Behold the amazing Phil Stormer, solo acoustic guitarist extraordinaire. In performance, Phil is as intense and focused as he is joyful and entertaining, wowing audiences wherever he goes. Check out this music video filmed in Morocco, directed by Kane Christopher, of Phil’s song, ‘Charmer‘

Enjoy the video and keep reading to learn more about this young guitar prodigy!

For the readers who may be unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe your music? Who are your main influences?

Solo Acoustic Guitar! That’s basically it, Love It, Two Hands – Six Strings. Mainly inspired by the likes of Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel, guys who really make the guitar sing. I take alot from the classical and flamenco guys to; Paco De Lucia, John Williams, Segovia. The Australian indie music scene is also really thriving at the moment, there’s some great stuff coming through. Real thoughtful, beautiful music.

So how did you get started playing the guitar?

Well I blame my Mum for that one. :p She plays piano beautifully, and has really made music a big part of our home and my upbringing. She did try to teach me the keyboard, but I was more interested in the sounds I was hearing from some of her classical guitar CD’s. I started lessons when I was five, I am twenty one now.

What is one influential event that helped shape your playing style, or take it to the next level?

That would have to be about six years ago now, I picked up a Tommy Emmanuel book, “Solo-Guitar-Style”, working on his arrangements of the Beatles Day Tripper/Lady Madonna, Blue Moon, and some of his originals like Dixie McGuire and Countrywide – just incredible guitar music – blew my mind and opened up a whole new world of music to me.

What kind of gear are you using?

I have two main guitars for the fingerstyle stuff. A nylon string Admira flamenco guitar, which has really come into its own just recently! And a Tommy Emmanuel signature Maton, which was just made to be picked, its almost too good. I run those through a T.C. Electronic reverb unit, and out through a PA usually (venue pending). Just a simple rig, I am an acoustic player, I just want to plug and play!

Describe a normal day for you. How much time do you spend practicing and playing, talking to fans, networking, etc.

A normal day, no such thing for me. My music, like the rest of my life goes in seasons and changes; ups and downs, inspired moments, and frustrating lulls. Sometimes its hours of practice a day, sometimes I just need a break and won’t play for a week. I never want to force what I do, so I just let it happen. That being said – a little bit of discipline in keeping that guitar in your hands is only gonna be good for you.

Any other thoughts or words of inspiration?

Well I am young, and still got a lot to learn, but I know for me one of the most rewarding and mutually beneficial things a musician can do is to work with other musicians. It’s so important, it’ll grow you musically, personally, and it is inspiring and encouraging to get alongside others, draw from them and in turn motivate and support them. It is especially important for me, as mostly a soloist – keep’s my head out of the clouds!

Be sure to leave him some love at his myspace and check out his website!

Phil’s Myspace
PhilStormer.com

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