Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.

Richie: After playing guitar for a few years, I decided to join a band but after being told many times “we are looking for someone with experience” I thought I’ll try it on my own. So I spent some time teaching myself to sing and write some music then after a while I got myself my first gig. I've now been doing it for two years and it's been great.

Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?

Richie: Jimi Hendrix. I can't say I relate to him fully but in his early part of his career he had moments where he had people turn they backs thinking what’s this rubbish or laughing at him. Many might think he was born with this gift and just walked on stage playing as amazing as he did but he had to work very very hard to get like that and be that good. Hendrix is my biggest influence and my hero, a god like figure to me and the fact he had those moments which I've had it makes me think okay, even the best had to put up with that rubbish that you can get when trying to play music.

Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Richie: Yeah. There is more opportunity for indie music to get heard then many other styles of music. Heavy metal for example.

Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?

Richie: Playing gigs in London to many promoters that don't promote. Maybe there will be some more I would change when I've been playing music a lot longer but for now that’s one thing that I don't like.

Isaac: Do you think in the near future that DIY artists/bands will be the norm and big record companies will be very limited?

Richie: No I think they will both be on the same level.

Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?

Richie: People seem to like my singing which is great though I still think I can't sing but least it means I getting somewhere with teaching myself to. Not had any feedback from a music critic.

Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Richie: Yeah music is my life. If I ain't playing it, then I'm listening to it. If not listening to it, then I am thinking about it. Fame and fortune is only good if you know what to do with it.
 

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

Richie: Negative feedback or negative energy comes with music. It is fine, music is 50/50. Not everyone likes the Beatles.

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

Richie: Great support and fans when I need.

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

Richie: www.richiephillips.net
www.facebook.com/richiephillipsmusicpage
www.myspace.com/richiekickoutthejam
www.richiephillips.bandcamp.com


Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..

Richie: My debut EP “One Good Night” is now available to download at Bandcamp.com also you can download an free acoustic version of my song “One Good Night”.