Interview: Band Of The Week - Phil Ayoub - Page 5

Who are your musical influences?

Many, but a lot depends on the timing of things. And what I mean by that is, if I'm planning on spending an evening working on some songs and I hear a song earlier that day that strikes me in a certain way, then that's the style that will be in my head the rest of the day. And likely, that will influence my writing later on. So in that case, I kind of think that "timing" is my biggest musical influence.

If I had to name artists, I would start with a couple of people who aren't necessarily my favorites but who I do get influenced by. Dylan, because there have been so many times where I've heard a song of his somewhere, and it has made me just want to go home right away and write music. John Lennon is one because he basically wrote about himself and things that were important to him or things that affected him.

I also find influences in Neil Diamond, Neil Young, U2, and Oasis. Oasis comes up with melodies that at first I think are silly, but four listens later, I love. I guess what I'm saying is they humanize song-writing. And sort of make it okay for me to be human, or not perfect, or whatever in my song-writing.

If you would like to listen to Phil Ayoub’s debut album Schoolbus Window Paper Heart you can find it on Phil's website or at his MySpace profile. Or better yet just buy it at CDBaby. His poignant, honest lyrics and simple melodies are more than worth it! 

Article Author: A.L. Harper

I'm a writer and music journalist originally from Salt Lake City, but now living in Scotland. I was a Punk/Goth in the '80s and these artistic influences have stayed with me; although a love of Chopin, chamber music, and Spanish guitar would seem to belie this. …

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