A NEW PASSION: I believe fighting Child Prostitution
has become my life long cause and passion. I can't
believe that there are over 1.5 million kids that are
slaves for sex in our world today. Whether I am on
stage singing or just living life I want to devote my
talents into growing awareness for this devastating
epidemic. I found this video below and it gripped my
heart. This has become a new cry of my heart therefore
I am just now learning about organizations that focus on
this disease. One that I know right now is…
www.ijm.org If you know of any others please
let me know…in the meantime watch the video below-
Young but uniquely experienced, Phillip LaRue has an admirable grip on how to live, and the proof is written all over his debut solo album, Let the Road Pave Itself. An organic set of songs for the digital age, it was tracked live in the studio to an old fashioned two-inch tape reel, warmly capturing the sound of Phillip and his friends playing real time rock that’s only ever concerned with life’s deepest matters of love and faith. Most everything else can take care of itself.
Phillip’s path began in California. An athlete until sixteen, he picked up the guitar after getting sidelined by mononucleosis. Without premeditation, his new interest turned into a duo with his sister, Natalie, and they scored a record deal in Nashville where the family was about to relocate. Three albums and four years of touring followed.
“I grew up on the road at that point,” recalls Phillip. “It was strange having people look up to me who were twice my age, but a fun way to see the world and find myself in the process.”
LaRue, as the group was known, charted several pop hits and called it a day after Natalie wed. Phillip moved to Florida and produced notable indie acts like Over the Rhine and Dave Barnes for various compilations. Now back in Nashville, he has recently written and produced rising band Tenth Avenue North and penned a hit for singer/song-writer Brandon Heath while pondering his own return to upfront artistry.
“I had always considered the solo thing but wanted it to be completely authentic in its expression,” he says. “So much music is focus-grouped to death for fear of not being successful, and that’s a tough place to be creative from. I’m fortunate to have found a label that said, ‘You do what you do, and we’ll do what we do.’ That was my goal: to make a vulnerable record of my experiences.
Let the Road Pave Itself does indeed have an honest, freewheeling spirit that instantly sets it apart from the big machine. Catchy without trying to sound commercial, Phillip writes stay-in-your-head songs from the heart; real life musical stories about open-book faith, his closest loved ones, and struggling friends who don’t always believe as he does.
Let the Road Pave Itself, an album unintentionally named by a friend who was convincing Phillip LaRue to share his personal yet universally relevant songs with the world once again after years outside the spotlight.
“I’m stepping back into this world, and I could care less about some of the details,” he says. “As far as being popular, I’ve kind of tasted and seen that. I still want great things to happen, but more importantly I just want to be me in the process. I still believe in the power of music and want people to find hope through this record. If I can throw a rock and make another ripple, then what a blessing.”
thanks so much for the add! I was looking around the internet for guitar chords of a couple songs you did when you were still with your sister, and i came across this, and i'm excited that you are still making music! i Had no idea!
thanks for adding me on to your list of friends =) you have a gift that you are using for the Kingdom!! You definitely have a heart for God =) Blessings
Hey Phillip! Looking forward to seeing you again tonight bro. It's been a few years. I wanted to come see you with my buddy Bebo a few months back in Austin but the show was xld. It will be great to see you at the intimate Mokah lounge. God Bless!
I think it is totally awsome that you are supporting IJM in their fight against Child Prostitution. In regards to mentioning other organisations, I assume you already know about Call & Response; but another good organisation to check out is Love146.org
They do a lot of work within this particular area, and have momentarily been designing and raising money for safehomes within areas such as the Philippines or Thailand. They do a lot of events and public speaking, as well; some of which you may have already attended or heard about.
Lastly, your newest album. I was waiting for it's release after having heard your song "Embrace [acoustic]" (which was on your MySpace: A couple of years ago I made use of that free download thing on MySpace, and downloaded the song (to which I feel I should apologise..)).
But that song truly touched my Heart, and I continue to listen to it today. Whatever my mood, it is a song that continuously speaks to me, and acts as some form of testimony to aspects of my life. Your album as a whole seems like a masterpiece to me; each song reveals your Passion, as each and every lyric is sung from your Heart - at least, that was the impression that I was given.
Ergo, keep on singin' from your Heart of Hearts; and trusting in God. Yours sincerely, Joshua :)
Phillip is playing tomorrow night (June 26th) in Dallas with Ryan Edgar, Chris August, and Rachel Toews. Doors open at 7:45. Get there early because there are only 200 tickets available!! liveatmokah.com
Hey there! Just wanted to say that I think its awesome that you are doing your own solo album! I always loved listening to LaRue and was very sad when you guys had to end, but I'm loving your new stuff and just wanted to say keep it up! God bless!
Hi , thank you for the friendship, it's a pleasure having you among my friends. My best compliments for your music. I wish you great success in all your pursue. Greetings from Italy. Federico Martello
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