Phoebe Silva On New Single ‘Into The Wilderness’, Pre-Show Rituals, Staying Motivated, & More

“Thank you so much for having me! Yes! “Into the Wilderness” is coming to all digital platforms on August 7th. I’m super excited about it, it’s much different than any other song I’ve written or recorded. It’s sort of a cinematic folk song with a touch of 60’s/70’s psychedelic rock vibe. The inspiration for the song came to me a few years ago on a trip to Idyllwild with my folks. I was driving through the mountains when the verse came to me: “I went into the wilderness to find my heart’s desire/I went into the wilderness to set my soul on fire…” In 2013 I spent the summer working as a performer at a dinner theater in Denali National Park in Alaska. That summer changed my life and inspired me to start writing songs, ultimately leaving behind my theater career in New York and eventually ending up in LA making music.

That’s the short version of a much longer story, but the metaphor of going “into the wilderness” for me comes from a literal relationship with nature that ended up changing my entire life path. The song has become a meditation on the illusory nature of time, how experience shapes our understanding of who we are, and how we emerge from times of darkness and chaos with a stronger sense of self and purpose. I recorded the entire thing in one session with my good friend Gilbert Louie Ray who produced and engineered the track and plays all the instruments I don’t know how to play (including banjo!)”.

“In a perfect world, I’d spend the entire day mentally preparing for a show… though the reality often is that I have to rush from working to soundcheck to getting ready to getting onstage. I like to take my time getting dolled up, I come from a theater background so the theatricality of preparing for a performance is major for me. Lots of glitter. I used to sip whiskey or wine while doing my hair and makeup but I gave it up. I plan my show outfits way in advance. I rarely warm up vocally but I do like to stretch or do some yoga if I can. I like to mingle and work the crowd before going onstage. But I always need a moment alone before going on. My bandmates are all good friends of mine so just chilling in the green room with my buddies sets me at ease.”

“I wish I had a good answer for this! Honestly, my natural energy is super restless. I have a voracious appetite for experience. I always feel like I want to get as much out of life as possible, and that motivates me to work my ass off pursuing things that inspire me. I’ve made a lot of creative endeavors in my life, and making music is what makes me feel most fulfilled, and most able to connect with other people.

Live music in particular is all about connection. I think humans are fascinating. Nothing brings us together like music, the vibrations that we all experience flowing through us during a live show. I think that’s why the live stream thing is so hard for us right now. We’re doing it now because we have to persevere and push through until the world begins to feel less chaotic and we’re able to safely gather again. Striving to find innovative ways to connect with and comfort others during the pandemic is what is currently driving me.”

“I’d love to open for Haley Reinhart, I love her retro soul vibe and I feel a kindred sense with her. Same with Lily Allen. In a dream world, Adele. In a fantasy world, Amy Winehouse. Angel Olsen. Nicole Atkins. I doubt I’d fit on the bill but I adore Lizzo. Lake Street Dive. Ben Folds is one of my all time favorite songwriters, I’d die to open for him.”

“Everyone has their own personal definition of success, don’t they? I’ve always wanted to make a living as a freelance artist. Not having to punch a clock or work directly for an employer. I finally figured out how to be a free agent and it’s heaven. Being well known and respected within my industry. Building and maintaining an authentic community of collaborators and patrons who support each other. Having the freedom to make work that I believe in and am proud of. Creating with integrity. I’d love to be able to develop my creative ideas on larger scales. That’s essentially my next big goal.”

“Yes! I’m actually a third generation music teacher. I resisted my fate for a long time! Just kidding, I don’t believe in fate. But a teaching tradition was passed on to me and I take it very seriously. Music and art education is so vital for children’s sense of self expression and autonomy. Learning an instrument gives kids a sense of pride and ownership. My favorite thing is when parents and caretakers send me pics or videos of my students practicing and showing off at home! There are tons of developmental benefits for very young kids as well. I teach students as young as 3, learning an instrument (especially one as challenging as the violin, which is my primary instrument) helps develop their motor skills, kinesthetic awareness, listening and focus. Practicing also teaches them to understand delayed gratification. I believe exposure to music is as important for kids as learning to read.”

“I’ve got two singles out now on Spotify, both are bluesy retro-pop tunes, very fun! You can also presave “Into the Wilderness” by clicking here. “I’m on all that other stuff too, Apple Music, GooglePlay, all that good stuff.

I’ve also got some fun stuff on YouTube including a music video for my song “The Best Thing!” directed by my good friend Tim Aslin who is also directing my next video for the new single. I’m also super active on Instagram and Facebook.”