The singer singing songs with a genuine mind, Philip Marino

If the music isn’t really saying anything honest about life and living, 

then I grow tired of it pretty quickly.

Q. Hello, would you like to give us a brief introduction about yourself?

Hi there! I’m Philip Marino and I’m an American who lives in England. I’m a singer-songwriter (alt- country, Americana) who has released two CDs to date and who played live all over the east of England. In August, I’m going to New York to record my next CD, which will be produced by Simone Felice, the producer of ‘Cleopatra’ by ‘The Lumineers’. I’m very excited about that opportunity!

Q. Can you tell us how you started your music?

I started playing live music when I was a teenager in high school, as a drummer. We were a typical garage band, playing covers from Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and even Iron Maiden. I picked up a guitar many years later in 2000 and I started writing my own songs in 2010.

Q. Is there a musician who influenced your music?

Although there have been musical many influences in my life, the biggest by far is John Mellencamp. I grew up in the Midwest of the States (Illinois) and Mellencamp came from the neighboring state of Indiana. His music simply spoke to me. To my experience in that part of the world. Most of what I do today musically is driven by his influence on me. Truly one of the greats.

Q. Is there a keyword that would describe your goals or values?

Well, it’s a few words, but it’s something that I’ve put in the liner notes of both my CDs, which is “Keep moving forward.” It’s important for me to feel as if I am advancing creatively. I need to see development in my abilities, growth in my writing, and, yes, advancement professionally, too, as in bigger and better venues to play. I love playing, even if it’s just in my flat. But I thrive when I feel like there’s room to grow.

Q. What do you try to express through your music?

Something honest. Pretty much my songs are my attempt to understand where I am in life and how I got there. The good and the bad. Sometimes the ugly. I think it’s important for songwriters to try and dig in a bit to what they’re experiencing, which can allow the listeners to feel like they’re not alone in this world. I like tapping my toe for the sake of it, but if the music isn’t really saying anything honest about life and living, then I grow tired of it pretty quickly.

Q. Do you have a episode with a fan that you remember?

I remember one fan that came up to me after I played the great stage at Proud Camden in London. My duo-mate Chris and I had just finished our set and this fan came up to me and said “I really enjoyed that. You guys were really authentic.” That meant a great deal to me. Part of my growth as a songwriter (and as a performer) has been a commitment to stripping away the common ways in which we protect ourselves. Baring it all, as it were, in my songs is quite important to me. The fact that this person saw that and connected with my attempt to be real and honest through my music, well, that felt great.

Q. I heard you are about to record a new album, could you tell us about the album?

As I mentioned earlier, I’ll be recording my next CD in August, working with Simone Felice. I was listening to Simone’s music with ‘The Felice Brothers’ before I wrote my first song. It’s no surprise that he has started to get attention as a great producer (‘The Lumineers’, ‘Bat For Lashes’),and I am SO excited to get to NY to make this CD with him. We’re recording in an old 1800s-era stone church in the Catskill Mountains. It’s going to be magical. You can learn more about it at this link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/75944556/philip-marino- new-5- track-ep- produced-by- simone-fe

Q. Do you have your own way dealing with hardships?

Well, I have not always handled hardships in the most productive of ways. Jack Daniel’s on ice comes to mind. That said, I have tried to write and play some of my pain away, and that has definitely helped. I’ve said it before, and I meant it… Writing and playing music has saved me. No question.

Q. Who do you consider your rival?

Myself. I’m definitely my harshest critic. I’m often trying to outdo what some part of me thinks can’t be done. That’s okay, though. You only fail when you try.

Q. What is music to you?

Music is everything to me. Truly. When I’m happy, it makes me happier. When I’m feeling alone, it makes me feel connected. When I’m with others, it brings out the best in us. It’s simply everything.