We Speak Music
Hollyoaks star Paul Danan directs ‘Follow’ video for Bristol hip hop artist Phil Mac

In the heart of Bristol’s vibrant music scene emerges Phil Mac, an artist whose journey from adversity to triumph encapsulates the spirit of the city’s influence on hip hop, trip hop, and drum ‘n’ bass. Raised amid the creative tapestry of Bristol, Phil found solace in the spoken word, realizing his talent for rhyming.
However, challenges with alcohol and drugs cast a shadow over Phil’s aspirations until a fateful encounter with a friend changed everything. Sponsored by a mentor, who happened to be Hollyoaks star Paul Danan, Phil found himself in a dry house, navigating the path to recovery alongside Paul, who was two years sober at the time.
What started as a shared love for rap music evolved into a unique friendship and partnership. Over daily coffee conversations, Paul playfully proposed managing Phil, setting the stage for a transformative collaboration.
Phil’s turning point came when he played ‘Follow,’ a track that left Paul astounded. The offer was laid on the table: Paul would manage Phil, secure a record deal, and even direct a music video. With a handshake and the playful exchange of “Twenty percent,” the deal was sealed.
As the duo embarked on their creative journey, an unexpected opportunity arose. Paul, approached by a filmmaker from the Bristol Film Institute, proposed a deal: an interview about his life in exchange for a music video shoot for ‘Follow,’ directed by Paul himself. The stars aligned, and the deal was struck.
However, just weeks before the shoot, a setback threatened to derail everything. Phil, facing the challenge of maintaining sobriety, found himself in a precarious situation. Paul, demonstrating the strength of true friendship, offered tough love and a lifeline, urging Phil to get sober within a week if he wanted to seize the opportunity.
Phil rose to the occasion, achieving sobriety and fulfilling the promise of ‘Follow.’ Today, Phil has a record deal and a music video, a testament to the unwavering support of a friend and mentor. ‘Follow’ is more than a track; it’s the chronicle of resilience, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit. Phil Mac’s journey is a testament to the power of music to heal and inspire.
‘Follow’ is released through Stray Cat Records on December 1st 2023.

We Speak Music
Spaceman enlists Fatboi Sharif for “Think Twice”

Interstellar word-smith Spaceman beams in from somewhere in the cosmos with new single “Think Twice.” Somewhere between vaporwave, the darkly analog synth soundtracks of John Carpenter and abstract boom-bap the off-kilter slap was produced by The Suspect (Allegedly). Spaceman comes with rugged bugged rhymes and enlists fellow lyrical non-conformist Fatboi Sharif for a guest verse.
Speaking on the link-up for this joint, Spaceman relayed “I’ve known Fatboi for a long time. He and his homie (89 the Brainchild) were doing an underground radio show that supported my (then) crew back in the early 2010s. Interestingly enough he didn’t even rap back then. Fatboi makes it known that his style is definitely *not* horrorcore, which I respect, but being the pea-brain I am I still can’t help but associate him with that aesthetic. So, when I was thinking of who could help me sketch out the dark cerebral atmosphere of this record ,his was the name that jumped out.”
Listen to “Think Twice” ft. Fatboi Sharif:
“Think Twice” is part of self-proclaimed “Social Skills” series of singles from Spaceman to drop this year. The title of the series is a nod to the emcee’s willingness to step out of his comfort zone and collaborate with other rappers who he respects (considering Spaceman’s last three projects, which were strictly solo affairs).
The “Social Skills” series kicked off with recent single “Mumblecore” which featured his former Inner City Kids Collective cohorts ABGOHARD and Producer K3Mal (link below).
Listen to “Mumblecore” ft ABGOHARD: https://youtu.be/kQlyWylcrVs?si=IJMmuz-sHved93WS
Prior to these drops Spaceman most recent release was the Annihilation LP which yielded the singles “Law” and “Thrift And Diligence” (links below)
Watch official video for “Law” (Prod by Droo10x): https://youtu.be/TCzOoGMcp9s?si=82cPrf3EbfxTXqSx
Watch official video for “Thrift And Diligence”: https://youtu.be/AIz8sX1BWqw?si=71FrUjzOEm4H2-aX
Releasing music over the past decade solo (and formerly part of the Inner City Kids Collective) Spaceman has collaborated and/or shared stages in the past with such artists asThe Underachievers, Vulkan The Krusader and Gashi. He has also toured the Northeast several times.
More info: Here
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