A conversation with singer-songwriter Phil Loft

We are sharing our recent interview with singer & songwriter Phil Loft .
Twist Online : First of all please introduce yourself to our readers?
Phil Loft : My name is Phil Loft. I am a singer-songwriter from Long Island, New York. I started singing in chorus in elementary school and vocal ensemble up through high school. I did my first solo performance in high school for a holiday concert, and ever since then, I’ve been heavy into music. After obtaining my degree at Five Towns College, I began creating my own songs and performing them at various venues.

Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to get into music industry?
Phil Loft : Since I was a kid, My family would take me to various concerts. I’ve seen all types of musical legends from Luther Vandross to Peter Gabriel. However, the concert that influenced me the most was the first time I saw Sade at Jones Beach Theatre in the summer of 2001. After seeing that show, I knew music, is what I genuinely want to do. Also being surrounded by music and just seeing other artist gave me inspiration and motivation to write and practice daily on my craft. But again the defining moment for me was seeing Sade. I saw her and knew that I was destined to perform. I said to myself “Yea I want to do this” I wanted not only to write great songs but sing them with passion and meaning.

Twist Online : Tell us about your recent release?
Phil Loft : My most recent release was 6 Dimensions which was released in 2017. It’s a six-song EP that talks about the six things the average person goes through while transitioning to adulthood. There’s desire, curiosity, empathy, consciousness, frustration and the fight between courage and fear. 6 Dimensions is a process written in musical form. I’m currently working on a new project to be released this summer.

Twist Online : What kind of response you have received from the release?
Phil Loft : I received an excellent, warm response. 6 Dimensions was my first EP. For it being my first EP, based off the Chill/Soul genre of music that I indeed call home, I am thankful and humbled for the love that the listeners showed. I can only hope that the love given, is the same, if not better for my next project.

Twist Online: What attracts you more, performing on stage or working in studios?
Phil Loft : I love working in the studio. I enjoy the creative process. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few recording studios in New York City and on Long Island. I learned so much from my experiences, and it’s rewarding when your music evolves into something that you want to share with the world.

I’m currently working on my next project at the Loft Sound Studio on Long Island and I’m enjoying every minute of it. The first step is creating an environment in which a song can take its full form. When you focus on building a song you must develop symmetry with the engineer, it’s a balance and fusion of words and music. It makes things so much easier.

I will also admit that I love performing on stage. When I’m on stage, I get a chance to be as open and honest as I can be. I just flow with the vibe of the people, with the essence of the location. I have a lot of stage fright, but after a while, being on stage is kind of addicting. I don’t like a lot of attention, but if it’s for the sake of sending a message that people can relate or an emotion through words written from my heart and soul, I feel genuinely honored that I’m sharing this gift. The stage fright is replaced by gratitude. In other words, the love for both the studio and performing hold equal weight.

Twist Online : Tell us about your upcoming shows.
Phil Loft : I have a few shows coming up in the summer. I have a show mid-July in Miami, and one in New York after the release of my latest EP which will drop in the summer of this year. I also perform at various clubs and speakeasies throughout New York, to keep my vocals on-point. I post my upcoming performances on my website Philloft.com, Instagram (Philloftchill) and Facebook (Philloftmusic).

Twist Online : Have you set some goals to achieve?
Phil Loft : I would love to tour around the world and meet many other amazing artists. My primary goal to achieve is to make music that people will highly value now and years and years later. I know how certain music makes me feel and I want to make others feel the same.

Music has made me reflect on certain things in my life. Music has heightened my feelings at times. Music has made me feel happiness, sorrow, anger, and sometimes brought out emotions that cannot be explained. In my personal experience, music allowed me to create a fantasy or a separate world to escape, and at times this was very much needed.

My goal is to produce music that is will provide a healthy outlet for those who need a moment of solitude.

Twist Online: Are you working on any new project?
Phil Loft : Yes, I am working on an EP. I can’t release the name yet, but there have been clips and leaks on social media (by me) that give you an idea of the direction of the EP.