Philip Shouse was nice enough to take the time to share some of his life and thoughts, with me and all his fans.
What aspect of making music excites you the most and discourages you the most?
Playing live w/ different people in different places and in different styles excites me the most. Seeing computers take over and stale, unorganic music becoming extremely popular is very discouraging.
Music-wise, what are you up to now? (current or upcoming recordings, tours, top-secret projects...).
How did you first get involved with Bo Bice?
I met Bo through our mutual friend Ean Evans of Lynyrd Skynyrd. We met for the first time at the Skynyrd/Hank Jr. show in Nashville.
Have the places you've lived affected the music you create or your taste in music?
Most definitely!! Growing up in the south, the rich musical heritage seeps in your blood like kudzu. You can't escape it, or at least I couldn't.
How would you describe your musical style? Was it deliberate or did it just sort of emerge on its own?
Eddie Van Zant. It just kinda happened that way. I'm from the Van Halen-school, but again, I'm from the south, so you can definitely hear the Skynyrd-Allman-ZZ in me.
Who are your main influences musically?
ZZ Top, KISS, Clapton, Michael Schenker, Van Halen, Jeff Beck, Aerosmith, Deep Purple, Skynyrd, Allmans, AC/DC, the Faces and Sabbath (among others I can't think of right now) have all played roles in my musical life. Oh yeah, and the Beatles and the Stones. And the Yardbirds. And they got everything from Chuck Berry.
Favorite group?
classic Van Halen (at the moment)
Favorite singer?
hmmm... Paul McCartney has a great rock and roll voice. Robin Zander does, too. Ronnie James Dio's voice has so much character and personality. And Michael McDonald brings me to my knees.
Favorite song?
Can't even come close to answering.
What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording?
I've played a show at a sushi restaurant after trivia time. Recording... a lot of bedroom recordings, but nothing real strange comes to mind.
Was there an individual who influenced your decision to be a musician?
All of the aforementioned heroes and influences, and every music teacher I've ever had.
Who was it and what did they do?
Ed Nichols, my high school band director, played a big role.
Were your parents supportive of your music?
Yes they were. At first, I don't think they were super pleased about my career choice, but they were always at shows w/ video camera in hand. Couldn't have done it without them and their moral and financial support.
When did you begin playing guitar and what was it about the guitar that attracted you?
I started guitar when I was 12, almost 13. I grew up with my older brother's record collection, and this was in the late 70's/early 80's, so between Zeppelin and Aerosmith and the pictures on the record sleeves, I had no choice. Joe Perry is still the coolest looking guy with a guitar.
Do you play any other instruments?
Saxophone
If you could accomplish one thing through your career, what would it be?
To have a long one, and always make music that I am proud of.
What's the hardest or most challenging thing about being a musician?
Getting in the door and finding a way to eat before you're there. And when you're in, too.
What is a "successful musician" to you? Is it mainly someone who makes a lot of money, or are there other ways you think about success?
Money definitely is part of it. Not necessarily "a lot", but enough to not do anything else for money. And also making music you are proud of with people you enjoy making music with. I know I shouldn't end sentences with prepositions.
What's the magic formula for success?
Hard work + good attitude + open mindedness
What really drives/motivates you?
The fact that I feel I haven't reached my potential is a big motivator. Becoming a better guitarist fuels the fire, too.
If you could go back in time, is there anything you would do differently?
I'm one of those people who think every single decision you made, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is, helped get you to your present point. So no, I wouldn't do one thing differently.
I'm good at... well, music. But besides that, trivia games. I'm lethal. You want me on your Trivial Pursuit team.
I'm very bad at... building things and putting things together, i.e. home improvement projects.
A common misperception of me is... that I'm only a performer and can't really play guitar. Well folks, that just ain't true.
Make sure to catch Philip on tour with Bo Bice. Details on bobice.com.
Check out Philip on MySpace
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