Nicky Phillips – Home (2021)
Featured on Indie Music Center, Sinusoidal Music, iHeart Radio and various Spotify playlists, Nicky Phillips is a songstress reaching audiences on an international level. Born in London, but now residing in North England, Phillips has gained a reputation for engaging performances. Yet, when the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted our 2020/2021 plans, she continued to share her gift with the world. She soon began releasing music on Instagram which led to a connection with producer Joel Schwartz and her debut single ‘Echo’. With the intensity of Joni Mitchell and the intimacy of Leonard Cohen, Nicky Phillips releases her latest single ‘Home’.
Drawing together both traditional and contemporary folk styles, Phillips has a unique sound evident in ‘Home’. Following the critically acclaimed ‘Change’, Phillips adopts a softer and more soothing stance in the melody. Her acoustic-influenced tunes remind me greatly of musicians singing softly around a campfire, but ‘Home’ seems to take this further in its flowing arrangement. Definitely showcasing her warm vocals accompanied by her acoustic guitar, however, there seems to be an edgy intimacy underlying the gentle sentimentality.
A live artist for sure, Phillips sound could easily hypnotise a captivated audience and I would love to see that. The thing is, performances are few and far between so you have to be content with online material; in Phillips’ case this is no problem whatsoever. In her fragile way, Phillips manages to send your soul soaring with a single note. Her delicate vocals carry you along a beautiful river of sound hugging you in a comfortable blanket but don’t think the gentle nature hides any raw truths. In fact, it is the lyricism that contributes to the sincerity and genuineness in ‘Home’.
Another collaboration with producer Joel Schwartz, ‘Home’ is a heartfelt tale about “…moving in with someone and taking that next step in life together.” It touches on the positive side of life with great optimism lingering beneath the surface; however, you know that Phillips still considers the challenges and vulnerability involved in this change. Oddly enough, her voice never falters even if we feel the questioning and acceptance in her poetic tune. I love her music and can’t wait for the upcoming EP from Nicky Phillips.
For more from Nicky Phillips check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
