Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil Simmonds
Phil, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up near Peterborough in the UK and began my music career as a session musician while studying for my degree in London, working with artists like Jessie J and Leona Lewis. In 2010, I launched a live music night called W3, which still runs monthly at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. After years of extensive touring and serving as a musical director for various acts, I moved to LA in early 2016 to focus on production and songwriting. During that time, I had the opportunity to produce projects like A Tree Planted by Water by Eryn Allen Kane and Encore by Lily Papas.
In 2019, I returned to London and launched Navah Sea, a multidisciplinary project blending music and visual art. The first Navah Sea exhibition took place in 2022 at TPF Studios in Shoreditch, where I integrated my paintings with my music. Around that time, I also signed with Ross Golan’s company, Unknown Music, and worked on records for artists including Sam Tompkins, Olivia O’Brien, JP Cooper, New Hope Club, Zara Larsson, Anson Seabra, and Diplo. More recently, I produced Delilah Montagu’s project The Bird and Adrian Lyles’ debut single Formalize Me.
In 2024, I moved back to Los Angeles, now based on the East Side, writing with other artists and focusing on the next Navah Sea exhibition and various records.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The music industry is never a smooth ride, and I don’t know anyone who hasn’t faced their share of struggles. For me, 2018 was a real low point. I was working with incredible artists in amazing studios, putting in 12+ hour days on records that might never see the light of day. I stayed in the studio as long as possible because, once I left, I had nowhere to go. Some nights, I’d find a 24-hour diner, crash on a friend’s sofa, or just wander the city. Mornings meant a $1 bread roll from Ralphs or a 711 hotdog for breakfast while waiting to get back into the studio. It was a humbling time.
But like most creatives, I’ve had extreme highs and lows. I’ve worked on records with some of my heroes, moments that felt like they’d sustain me forever—but they don’t. The swings are real, but in a way, the art lives in those moments too. It’s about trying to find a balance and enjoyment outside of it all too. Community is key.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Sure, i mentioned a bit before – I’m a Songwriter, Producer and visual artist.
I’ve been really lucky to work across a number of full projects, The new Delilah Montagu EP “The Bird” is something i’m proud of. I really loved the Eryn Allen Kane LP “A Tree Planted by Water”. I like to create worlds with artists.
Theres a type of writing session that happens in LA a lot which i struggle with. The “Dating” one session with loads of different people. i’d much rather spend a month with one artist and choose the frame & choose the colours before we start filling in the picture (record). Working relationships take time to develop & build trust, and i’ll keep showing up for those artists that want to dig deep.
Also, I’m really proud my next Navah Sea Instillation i’ve been working on. With immersive audio, 4 large paintings and a 10 minute piece of music. It’s fun to dig deeper into the art of it all and push myself too.
In terms of what sets me apart from others, I’m not sure. I’ve got the point in my life where just being authentically me is the only thing that makes me happy. If i’m not following that compass i’m normally not getting it right.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
haha, I genuinely don’t know.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.philsimmonds.com www.navahsea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrpsimmonds/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/navahsea
Image Credits
Seb Teti
