Whitney Phillips is Listening

Songwriter Whitney Phillips has started a platform that may be just what the industry needs

---

Societies started in communities.  People used to ban together in order to thrive. It was necessary to form groups for resources and for very survival.  It was true of music once too.  Artists looked out for other artists and fashioned friendships to help each other out.  I think about the mid 1960’s when the Haight-Ashbury counter-culture artists banned together in solidarity with each other. It was of course The Grateful Dead leading the way, but also members of Credence Clearwater Rival, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane and The Steve Miller Band co existing with beatnik writers and poets like Allen Ginsberg.  They were all there, piggy backing off the success of their peers, in a positive way.  No one was using anyone, but rather they were assisting in any way possible.  They helped each other deliver a universal message of love. 

There was also the Motown Movement going on in the Midwest. Berry Gordy Jr launched Motown Records in 1959 to create a collective of black artists who could not only survive but make music history by essentially working together.  There was Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and the Supremes paving the way so that many others would have the opportunity to shine.  So much good came from watching the back of your fellow artist. Hundreds of musicians benefited from the structure that was formulated.  I feel like that existed for quite some time.  Even in the 1990’s one could argue that while the industry was still quite competitive the Seattle Scene and grunge music was still a tight knit family. There was Green River which begot Mudhoney and Pearl Jam and by Nirvana “making it” there was a longer investigation into those other bands that were grinding it out in the Pacific Northwest. 

Then there was the internet, and individuality became the focal point of it all.  You no longer needed anyone else to lean on or carve that path for you. You could be a team of one and do just fine. It’s been a societal slide for decades now where instead of family you just need a phone.  Ha, “a phone”, as it is rarely used as such. You can argue that more platforms are better, and it gives everyone an equally playing field.  I think it is more opportunity for lower quality production and performance to be in the forefront of the music industry.  Listen, there is still great stuff getting out there, but I also think it may be time for us to start that collective again.   

Whitney Phillips is one of those people that sees an opportunity to get back to our roots and build, rather than tear down.  Oh, who is Whitney Phillips?  Lemme spin the record back for a minute.  I met Whitney years ago when she was a singer/songwriter from Seattle and a good friend of my now ex-wife’s. I knew she was good and that she was starting to scratch her name into the ledgers of the industry, however, she has become more than just the background voice that she used to provide to mega-stars. 

She told People Magazine (yeah, she talks to those folks now), “I was never a performer. What I loved most about music was making it and the stories behind it. So, I left my job with the labels, I was interning and I went and waited tables for five years.” Then one day she gets a call from Lil’ Wayne and he wants to collab on a song that she had written. Phillips goes on to say about the experience, “From that moment on I just began, I got my first publishing deal, and I was just in it. And I never, never thought about being an artist again.” 

From there she goes on to work with all the icons. She has written for Justin Bieber, Teddy Swims, Ariana Grande and Celine Dion to name a few. Oh, and she has been nominated for a Grammy. You can also catch her on a dope series on Netflix called “Hitmakers”.  It’s a cool reality show about the nuances and hardships of writing songs and getting your “voice heard”.  So, things seem to be going well, why rock the boat?  Why do something new?  Because that is the very essence of Whitney Phillips.  She is looking to change the dynamic of the industry from the inside and that lengthy intro that I just laid down brings us to the point of this whole thing.  Whitney, creating community again. 

Her new project is called The Listening Hour, and it is an opportunity for unsigned bands who may have trouble getting the music industry execs to hear their work.  Here they can get evaluated and receive helpful feedback on their art.  You’ve heard a lot of my words; here is what the platform says about her new project: 

Welcome to Whitney Phillips’ Listening Hour 🎶 

“Step inside the Listening Hour, hosted by acclaimed songwriter Whitney Phillips. Here, artists of all levels get the chance to submit their songs, and Whitney listens with care, offering thoughtful, constructive, and uplifting feedback. 

This is a safe, positive space—no bullying, no negativity, just honest guidance designed to help you grow and shine. Whether you’re polishing your lyrics, refining your melody, or exploring new ideas, Whitney’s expertise and encouraging approach make every critique a learning experience. 

Join the Listening Room to get inspired, improve your craft, and connect with a community that celebrates creativity and kindness.” 

She has said through her social media that:

“One of the coolest things that came out of the HitMakers release was the incredible amount of DMs I got from people around the world asking me to listen to their music. Your messages have been so supportive of the show and our cast, I wanted to create a space where I could actually make this a reality. 

So, I created The Listening Hour 🎧

A weekly livestream on Patreon where you can submit your songs and get real feedback from me and other industry professionals — including some of my talented, familiar 😉 friends. 

Our feedback will be honest, kind, and productive, and if you prefer, you can submit anonymously. This is a place to get better, and get HEARD, not to be perfect. So come as you are. 

Even if you don’t have songs yet, just want to learn what makes a great record, or simply want to discover new talent — you’re more than welcome to sit in. 

Sign up through the link in my bio + tune in Sundays at 5pm PT! 

[HERES THAT LINK]

Can’t wait to hear your songs 🔥!! 

-Whitney”

With a 13-year songwriting career on her resume, Phillips is feeling “very untapped and at the beginning of what I wanna do.”  What she is doing is exactly what this industry needs.  It is a throwback to those earlier pioneers who knew it was better to create a landscape full of likeminded others rather than journey off into the uncharted landscape on your own. So go check out this beautiful platform and if you are not an artist please share it with your friends who might be struggling and looking for viable notes.  I have several friends who often talk about the struggles of trying to do music and promote on social media in order to “get likes”.  Here is a chance to get meaningful reviews.