By Jacob Ezra
Phoenix James is a rising force in the vibrant South Florida music scene, who has established herself as a daring, versatile singer-songwriter and producer across a vibrant discography. Soulful and genre-bending- her sound and songwriting emanates focus and intentionality while remaining expressively heartfelt. Phoenix’s versatile approach to music makes it difficult to place her work in one box, with multi-faceted releases that stay committed to remaining authentic. Her discography demonstrates range, with radiant projects like 2022’s New Stages EP presenting a refreshing, atmospheric take on alternative R&B, while her most recent solo release “Digital”‘s sleek, left-field electronic influences pushes towards the future. We sat down with Phoenix to discuss her beginnings, songwriting process, her new song “Digital” and more.
Roundhouse Music: What were some of your earliest inspirations to start creating music?
Phoenix: I think hip hop was definitely my first love. My Dad would put on MTV and I became obsessed with Missy Elliot, and when my dad explained that she was a producer, and what a producer was, I wanted to do exactly that. On the songwriting end, listening to the channel orange album was life-changing for me. The album felt like literature, and it made me dive into songwriting.
Roundhouse Music: What was it like for you growing up in Miami as far as being immersed in its music and artistic scene?
Phoenix: I literally would not have wanted to grow up anywhere else. Musically I learned so much from the mix of different cultures! The “Limbs” chord progression is derivative of a salsa progression. I grew up playing in different bands at house shows and student organized shows before dropping any music of my own. Miami and South Florida are filled with extremely talented musicians.
Roundhouse Music: What was your process like creating your latest song “Digital”?
Phoenix: “Digital” was really just a songwriting/beat making exercise. I was trying to get out of the slow song headspace. I like to practice songwriting by giving myself a prompt, and the prompt was “write about people who care more about the portrayal of their relationships on social media than the actual relationships”. I wasn’t going to release it, but I played it for a couple of people and they really liked it, so I decided to release it. It’s fun haha
Roundhouse Music: What inspired the electronic-infused sound on “Digital”?
Phoenix: I don’t think anything really inspired it directly, Ive just been making a lot of stripped down music, so I wanted to have fun!
Roundhouse Music: What’s your songwriting process like?
Phoenix: The answer to this question is constantly changing haha. My songwriting process always depends on what I’m doing, so it’s never a set thing. Sometimes a poem I write turns into lyrics (“Limbs”), sometimes I fully finish a beat and then I write ( I did that on “Digital”), sometimes I am writing lyrics in my head and producing at the same time (it’s weird) and sometimes Abner Dennis has me just start free-styling on the mic and we go bar by bar (“Peace” & “Contact High”), sometimes it’s Abner still working on the beat and I’m writing. It’s never the same.
Roundhouse Music: I know you recently performed at SOB’s in New York, what was your experience like performing there?
Phoenix: SOBs was so cool. Just seeing the list of legendary artists that had been on that same stage, and talking to the engineer about who his favorite performers were. The crowd was a little rude though, a bunch of NYU kids talking through all of the performances, but it’s all good haha. I’m big on concert etiquette.
Roundhouse Music: Would you consider yourself a spiritual person? I think your music has a spiritual feel. If so, how does it contribute to your creativity and artistry?
Phoenix: I definitely am spiritual, I think every musician is whether they think it or not. A spiritual feel? I don’t think anyone’s ever told me that haha, that’s cool, thank you. I think for me, it’s all about digging as deep as possible to connect to myself. Getting into the flow state and just word/melody vomitting everything out. I try to make sure everything comes from a place of presence and intention.
Roundhouse Music: Do you have a favorite experience collaborating with another artist?
Phoenix: I don’t think I’m allowed to talk about my favorite collaboration just yet, but I love working with artists that are free in the way they express themselves, and are down to try anything. Another favorite would definitely be working with Frank Sativa though, he’s a genuine person and super talented. We had fun in the studio.
Roundhouse Music: Do you have a favorite song that you’ve created and what makes it hold a special place for you?
Phoenix: I have an unreleased song that was just an insane experience to make. I took a substance with my friends in LA and we stayed up until the sun rose working on the song. The song is unlike anything we’ve ever made. When I play it for people they are kinda just like “woah” which I love haha.
Roundhouse Music: What’s on the horizon for you in music?
Phoenix: An ALBUM is on the horizon, I’m not gonna say too much right now, but I am sharpening my sword. Definitely excited for what’s to come.
Listen to Phoenix James’ discography HERE.
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