What can we expect to see from The Phil Edwards Band over the next year?
This year we will be touring throughout New Zealand and Australia, celebrating the release of our debut album 'Slow Borders'. We aim to release our next single along with another video. We are also planning a release into the
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Keep your music honest and don’t try to be someone you’re not because it will show. Work hard and always believe in yourself and your ability.
How do you come up with your lyrics?
Lyrics seem to just come most of the time, if you sit down and try to force them out they just sound fake.
Who would you most like to support live?
The artist we’re most into at the moment would be Scottish singer song writer Paolo Nutini, so opening for him would be an amazing experience.
How do you describe The Phil Edwards Band’s music?
The music has a distinct relaxing feel which seems to bring out a real summer vibe, mixed with love and honesty.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Two great New Zealand bands we would love to see more of would be The Thomas Oliver Band and Tahuna Breaks. The TOB is stacked with talent and have an amazing live show.
T Breaks are an exciting live act you can never get enough of.
'Slow Borders' is the debut album from the Phil Edwards Band, to be released in March 2011. Led by none other than Phil Edwards, this six-piece band possesses a distinctive summer feel to their songs. Ranging from warm acoustic ballads to blues numbers, the songs are all linked by honest, emotive lyrics and Phil’s unique voice.
The first single 'Crash' opens the album, a summertime anthem that has been gracing the NZ radio airwaves since its release late in 2010. The first part of 'Slow Borders' continues in a similar vein, while the middle of the album brings a grittier tone, with rhythmic tracks such as 'Lit My Fire' and 'Rhythm of the River' recalling love gone wrong. The lush harmonica-laden 'Society' is a bluesy take on politics and the current state of the world, and 'Taking the Long Way' a heartfelt, haunting ballad that rounds out the album, before it is brought to a close by acoustic final track 'Broken Down'.
As both the driving force and the front man of the band, Phil Edwards provides warm vocals and catchy acoustic hooks. Tom Charleson (guitar, BVs) brings a wealth of live experience after touring both sides of the Tasman with Auckland band Tahuna Breaks, and alongside Phil, helps direct the song-writing. Forming a solid foundation for the band’s music is an experienced rhythm section comprised of drummer Ryan Wilson and bass player Adrian Ashdown, who have both toured extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand. James Townend (harmonica, percussion and BVs) and Hamish McClean (keys, sax and trombone) complete the line-up and complement the band with their diverse musical backgrounds.