Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, Philip La Rosa knew he would be a singer from a young age. After several successful singles and albums, Philip shares one of his most vulnerable songs. We speak with Philip about the new single ‘Baggage’ and much more.
Why did you decide to enter the music industry?
Music has been my passion since the age of 10. After a 5-year hiatus from singing and performing, I realised its importance in my life. I’ll never stop singing and writing. I love the community, I love collaborating with other creatives and I love the rewarding feeling of hearing a finished project. When I listen back, I remember how every lyric hit me when I wrote it – the emotion in my voice when I record it to the tears I shed throughout the process. Each song is a timestamp of my emotional journey. I feel sharing that journey can help others. If I can make just one person feel like they aren’t alone with my music, that’s a big win for me.
Can you tell us about ‘Baggage’?
‘Baggage’ is a love song to myself. It came from one of the biggest learning experiences of my life – being vulnerable. Speaking my truth and practising vulnerability allowed me to connect with those around me on a much deeper level, something I’ll be forever grateful for. I missed out on so much when I was keeping to myself, holding back my emotions and putting on a front. So, for me, this song is a conversation with my past self and those who are still disconnected from their emotions, hiding their traumas and not speaking their truth.
What was the recording and writing process like?
Emotional. I wrote the first verse and pre-chorus after one of the most rewarding nights with a friend. After placing all my cards on the table, I felt so much freedom. I got home, sat in front of my piano and the lyrics just came to me.
I’ve worked with the Banton Brothers for nearly 5 years now, so when I took what I had to the studio they saw the progression in my emotional journey and we found the right words to articulate my feelings and story. We wrote the rest of the song together and started the production on the same day.
The following day in the studio was a rollercoaster. Over 10 hours of pouring my heart into a track was emotionally draining. I lost count of the number of times I cried while recording ‘Baggage’. It was a mixture of pain from processing my past traumas with every lyric, sprinkled with the happiness of realising how far I had come when we played my story back to myself.
Does the single have any significant meaning for you?
This single is the pinnacle of my vulnerability. My pain is out in the open, processed and easily accessible whenever I find myself falling off track. This song will guide me for years to come. It also finally feels like the first song that completely resonates with my sound. This is me.
What do you hope people take from your music?
Everyone interprets music differently, which I love. So, I hope people take the message they need to hear at the time of listening. With ‘Baggage’, I do hope people really think about how true to themselves they are and it kickstarts their own journey of vulnerability. One of the most rewarding journeys I have been on.
What is more challenging for you – melody or lyrics?
Lyrics. I always find a melody in my head very easily which always evolves drastically from the first time my fingers touch the piano to the final recording in the studio (I love that evolution). Lyrically, I have a story I want to tell and find myself sometimes writing a novella of emotions. Condensing that story and articulating my pain points is the hardest part for me. I get too attached to every word as they all have so much meaning when I am writing. It’s why I have trust in the producers I work with.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
Music is a healing tool for me. It helps me process my emotions – good or bad. So, it’s somewhat of a self-motivating experience for me.
How would you describe your sound?
I always find this question so difficult to answer. By default, I’m categorised as pop, which I like. It gives me the freedom to let my sound evolve with every single. But you’ll find flares of R&B existing within my sound which comes from the artists that influenced me growing up. ‘Baggage’ is a track that highlights my sound to a tee. This single is the most “me” I have ever been.
What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
Sharing playlists with friends and reading music-focused websites! I’ve discovered so many new artists form friends sharing playlists with me. There is so much talent hiding out there. Don’t be afraid to press play on something new!
What does the future hold for you?
With COVID still amongst us, life feels a little up in the air at the moment. So I’ll continue to write and release music. I do have a couple more singles planned for 2020, including some awesome remixes!
Do you have a message for our readers?
Speak your truth.
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