We had the good fortune of connecting with Phil Stancil and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phil, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
The end goal is sort of always changing for us. When we first started out as a band in our early 20s, the idea was to get a record deal, tour the world, become famous, make boatloads of money etc., but we didn’t really know what that meant or what it looked like as a reality. As we’ve gotten a bit older and more experienced, we’ve realized this scenario (thankfully) isn’t the only way to operate as a band. The music industry isn’t what it was ten, twenty years ago, both for better and worse, and we’re able to do a lot of things independently that wouldn’t have been possible twenty years ago. Ultimately, we want to write great songs, make great records, play great shows, and build up a fanbase along the way of people who appreciate what we do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Our music is pretty fluid, and as writers we’re always trying new styles and experimenting with new sounds. At our core, we’re an Americana band who pulls heavily from country and rock’n roll, but we don’t shy away from more lush and spacious sounds when the inspiration strikes. As with any art, music as a career is not easy, and it finds a way to really beat you down quite continuously! But somehow the triumphs and successes you have along the way far outweigh the burdens, and that’s what keeps you coming back for more. It’s incredibly addicting to write a great song or play a great show, and for us that high is enough to keep us going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is a sprawl, but I’m a West Side beach person. My wife, daughter and I live in Venice Beach, so we’d start with a morning surf at the Venice Pier, then get a breakfast burrito from Tacos Por Favor before posting up on the beach for a couple of hours. After the beach we’d cool off at Hinano Cafe for a burger, beers, and a game of pool. Next we’d head toward Hollywood for a show at Harvard & Stone, and then back to the Alley Bar in Venice for some drinks and a game of corn hole (Midwestern style). That’s a pretty standard day for us, and I think you’d enjoy it as well!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We’d like to dedicate our shoutout to CASA of Los Angeles. They help organize the community to take action and advocate for children and families in LA County’s overburdened child welfare and juvenile justice systems. It’s a great and much needed program.

Website: https://www.themorningyells.com

Instagram: @themorningyells

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themorningyells

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqvfbHFWgXVhh4qCQUQnkKg?app=desktop

Image Credits
James Dierx

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.