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What's Over There?

What's Over There?

I had the pleasure of catching up with a great friend over coffee recently. We talked about life lessons, social media, and music. Meet the incredibly talented creative force, Phillip Greenwood. Phillip is a no-nonsense kind of guy who thinks at a million miles an hour, directing his thoughts and energy with focus, clarity, and absolute positvity. Having drummed for Stevie Wonder, The Reed Gratz Trio, Marley Monroe, and gospel artist Daniel Peter, Philip continues to add more top notch acts to the roster and is currently on the road assisting Dave Lombardo of Suicidal Tendencies

Watching Phillip play is a treat, no matter what style of music explodes from his kit. His sound is truly "Phillip Greenwood," from beginning to end. Phillip credits his distinctive sound and drumming style to the many hours spent in solitude, experimentation, and tried and true practice. Hailing from a family of world-class musicians,  Phillip began drumming at the age of two, under the tutelage of powerhouse drummer Nisan Stewart. Needless to say, Phillip has spent much time and effort developing his personal sound.

The development of one’s personal sound has proven to be a prerequisite for success, placing it high atop the checklists of many up-and-coming musicians. That coupled with the establishment of a personal fanbase, social media following, and hopes for an endorsement, illustrate the ever growing competitiveness of the current music industry—forever changed by technology. 

It used to be that the only way to really learn how to play tunes from our musical heroes was to buy a music book, cassette tape, or hope for a musical intervention by MTV, giving our musical heroes some airtime, thus allowing us to study their licks. Nowadays, learning materials for just about every non-folk instrument are just a click away, via amateur or professional How-to-Play videos. In addition to Youtube and a handful of independently owned learning sites, a number of major colleges have opened their digital doors to those eager to learn the craft, offering online music courses for free with the click of a button! With so many opportunities and resources to learn, musicians of today are faced with two options: be driven to improve and excel, or be driven out of their own industry, and make way for those who know what to do.

Phillip is one of the the new breed of players, destined for greatness by way of heart, drive, and skill. He absolutely loves what he does and is willing to do whatever it takes to facilitate that. It’s exciting to see someone with such potential and the resources to act on one’s dreams, at a time when they are focused enough to make use of them. There is no doubt in my mind that Phillip Greenwood will drum big and dare to drum where most have never drummed before.

Coffee Culture: A Social Downturn

Coffee Culture: A Social Downturn

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Light at the End of the Tunnel