Punch Bowl out now

At the intersection between the head and the heart, lies Joey Van Phillips. On his latest album Punch Bowl, the percussionist has embraced the true meaning of collaboration, composing all of the music and rhythms and asking friends and artists (POS, Dessa, Sims, Cecil Otter, Jacob Mullis, Amy Hagar, Aby Wolf, Medium Zach, Open Mike Eagle, Mally, Felix of Heiruspecs, Kristoff Krane, Omaur Bliss, Joe Horton) to create their own parts.

This common thread runs through much of the Phillips’ life and musical career, with each musical collaboration leading into something new linking back to his past. On his path to becoming a professional musician, his search to find his compositional voice was “fueled by the urge to make a new and meaningful contribution to an already-teeming modern music culture.” A third-generation drummer, Phillips was a child of the ‘80s who was greatly influenced by hip hop and further molded by extensive training and performance in jazz and improvisation.

At another intersection between composer and performer, Phillips has found an honest voice in the fusion of classical percussion and hip hop. His scores are by default rhythmically driven, yet melodic in concept. Using acoustic percussion instruments and voice he achieves a new, modern repertoire that is unique in sound and relevant to pop culture.

Punch Bowl, is the essence of all of his work over the last two decades. Much like an artist who is finally understanding his role, Phillips embodies and embraces his unrestrained creativity. The ten songs create worlds often unrestrained and wild, but also explains the brilliant tension between utter lawlessness and laser-like focus in his endeavors.

Other work: Phillips plays with the accomplished contemporary musicians in the Twin Cities, from the stages of First Avenue, multiple performances on NPR and studio work, to US tours and gigs overseas. The primary drummer for hip hop artist Dessa since 2010, he has co-written the percussion for her live ensembles, and recorded and toured extensively with the group. Phillips has also been a guest artist for the Minnesota Orchestra, co-arranging for the critically-acclaimed group. Along with Pitchfork-acclaimed Ryan Olcott and James Buckley, his band Mystery Palace [2005 – 2012] was recognized nationally for their electronic-pop featuring circuit-bent and malfunctioning synths.

Among Phillips’ other accolades are arranging, orchestrating and performing with a 10-piece ensemble for the award-winning group Doomtree, and writing and performing for Aby Wolf’s projects. He freelances extensively throughout the Twin Cities area, and is a first call for notable studios [the Hideaway], theaters [the Ordway] and the region’s influential players.