With over three decades of immersion in the Music Industry, Phil boasts extensive experience, particularly on the International stage. His career spans collaborations with major and independent record labels, wherein he has played pivotal roles in the development, marketing, and promotion of artists and catalogues across diverse musical genres, both in the UK and globally.
He’s worked with the likes of Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, Queen, Barry White and many more
Currently serving as a Music Industry Specialist and consultant for the UK government's Department for Business & Trade, Phil dedicates his expertise to the advancement of the industry at large.
Phil is one of the key people behind making the British Music Embassy what it is today. A key event in the SXSW festival that promotes some of the best new music talent in the UK.
It was here that Charles and Ashley hosted a live episode of How I Became with Skepta. Episode coming soon…
Through Episode 48, Phil shares invaluable insights on goal pursuit, navigating job loss, and the fundamental value of treating everyone with respect.
We discuss:- Growing up in Newcastle upon Tyne
- Navigating the challenges of your parents' divorce during childhood
- Forming a band during your teenage years, igniting your passion for music
- Embarking on your career journey in the dynamic realm of the music industry
- Pouring your heart and soul into chasing your dreams
- Collaborating with iconic figures such as Barry White, David Bowie, Queen, Blur, Iggy Pop, and Amy Winehouse
- Experiencing a pivotal moment of realisation: "I don't want to go to work today..."
- Ascending to the role of Director at EMI International, a prominent business group and record label conglomerate
- Facing the unexpected challenge of job loss
- Transitioning to a role as a Music Specialist for the Department for International Trade
- Championing positive changes and initiatives to uplift the music industry
Chapters:
(00:00:00) A Change of Career Journey
(00:03:12 ) Working with Artists from Chrysis Records to EMI
(00:06:53) Growing Up in the North of England
(00:10:25) Surviving a Traumatic Childhood
(00:13:50) Early Gigs and Memories
(00:17:11) The Rise of Pirate Radio Stations
(00:20:28) Career Entry into the Music Industry
(00:23:59) The Birth of Commercial Radio
(00:27:28) Working with David Bowie
(00:30:56) Iggy Pop's Interview Mishap
(00:34:43) Meeting Iggy Pop at the Hotel Bar
(00:37:59) Pursuing Goals and Making Career Changes
(00:41:23) Working at Polydor Records in the 1970s
(00:45:07) The Cure and Motorhead Backstage at the Reading Festival
(00:48:37) Discovering Queen's Hit Record
(00:51:55) A Change of Career Paths
(00:55:17) Transitioning to International Marketing
(00:58:30) Doing What You Love
(01:01:47) Transition to Emi International
(01:05:29) A Change in Management Perspective
(01:08:58) Finding a New Job Opportunity
(01:12:25) Moving Forward and Embracing Opportunities
(01:15:56) Meeting influential people in the music industry
(01:19:27) Trade Missions and Showcases in the Music Industry
(01:22:48) Showcasing Amy Winehouse
(01:26:10) The Birth of the British Music Embassy
(01:29:39) Part One: Telling His Journey
Watch on YouTube
Follow us @HOWIBECAME__ We're on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook
Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content Email: info@weunify.co.uk This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion Credits: Director: Charles Parkinson Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie Sound Recordist: Stuart Aitken Camera Operator: Stuart Aitken Editor: Catherine Singh