Biography
Scott Phillips is a Nashville based independent artist originally from Northwestern Pennsylvania. He wrestles daily with his love for the church and the continual disappointment that she is not all she could be. His plight has become one which drives to unite the people of God, not within their sometimes exclusive denominations, but under the authority and cover of her Head, Christ.
C.S. Lewis once wrote, "Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it." Lyrically, Scott opens the door to deeper parts of himself - beyond the fluff of much of today's popular music. "Honesty paves the way to originality," says Scott. "If we can't be honest, we cannot expect to be as unique as we are meant to be - true to ourselves. The best art is created (and the best relationships are cultivated) when we choose to do the difficult work of making ourselves vulnerable to one another; to dig deep, peel back layers, and offer the brightest and darkest parts of ourselves as a gift to another."
He's been a full-time indie artist for over 5 years now and has released 4 full-length albums - most recently a project titled "Next Stop Willoughby." He likes being on stage performing his music better than just about anything.
His casual approach to live performance connects with audiences on many levels. In his songs, Scott lays himself wide open and vulnerable in an attempt to connect as a real person to real people. Stories laced with humor and hard-hitting truths will relate to each audience member on a personal level and leave them not only entertained, but challenged to "let our actions speak for what we believe." Scott's message is a direct one, often driving home the message of unconditional acceptance of others as well as the importance of authentic community, and both local and global humanitarian work.
In the last year, Scott has tapped a new creative outlet - visual art. His mixed media creations combine colorful acrylic paints, found objects, antique trinkets and shallow relief carving on wood. See some of his work in the gallery on this site or view pieces for sale at www.ScottPhillipsArt.com. Ever the prolific artist, Scott created over a hundred pieces in his first 8 months. Already, his art has won awards (one of 7 Merit Awards recipients out of over 180 exhibitors at the 37th annual TACA Spring Fair, and his work is turning heads in Hollywood, too. A couple of pieces will be appearing on the set of the upcoming Hannah Montana Movie! Over 100 homes around Nashville, TN and the entire country are already proudly displaying Scott's originals and commissioned pieces.
He is a passionate supporter of child sponsorship through World Vision, a relief and development organization committed to eradicating poverty, hunger, AIDS, and child exploitation. In 2005, Scott received the World Vision "New Independent Artist of the Year" award for his work with his favorite organization, and currently sits among their Top 20 artists raising support through sponsorship.
Scott currently lives in Thompsons Station, TN with his super-pretty wife Carol Jean (who wrote an amazing song called "The Empty" - on his latest album), and his two sons, Liam and Ryder.
Contact
BOOKING OR OTHER QUESTIONS
GroundWorks Management
Email Glenn McClure: glennmcclure@mac.com
Call Glenn: 615.294.5072
Email Kortland Fuqua: kortlandfuqua@bellsouth.net
Call Kortland: 615.425.6312
Email Scott: scott@scott-phillips.com
Call Scott: 615.308.5368
Press info
"Scott (and Carol) are honest about their struggles and their longing for God--and the spirit behind their words brings me to a new place of honesty and longing each time I listen to the CD. Thank you for not hiding, for putting yourself out there even though it has been painful and there are probably lots of lies telling you you are not worthy to share His work because you are still so imperfect--thank you for pressing through and sharing your journey with me."
- Jenny Black, Mommy of two, Nashville, TN
"Inventive, perceptive lyrics and stick-in-your head melodies. Emotional moments with a spiritual touch. Next Stop Willoughby is extraordinary. If you think all Christian music sucks, Scott Phillips is about to prove you wrong."
- Nate Larkin, speaker and author of Samson and the Pirate Monks, Nashville, TN
"When Scott grabs his guitar you find yourself relaxing, because you feel like he is just one of you. You never feel like you are being sung to, or spoken at, but a sense of ministering with. It is apparent that the Holy Spirit has been invitied to do His work as Scott shares."
- Paul Johnson, University and Young Adult Pastor, College Church, IL
"Scott Phillips is brilliant. It astonishes me that anyone his age could possibly be so theologically articulate and so powerful in his communication of the Gospel through music. His guitar stylings are unique and compelling. His voice is a gift. He's the real deal."
- Fr. Steven Kalas, Las Vegas, NV
"The first time I heard Scott's music I was so refreshed, not only by the music itself, but by the awareness of God in every day life throughout his songs. The true privilege however, has been to know him personally and see that in whatever he does, he seeks to bring glory not to himself, but Jesus, the one he loves the most."
- singer Denise Jones, Point of Grace
"Scott Phillips is a humble musician willing to be used by the Lord. A true wordsmith, Scott pours himself into his songs. His music is lyrically and sonically strong; a pleasure to listen to."
- Bruce Barrows, Music Director, Family Life Network
"His are the creations you'd expect if you took someone's heart, the very core of their being, and ran it through a musical filter."
- Rev. Shane Smith, Rochester, NY
"Scott has been on our campus numerous times, ministering in both concert and chapel services. He always connects well with our students and continues to be one of their favorites."
- Michael Benson, chaplain, Olivet Nazarene University, IL
