Philip Feinstein
Junior's Cave Music Interview with Philip Feinstein
Fall (October/November 2011) Edition
Music Now Spotlight
by Isaac Davis Junior, BGS, MBA
ExpeditionRecord Label: Philip Feinstein
Philip Feinstein
© Copyright-Philip Feinstein(9319505827649)
Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you feel you contribute musically to the Indie Music Culture?
Philip: I feel like I am adding a combination of old style with a blend of well-travelled and music experiences. I suppose this shows just how useful travel can be.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have built up over the years about you in the process?
Philip: Yes, I would sign up if they proposition is reasonable.
Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?
Philip: I would say my music easily allows the listener to make a journey on how they are feeling at that time. Most of my music does not have words so that the listener will not be influenced other than what they feel.
Isaac: The one important element that will make you stand-out from the rest of the musicians/artist in the music industry?
Philip: I do not believe in the standard 4/4. My music jumps around timings, but in a very comfortable way, so that anyone can move or sway with it.
Isaac: Do you feel you have given it your best when pursuing your musical dreams so far? Why or why not?
Philip: Absolutely not! I know I have so much more to offer, but only if I "get a signal" to keep going. And that "signal" is not religiously based either.
Isaac: Who do you look up to for your own influences and why?
Philip: This is a hard one as I do not have specific influences. My life adventures and travels would have a bearing I guess.
Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?
Philip: Indie music is up-and-coming as the industry realizes the pool of talent. Or do they . . . ?
Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?
Philip: I am fanatic that music, especially for the young, helps with their self-esteem. Having been a mentor a number of times, I have learned that music can play a huge factor in the thinking of the younger generation. I believe music should be compulsory at schools.
Isaac: What has been one of your biggest setbacks and how did you overcome it? What lesson did you learn about yourself?
Philip: Good question . . . . I think my biggest setback was me putting a time limit on my music - I have been in and out of the industry a couple of times. I suppose the disappointment of coming in the top ten of the Pacific Song Contest a few times and not receiving any recognition was a big thing. I now know more about the word 'perseverance'.
Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?
Philip: Most feedback has been good or encouraging at the very least.
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.
Philip: Music will always be a part of my life. In fact, friends and family say I drive them nuts, because I am forever whistling or singing as I go about my daily routines. I will always make music!
Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?
Philip: Another great question . . . . I try to keep going as I know you can't please all the people all the time. However, people who give negative feedback should learn to be more sensitive.
Isaac: What part/role does your family and friends play in the equation of your quest of a music career?
Philip: Nil / zero / zilch / zip / nothing. Maybe best that way . . . .
Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?
Philip:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3Nvdbfmg6I
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcQQcgv6E9s&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCG68E7KNWw&NR=1
cdbaby.com/cd/philipfeinstein
Isaac: The floor is yours; final words & wisdom of thoughts...
Philip: I believe my music is best suited for film and television. I record my music in such a way that if the entire song is not needed, it can be split up into different songs for whatever the requirement. For example, I know that the BBC (England) is interested in a small section of one of the songs for an upcoming show.
I also like to involve young people in my music. My first album "Expedition" features young people who are very talented but need a break and a boost. I do volunteer work with children, whether it be teaching music at an immigration centre in Sydney, or being an adopted uncle, or helping to get funding for orphanages - the one common denominator is self-esteem for them. I believe musicians can help enormously in this area.
Posted by Isaac J Davis Junior at Tuesday, November 22, 2011 6:45 AM 
Categories: Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Tags: Philip Feinstein
Categories: Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Tags: Philip Feinstein
some of the most relaxing music i've heard in a long time. good blend of influences
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Interesting and informative interview - thanks. I'm a keen listener of Philip's music and for me it certainly helps me along on my own journey.
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I think that Philip's wonderful musical work with immigration detainees and refugees in Sydney is particularly relevant here. Indie music is all about creating an independent sphere of influence, and this is often far more impactful on a personal level than mainstream music could ever be.
I am a novelist (published by HarperCollins and Penguin in the past, but soon to become an indie writer, given the dramatically changing publishing landscape). Independence, I hope, will bring me closer to my readers. Currently I don't know many of them. I hope to know more by the time my third novel is independently published. Philip is very much about making music for the many significant others in his life, including the refugees he works with and the young people who are his artistic collaborators. Indie music, and publishing, it seems, can really explore the potential of the medium in unseen ways, making connections where there were none previously.
Bem Le Hunte
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very interesting and informative interview - cd is great too!!
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Beautiful sounding music. More please.
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I love this album. These musical compositions are amazing and beautiful. Thanks Philip - please keep creating!
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Well I certainly think Philip Feinstein has the IT factor. Go Fileeep - fabulous music man!
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I've listened to Philip Feinstein's album "Expedition" countless times and each time I get something new out of it. Philip certainly has a talent for making beautiful music.
Also, the fact that he is sharing those talents by teaching his music to the detainees has the potential to create some great musicians when they get back to their native countries.
Thank you Philip, for such great entertainment
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For me, Philips music is 'feel good' and uplifting music and I find that it is very relaxing to listen to when a hectic life gets a bit much.In his life he has combined his love of music and his desire to positively contribute to peoples lives in a lovely and inspirational way.
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Well done Philip! Your moosic is great and i take my hat off to you for what you've achieved.
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The album is great easy, mood-setting music. And Philip you're absolutely right about music and self-esteem for kids (or anyone). Keep up your work (musical and other) - it's very valuable.
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I salute you Philip on this wonderful achievement. It's most enjoyable and easy listening and a reflection of you. Wishing you the success it deserves..
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I think you did a great job Philip I have known your music for a while and seen your progression or should I say heard your progression If I wore a hat I would take it off to you well done
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I've known Philip for a long time, and I'm constantly surprised by his many talents. "Expedition" is great. Keep up the good work(s).
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I love Philip's music, it soothes me.
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Cd is excellent. Easy to listen to over dinner with guests. great to listen to while driving. and in general Just a great CD. Well done Phillip. Well done. can't wait for the next one
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I call Philip Count Philipe because he reminds me of Count Basey in his prime. Philip is one of the seminal artists of the Indie scene and in this album he provides a sound that is so unique that no one else will be able to copy it. This album contains such a mixture of sounds and styles that are at times both avuncular and insouciant providing me with the kind of sybaritic pleasure to which I am compelled to return again and again. Well done Count Philipe.
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beautiful and flowing. This music deserves a wider hearing. Philip is a true philanthropist and highly talented.
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music with heart, just like phillip.
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The beautiful music is very easy to listen to at any time.
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Congrats Philip-this is my kind of music-soothing, tranquil' great to meditate to-really touches my soul. Thankyou for sharing your gift-I use it for relaxation at school-more please. ciao Rosa and Sam
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