THOUGHTS OF A HOPELESS ROMANTIC FROM PHIL LOCASH
CD RELEASE PARTY UNDERSCORES ARTIST GROWTH
Murrieta, CA – Not long ago when I happened to walk into a friend’s demonstration where I was given my fair share of abuse, I was accused of being a ‘scenester’. I started to argue as the friend was one of the people who started the local scene going and therefore was himself by definition, a scenester. But then I realized that whether he was throwing out a slur or not, he was correct. I have gone from writing about the scene to being a card-carrying member and as such, have entered the world of helping make a difference in the scene. That difference entails supporting developing artists in any way possible. Out of this process comes the witnessing of an artist’s metamorphosis and it is in that vein that this installment of scene news is written. When Java Jo’z opened and way before it was Cuppy’s, a young man named Phil LoCash started coming in on open mic night and doing covers from his favorite commercial artist, Dave Mathews. After a few times, he gradually introduced the Wednesday night crowd to some of his original compositions. At first they were a bit rough but as time worn on, the songs became more and more polished, and he became more relaxed in singing them onstage. Becoming a regular on open mic night, Phil started doing shows on the Palette nights which are on Thursday and are charged for at the door, unlike open mic nights which are free. As time went by, Phil’s set list of original songs grew and plans were made to put them on a CD. Last Thursday, this final transition was accomplished as Phil LoCash had his ‘coming out’ party in the form of a CD release event set to promote the new CD.
Phil was in rare form as he sang and played acoustic guitar on Cuppy’s stage between Matt, another guitarist who is feeling more comfortable playing his own stuff rather than the covers he plays at his usual gigs and recent scene breakouts, Nice Day, who recently opened the Foghat concert. In the spotlight and showing the best confidence I have ever seen, Phil sang his seven song release, Thoughts of a Hopeless Romantic, with great aplomb. The crowd cheered and many of Phil’s friends and fans he has made over the course of Javas/Cuppy’s ponyied up to buy this local artist’s CD. The CD is very listener friendly and as Phil pointed out, a number of the songs are written about his romantic (mis)adventures and his choice of a non-typical lifestyle sans wife, kids, and the tied-down usual-usual. Though my friend was trying to piss on my shoes, he was right and I take pride in being part OF the scene and watching the various ‘hobby’ artists mature into real songsters you enjoy playing on your home stereo or car CD player when you tool down the 91 on a slow Friday afternoon and need someone’s voice/music to take your mind off the outside reality and place your senses in a more relaxed frame of being. Way to go, Phil. HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!!
November 1, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Hello!
I first moved into the Temecula Valley a few years ago. Since then, I have been blessed with more opportunities than I could have imagined. Paramount above all, has been the growth of my music and that of a perfoming artist. It has not come without going out to meet it, either. This first Cd release is a great milestone, since it represents the culmination of my first years of songwriting. I am thankful to all that were there to share the occasion.
Once again, I would like to share my many thanks to every one who has supported the arts and music in Temecula Valley. Especially, Full Value Entertainment and Cuppy’s Coffee. They have endeavoured to provide a way and a place for young musical talents to gather and share their works with the community.
It is so important to embrace the passion that fills your soul, whatever it may be. Just be open to the muse that spurns your inspiration. Believe.
Thank You!
Phil LoCash
‘Until the next encounter…’