Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil Ford.
Hi Phil, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve had a lifelong affinity with music, from collecting the newest songs onto cassette for everyone in the neighborhood, to going on to DJ at my friend’s residency at Wreck Room playing Soul & Fusion Jazz b-sides.
One night, I saw Ernie G., producer, DJ make a beat in 10 minutes, & that captured my imagination for a career in music like nothing before it.
After this, I worked in music retail for ten years plus, apprenticed under various engineers, producers, sound guys & added invaluable knowledge to my toolbox.
Then 2010, after making music for a decade for various film score projects, collaborating with artists, I decided to make records of my own. I started a bandcamp imprint, & began releasing instrumental recordings of all genres.
Simultaneously, I started a clothing brand called Lost Rebel Homme around the same time, celebrating menswear of a streetwear variety. We currently make graphic tees, hoodies, hats, & handmade bags.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey of becoming was slow, as opportunities were few & far between… imo because of people’s lack of understanding surrounding music production at that time.
Also, there was always one stigma or another about hip-hop music, be it the opinions about gangster rap, the misunderstandings after it’s inception, or mis-characterizations of all hip-hop being “violent”, or not being “real” music… I always thought those notions were misinformed & behind the times.
There was also the backlash of being an outsider musician of sorts from Fort Worth, where the music scene promoted was always Country, or Rock based. I just always found myself on the outs with popular music, until all of a sudden I wasn’t… modern musical tastes had evolved & times/things changed. I was able to capitalize on the diverse listening habits, presenting a new perspective to those people who were hungry for alternatives. Venues began seeing the music as bankable, and the appeal, viable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m primarily a music producer. I’ve worked in other capacities, such as music engineer, sound man, composer… all things that really settle under the same umbrella to be honest.
I guess what sets me apart is my ability to collaborate, & my willingness to do the try new things creatively. I generally work with most enigmatic artists, with very strong opinions about their art. My work traverses pretty near all genres of music…
I’m currently more known for my own instrumental hip-hop works, but I have many monikers & collaborations with many artists like Momus, Canooooopy, Syntax Strange, Tornup, Darko the Super, & Francine Thirteen to name just a few. I’ve recently joined an electronic cyberpunk band called
O-D-Ex with punk rock luminary Mark Ryan, & creative juggernaut Micah Why.
I also have beat tape projects on various labels, SomeOthaShip, UDDTBA, MoreBeatsLessSleep, Dap Station, lots of official remixes & edits of artists works. I’ve scored plays, like 3240 Entertainment’s ‘Trust Me, Love’. Original scores for Ballet East’s ‘Bajo La Luna’, also pieces for film like Xanadu’s ‘Pineapples & Pastries’.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My main bit of advice for networking is to never underestimate the power of a great work ethic. Letting the work speak for you will always ultimately help you win new customers, new clients, new collaborators, new investors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://about.me/philfordfeel
- Instagram: @philfordfeel (@lostrebelhomme)
- Facebook: @philfordfeel (@lostrebelhomme)
- Twitter: @philfordfeel
- Other: https://blackerkarat.tumblr.com
Image Credits
Photo by Walt Burns. @waltburns
