Phil Henry is a singer/songwriter whose music is featured musician on Plattsburgh Pipeline Radio. Phil Henry grew up in Saranac Lake, New York and now resides in Rutland Vermont. When Phil is not playing alone, he is joined by Wayne Davison on sax, Will Patton on Mandolin, and Sean Fitzpatrick on drums. I was able to reach Phil for a few questions.

I asked Phil, “What genre of music do you consider your work to be?” Phil replied, “ I've always thought of myself as a folk musician. The sax player I work with a lot, Wayne Davison, once was astounded to hear me say that. He always thought of me as pop-rock. But, here I am- Acoustic guitar and voice, most of the time, writing about a variety of topics (economic hardship, escape artists, renewable energy, cowboys) instead of just love/breakups. I usually will call it Contemporary Folk Singer-Songwriter.”

I asked, “Who are your major influences?” He said, “I listen to all kinds of music, but the ones who influence what I do are: Paul Simon, Martin Sexton, Richard Shindell, Richard Thompson, Peter
Mulvey...”

I asked, “What inspires you to make music?” Phil said, “The very thought of someone listening to what I do helps get me ready to play... Picturing the audience at a particular show waiting for the the first note psychs me up for that performance. Thinking of somebody with their Ipod listening to my tunes helps me in the writing and recording process”

I asked Phil, “Who has supported you the most throughout your musical career?” he said, My wife has always been quite supportive, but I'd have to say the musicians I've had the pleasure to play with over the years have been the most uplifting.  I have a variety of people I turn to, depending on the gig-
percussionist, drummer, mandolin/accordion player, vocalists, sax player, guitarist.  Devoid of ego, these guys have always been willing to come along, musically, in whatever direction I've wanted.  I can't thank them all enough. For example, my buddy Gary Moon is a talented singer-songwriter from Lake George.  But over the past year, he's been playing djembe and shakers and singing harmony at a bunch of gigs, including an unpaid contest all the way down in MD this Spring.  How great is that to have someone so talented on your side?”

I asked, “What has been your biggest challenge as a musician? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?” Phil replied, “My biggest challenge is being my own booking agent. I find it really hard to pick up the phone and say, "I'm really great, book me at your venue".  I keep pressing on, though.  I'm not good at it, though.”

I asked, “Phil, What do you feel are the ingredients of a good song?” He replied, “ First, Good groove (I guess this is where I split from a lot of folk.  Even if it's an acoustic tune, you should be able to tap your foot along with it). Second, Interesting melody/ chord progression. Third, An emotional component to the lyrics. Fourth, Enough details to make the story "real" for the listener!”

I asked Phil, “What are the main topics for most of your songs and Do you think these topics will change over time?” Phil said, “I've already watched it change over the years, from your run-of-the-mill love songs/break-up songs to a variety of topics, with subtext to something much more varied.  For example, for the new CD I'm working on, here are some topics: A drive-in movie theater (progress vs. tradition), a radio station during hurricane Katrina, the death of a cowboy (and cowboy movies), a bank robbery, renewable energy as a metaphor for songwriting, a thrift store.”

I added, “If you could change anything in your past, musically, would you? And if so, what?” Phil said, “Nothing, except that at times, I didn't have confidence in my own, original songs.  I would too often rely on covers to get through a gig and connect with an audience.  But then again, maybe my originals sucked back then.:

I continued, “If you could revisit a point in your musical career, what point in time would that be, and why would you revisit that particular moment? Phil said, “I love where I am right now, and where I'm going.  There are certainly some mileposts which I enjoyed very much.  Showcasing at a couple of big
festivals, like Kerrville in Texas, and the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, winning some songwriter contests.  But those things are all very momentary and fleeting.  I'd rather look ahead!”

I asked, “What do you want the listener to get out of your music?” Phil said, “I want the listener to enjoy it, on whatever level they'd like.  That's one reason I spend a lot of time on details in the studio...  If you enjoy the groove of a song I want it to be there for you.  If you like hearing well played instrumental solos, I want to provide it.  If you want a well-crafted song with an emotional component, I want to give that...  If you don't like all of those things, and can take a little bit, that's great, too.”

I continued, “How have listeners responded to your music on the road?” Phil said, “ Usually very positively.  I don't tour as much as I'd like, mostly because I'm a lazy booking agent, but when I do, it's always a great experience!

I asked, “What are your musical goals for the remainder of 2009?” Phil said, “ This summer, I'll be finishing my new CD!  And then, I'll start a bunch of gigs to promote it, and make sure as many people as possible will hear it!”

I asked Phil, “Do you have any upcoming gigs in the area?” He said, “I need to get back to Plattsburgh, that's for sure...  When in my rock-ier days I used to play the Monopole, and from time to time I've enjoyed an Ubu while playing Irises, but it's been awhile...  Perhaps I'll get back to the Adirondack Soup Company!  I love that place!”

If you would like to learn more about Phil Henry and his upcoming performances, please visit: http://philhenryband.com