jpmblog: Who were your musical idols growing up?

Philos: The great thing about our band is that we all have different idols and musical influences. When we come together and work on stuff, we’re really pulling from a vast history of music. In no particular order, our idols were: The Beatles, The Normals, Gin Blossoms, Dave Matthews Band, Derek Webb, Third Eye Blind, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, Foo Fighters, Tonic

jpmblog: If each of you had to pick a favourite song that inspire you, what would it be?

Vince – One of my most inspirational songs, Jimmy Eat World’s “For Me This is Heaven” I just love the melody and the lyrics, and the way it builds and builds. Just beautiful.

Kenny – Oh geez.. Really? One song? Ever? You’re killing me… Ummm.. I’ll have to go with the first one that pops up.. How about “If You’re Gonna Leave” by Emerson Hart?

Michael – This is never an answerable question, but today, I’ll go for “Two Of You” by Jackson Browne.

jpmblog: If you had to compare yourself to any other group, band or artist, who would it be?

Philos: We get a mix of “Switchfoot, Third Eye Blind, Dashboard Confessional” (but better… haha!)

jpmblog: Where did you guys meet and when did you first decide to form a band?

Philos: We all met while attending Belmont University in Nashville, TN. We met in 2003. We were roommates in a few different houses until 2007. While living together, we’d always write and play music with and for each other…The band started as a joke, in all honesty in 2008. We wanted to see if we could play a show as a band, and have fun. We had 150+ people to our first show, and from then on, we’ve been Philos.

jpmblog: You have just released your version of the Wicked hit Defying Gravity, what made you pick that song for release, and why does it standout for you, and how cool is it that you have a song available on iTunes?

Philos: Vince saw the musical in Chicago, and walked away from it singing the song to his sister. As they’re walking through the streets of Chicago to catch a train, he, a drummer, started air drumming to the song and told her, “Defying Gravity needs to be a pop tune”. She halfheartedly agreed, mainly just to please him. When Vince got back to Nashville, he worked on a rough track of the song before he showed it to his roommate and lead singer, Kenny. Kenny had seen the show. Vince played the rough, then the original for Kenny. Something truly came over them as they listened to the lyrics this time. They knew the song had to be recorded. The message in the song is perfect for what we, as 20-somethings and musicians trying to make it in a very difficult industry, want to say. But beyond that, It relates to everyone…That’s why the song is such a great success. The lyric transcends the Broadway/musical-theater genre, and resonates with anyone that hears it. As far as we know, we’re the only male fronted version of the song. (We don’t count the guy from Glee. Yes, he’s a male, but his vocal range is insanely high).

We’re extremely grateful to be on iTunes. It literally allows us to reach the world. Up until recently, if you were an independent band, it was really difficult for people across the country, nevermind the world, to hear your music. Now, anyone anywhere can find our songs. It’s truly amazing.

jpmblog: How many gigs have you guys performed in?

Philos: a lot. Uh… Combined? Hundreds. We play a lot, but we haven’t started extensive touring yet. We still need to sell more records. (*hint hint*/ahem… readers!!)

jpmblog: What’s been your favourite gig so far and do you have any funny touring stories?

Philos: Favorite gig, hands down…. Playing at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles for the composer of Wicked’s birthday party which was also a benefit for the Actors Guild.

(Photo taken from here)

We got invited to play with a whole slew of Broadway stars to honor Stephen. The LA leads from Wicked were there. The original Belle from Beauty and the Beast… etc. and … us.

We got to open the Wicked portion of the show. We went into the show as the only unknown, and we ended up being the last to leave. So many people wanted to talk to us, and get our story. It was really wonderful.

There are strings of stories about having calendar models sign our bodies, fitting an entire band in a four door sedan, and our guitarists getting in a mix up and knocking each other out with their guitars on stage, but we’ll leave those for a next interview.

jpmblog: If you could pick any song to cover for your next release, which song would it be?

Philos: Well… we’re not really TRYING to be a cover band… so ideally, we’ll get to do originals. HAHA. Vince has always wanted to do “circle of life’ , Kenny’s a fan of “Welcome” by Caleb. Michael likes the song “Maneater” by Hall & Oates.

jpmblog:  Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Philos: Bigger than Coldplay and U2 combined. Naw, really… we dont know. The goal has been, and always will be, to be able to sustain our lives by doing what we love to do. That’s happiness for us.

jpmblog: What’s next for Philos?

Philos: We’re hoping to have our 2nd EP done in the next month or so. We’re going do some little tours, and hopefully we’ll get more wonderful fans like we have now. It’s all about them.

A Big Thanks to Philos for taking the time the answer my questions.

Todays Philos Song is their version of the Christmas Carol We Three Kings.

You can either hear the song my watching the video below, or by downloading the MP3 by clicking on the Down load link.

We Three Kings MP3 Download Link.

Todays Philos Song is Weight of the World.

You can either hear the song my watching the video below, or by downloading the MP3 by clicking on the Down load link.

Weight of the World MP3 download link

Todays Philos Song is Left Me.

You can either hear the song my watching the video below, or by downloading the MP3 by clicking on the Down load link.

Left Me Mp3 Download link

Todays Philos Song is Difference.

You can either hear the song my watching the video below, or by downloading the MP3 by clicking on the Down load link.

Difference Download MP3

The Band have released an impressive acoustic version onto YouTube to show case their talent.

Check out the video below.

Todays Philos Song is Come Drive.

You can either hear the song my watching the video below, or by downloading the MP3 by clicking on the Down load link.

Come Drive MP3 Download link.

Angels We have Heard on High is a well known Christmas Carol, which Philos perform here in there own style.

You can either hear the song my watching the video below, or by downloading the MP3 by clicking on the Down load link.

MP3 Download Link

In previous posts I’ve written about the song Defying Gravity from the hit musical Wicked, performed in the original Broadway style, in a rock style by Kerry Ellis, and in a Glee Mash up.

And now the group Philos have released their version of Defying Gravity, and again it’s completely different to the other versions as the band have really stamped their own style onto the song. Check them out in the video below.