Phony Ppl talk Brooklandia, creativity, sounds, lights and dream building

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, Phony Ppl, a collective of young musical talents, effortlessly blend an array of genres – jazz, reggae, R&B, and more – into their signature sound. Their debut album, “Yesterday’s Tomorrow,” unveiled in 2015, introduced the world to the enchanting “Why iii Love The Moon,” earning praise from The New York Times and NPR. “mō’zā-ik (Mozaik)” followed in 2019, defying labels and solidifying Phony Ppl’s status as musical trailblazers.

In late 2022, after a journey marked by a transformative tour and a viral collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, “Euphonyus” emerged, inviting listeners to surrender to its rhythmic dance and heartfelt ballads. Featuring luminaries like JoJo and Kaytranada, the album’s diverse collaborations enrich its tapestry.

As they prepare to embark on a journey to Australia, Phony Ppl look forward to reuniting with their down-under fans and exploring new landscapes. For them, happiness resides not only in their music, but in the connections they forge and the experiences they share, both on and off the stage.

Happy: What are you up to today?

Phony Ppl: Currently in rehearsal, gearing up to go on the road! We haven’t been overseas since 2019!

Happy:  Tell us about where you are from? What’s the scene like in your neck of the woods?

Phony Ppl: Ain’t no woods outcheaa. We’re from the brooklandia, NYC. 24/7 creativity, sounds, lights and dream building. Where you’ll find the laziest, and the most ambitious people on the same block. Where food is flavorful and the prices are getting disrespectful. Come and visit.

Happy: Describe an average day?

Phony Ppl: An average day would be usually waking up early, hitting up one of the many coffee shops in the area. Some warming up / practising. Then probably lock ourselves in a studio somewhere …make music till we sleep.

Happy:  What did you listen to growing up that fuelled your passion for music?

Phony Ppl: Growing up there was a lot of music playing in our households. Styles ranging from R&B, Reggae, House, Soul, Hip-Hop. We are a 5-member band, and all of our parents had different flavors of music that they would play throughout our childhood. They also made sure that we understood and knew what and who we were listening to.

Happy: The journey to your latest album “Euphonyus” was a multi-year endeavour. How did the challenges of 2020, including the pandemic, impact the creative and production processes of the album?

Phony Ppl: The pandemic was definitely a burden to the process. It halted us from getting together in small or large capacities. We substituted meeting in person and recording in person for Zoom meetings and messaged notes. It took a little longer to translate some of the ideas, and getting to people and certain resources got difficult.

 

Happy:  The title “Euphonyus” holds dual meanings for you, representing both a connection to your audience and an auditory pleasure. How did these concepts influence the thematic and sonic direction of the album?

Phony Ppl: It was the opposite. The title “Euphonyus” came after the music was complete. After listening to the untitled album at the time, we loved the play on the words “Phony” and “Euphony”. Combined, the word is Euphonious which means “pleasing to the ear” and that word clicked with the theme of the entire album.

Happy:  “Nowhere But Up”  created over Zoom, speaks to the adaptability demanded by unprecedented times. How did the virtual collaborative process affect the final outcome of the
track?

Phony Ppl: Two people listening to the same audio from two different spots in the same room, will have two different listening experiences, so imagine creating and listening from a whole different location, different room, different speakers, different tools, different Wi-Fi.

We’ve been more intentional about the creative magnet that connects us while we’re creating; to compensate for being physically apart. you know, to make sure that a phone call is as effective as a meetup in person.One of the plusses of a remote session is that the studio grows! Every piece of equipment from every studio involved in a particular remote session is physically accessible by whoever is involved in that session!

Obviously, only the people in the room can physically get to it, and if you’re not one of those people in the room with the gear you have ideas for, you be the mind and ask them to be the arms and vice versa.

Happy: The album encourages listeners to “don’t think, just feel”  what does this ethos mean to you?

Phony Ppl: When starting the album we wanted to do something different with how it would be perceived. We wanted to try our hand at making a more “mind off / lose yourself to dance” kind of project/songs. The lyrics are still honest and thought-provoking like previous projects, but the attention to the groove and arrangement was meticulously designed throughout.

Happy: “Euphonyus” features a diverse lineup of guest artists, including JoJo, Kaytranada, and more. How do these collaborations enhance the album’s narrative and contribute to its multifaceted
nature?

Phony Ppl: All of them are tasteful musicians that we were already fans of before linking up to create, so our collaborations formed organically. They all turned out to be as fun to listen to as they were to make. They brought their identity/talent just like we brought ours.

Happy: We are looking forward to seeing you in Australia, anything in particular you are looking forward to?

Phony Ppl: Definitely looking forward to the scenery and people of Australia. We met so many cool people and fans the last time we were there, and we can’t wait to visit again and see new places.

Happy: Lastly, what makes you happy?

Phony Ppl: Wow what a question! Considering there are 5 of us I think a thread of our collective happiness stems from both musical and personal aspects of our lives. Crafting and performing music together brings us an
incredible sense of fulfilment and camaraderie. The creative process, experimenting with various genres, and witnessing our music resonate with audiences all contribute to our
happiness.

Outside of music, we find joy in strengthening our bond as a band, sharing memorable experiences during our travels, and connecting with our fans on a personal level. Spending time with our families and friends, exploring new cultures, and engaging in activities like exploring nature or enjoying good food also play a vital role in shaping our happiness. It’s this holistic balance between our artistic endeavors and personal connections that truly brings us happiness.

Check out tour dates and Ticket info here and below:

PHONY PPL AUS TOUR DATES

Sun 15 Oct 2023 – Liberty Hall, Sydney

Tue 17 Oct 2023 – 170 Russell, Melbourne

Wed 18 Oct 2023 – The Triffid, Brisbane