Phil Davidson doesn’t hesitate when he’s asked about the most important thing in his life.
“It’s absolutely my family. They come before everything else,” he says.
And Phil’s certainly been willing to prove that philosophy with his actions. More than a decade ago, after his wife Judy gave birth to their second child Georgia — who has Down Syndrome — Phil realised he’d have to make some drastic changes.
“I was playing the Sydney club scene, out every night, and home late. I knew I had to be home more, so I made a choice to stop playing music, and went back to my old career as a teacher,” he said.
Phil thought that was the end of his musical career. However, thanks to the intervention of a couple of close friends — and a bit of a hand from fate — it turned out to be quite the opposite.
A bet at a dinner party set off a chain of events that led to Phil recording a five-song demo EP, then sending it to ABC Radio personality Richard Glover. Glover loved the songs and played one of them, the autobiographical “Belfast Boy”, on his afternoon show.
“Apparently the switchboard lit up, and he played the song four times in the first hour, then kept playing it for the rest of the afternoon. It was incredible,” Phil said.
“Richard has been incredibly supportive of my music — he took a risk with an unknown artist and gave me a chance at a whole new career. His view was that people just love good songs and good stories, and it seems he’s right.”
Producer John Kane heard the songs too, and took them to ABC Music, who were equally captivated by Phil’s catchy, yet intensely moving songs. The result is his debut ABC Music album, Edge of It All, a collection of personal songs inspired by Phil’s experiences — from the point of view of mid-life.
It’s a perspective many people will relate to — songs about children, lost hopes, newfound dreams, possibilities and reflections on the past.
“When I write a song, I’m trying to explore what’s inside and get it out — to resolve the things I feel, believe, think about,” Phil said.
“What amazes me is that my music seems to move from being very personal to being universal.
“It always surprises me when people come up to me after a performance and relate so closely to a song that I essentially wrote for myself. It’s always a really special feeling.”
Phil’s take on life is captured perfectly in “Life in the Old Dog”, one of the real highlights of Edge of It All. It’s a song about discovering sudden opportunities when they’re least expected, and an understanding that life is full of possibilities — especially if you have the knowledge and wisdom to make the most of them.
He may be the hottest new artist on the Australian music scene, but Phil’s career has in fact spanned several decades.
“For me, music is connected to everything — I can’t live without it. I hear music everywhere I go and I’m always thinking about songs,” he said.
Indeed, Phil reports that he chewed the keys off his grandmother’s piano at the age two, leading to a family legend that “I had the music in me — literally”.
Born and raised in Belfast in Northern Ireland, Phil migrated to Australia at the age of 10. He still feels strongly attached to his Irish roots and has returned to Ireland as an adult, even living there for a while.
Two of the tracks on his new album — “Belfast Boy” and “Ballymena Agnes” (written for his grandmother) — were inspired by Ireland.
Phil — who now lives in the Blue Mountains of NSW, west of Sydney — clearly adores his family, wife Judy and children Brianna (14), Georgia (11) and Jesse (9), and finds endless inspiration in them — even if they’re not always keen to appear in his songs.
The poignant “Georgia’s Smile” and the equally delightful “I’ll Come Running” from Edge of It All were written about his two daughters.
He built a career in music, performing in bands and as a solo artist, in clubs, pubs and wherever he could. He’s done everything from biker shows and parties to strip shows, and even managed to generate a residency at an Irish pub on the basis of three Van Morrison songs (played all night) and a newly created band name — appropriately enough, Down Pat.
He’s toured both nationally and internationally, playing in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the USA. Prior to his ABC Music deal, Phil released four independent albums, and is already writing songs for his next release. Recognised as one of the brightest songwriters on the Sydney scene, his work is sure to be in demand once it’s discovered by a wider audience.
And now Edge of It All has hit the airwaves, the previously well-kept secret of Phil Davidson’s talent will be revealed to legions of new fans. The man who’s created a collection of exquisite songs inspired by his love for his family will see them touch people he’s never met — thanks to the power of music.
Edge Of It All – Phil Davidson
Available from ABC Music / Universal Music
Phil Davidson is available for interview
Media Enquiries: Sara Walker, ABC Music
Ph: 02-8333 3951 Email: walker.sara@abc.net.au
Howdy, Nice to have you at Missongwriter Promotions, If you want to get your music heard and out there in the right hands, contact me to learn how and get all the details!!
hey there mate! so jonathan and i were cruizing along in the car when we flicked the radio into 103.2 and we were almost sure the song was playing was one of ur new songs.. sounded like you! have ur songs been on 103.2? how have u been? em
Sam Hawksley will be Launching his new self titled album at Bennett's Lane Jazz Club on Sunday 30th of November, entry is $20 and you receive a copy of his new album included with the entry fee. Fans - this is an official CD Launch, Sam will be performing two sets with full band so contact me ASAP to secure your ticket on either Mbl: 0431 834 811 or Email:musogalore@hotmail.com, tickets really are limited.
hey phil so kerri anne this week hey? that sounds like a bit of fun! congratulations! you're really upping your celeb status! all the best for wednesday - i'll switch it on at work! looking forward to it! peace out
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