Jan 29, 2021
Neil Berthier of PHONY joined me this week all the way from Los Angeles. We began the discussion talking about his new found love for the outdoors. That includes skating to the local coffee shop daily and learning to surf through a roommate. Neil soon admits that he quit drinking a month ago and even decided to stop smoking cigarettes on his path to healthier lifestyle. We finally get into the music when we talk about his music video for Waffle House (watch it if you haven't yet).
Neil moved to LA right as the pandemic was beginning and it was one of the best decisions he has made in a long time. He is finally happy and enjoying the life he is living. He has been taking advantage of his free time and doing activities he wouldn't be able to do while touring. Neil checked a goal off his list too. Growing up, he wanted to be in LA so bad, and he is finally able to live his dream.
PHONY released its sophomore album labeled "Knock Yourself Out" in August of 2020. Most of the songs were written three years ago and Neil feels like he is not under the same mindset during the present time, so it was weird to relive the past. He considers "Knock Yourself Out" to be a raw album that has lyrics that deal with everything he was dealing with during that time. Neil says that both his PHONY albums have the same message and that is not living up to his full potential. Like stated earlier, Neil is in a better place now, and the way he writes is getting switched up in future projects.
We had a little bit of Donavan Wolfington talk in this episode. It was the start to Neil's career and he is thankful for that. We did discuss the difference between a solo project and being in a band full of different personalities. He agrees that you have to write to the different strengths of the band members. He always felt like time was running out while in his previous band and tried to push things.
Neil looks at his music as a small business. He has new songs coming out in 2021. He can finally make one group his top priority and is ready to conquer the world. Also, if you want to hear a fun conversation about pizza, this is the episode you want to listen to. Check out PHONY below:
Bandcamp: https://1-800-phony.bandcamp.com
Instagram & Twitter: @1_800_PHONY