released during the 2008 Barbadosâ Crop Over season titled âBring De Wukâ which was featured on the Socamixdown Volume II. He also worked with Anthony Hoyos and Chris Alman of Slam City Studios on the single âSpace and Timeâfor which he shot another music video with director Stuart Hall.


By August, 2008 Philipâs journey led him to Kingston, Jamaica the reggae capital of the world where he had the opportunity to record with some of the islandâs leading producers including Jeremy Harding (2Hard Records), Stephen Mc Gregor (Big Ship Studios), Donavon Germain (Penthouse Records) and Clive Hunt(Harmony House). Drawing on the knowledge which he had gained from his co-writing sessions with Rupert Gayle, Philip quickly adapted himself to the new environment and solely penned the reggae songs which were recorded in Jamaica. He later returned to Jamaica to shoot his first reggae music video for the upcoming single â Looking Forâ with leading Jamaican director Jay Will of Jay Will Films.


Over the past two years, Philip has worked with some of worldâs leading music producers and songwriters, honed his skills as a songwriter and truly developed as a performing artist. With the production of three music videos, over 20 newly recorded singles, a hugely popular band and his first album titled âMasalaâ, he has accomplished more during this short stint than he could ever have imagined.


Philip maintains that the Masala album is a true reflection of the musical journey which he has travelled throughout his life. It represents his diversity and draws on several musical influences which have helped to shape him into the unique artist he has become.


In December, 2008 Philip landed an endorsement deal with international eyewear company Oakley and became the first Caribbean artist to be selected by the company. He will soon be one of the voices on the upcoming Banks Beer advertisement and undoubtedly will become the face of several more advertising campaigns as his career continues to take on new dimensions. The existence of talent has never been in dispute for Philip, but this exciting new phase of his career will focus on Philip 7 the entire product.