By Mitch Rice
Being grateful is what continues to drive Phil Elam, even in the midst of trouble. Since we last spoke, Phil faced a huge interruption. Despite his major challenge, Phil Elam decided to side with faith. Specifically, since our last interview, Phil Elam momentarily found himself without a music distributor. But, fear not. A new distributor (DistroKid) quickly swooped-in and scooped up the artist.
At first, Phil Elam was shocked and distraught at the loss. When it was apparent that the
relationship with his old distributor could not be salvaged, Phil decided to meditate. “It was a very conscious decision to “release-the-loss-to-the-universe.” Doing so was a necessity
because the very same day of the “break-up” Phil Elam was required on a movie set for a
feature film directed by award winning director, Tracie Laymon.
“I literally laid the issue at the feet of a power much greater than I could ever know,” Phil
continued, “I decided to put my trust in the knowledge that something better was waiting. It has been said that the old has to be cleared out to make room for the new”, Phil explained.
Phil Elam was right. Within the next few days, DistroKid eagerly picked him up. “The wonderful people at DistroKid have been…….. WONDERFUL!” They immediately implemented creative marketing in ways that I couldn’t have imagined. I feel right at home here. “DistroKid released “White Girl Wasted” under Phil Elam’s new label, Sold Out Tour Records, Inc.
DistroKid isn’t the only exciting development. Famed Cleveland DJ, Michael Filly (Twist Social Club) got wind of “White Girl Wasted” and put Phil in contact with legendary New York record promoter and Remix Executive Producer, Brad LeBeau. (Pro Motion, The Brad LeBeau Company, Inc.) Brad and Phil hit it off immediately.
“Brad’s history and knowledge combined with his undying enthusiasm and love for music is what makes him a legend in the industry.” I am sooooo grateful to be working with Brad and his team. His 40 years of experience and inside industry stories makes him the “go-to-guy.” An example of Brad’s reach was immediately displayed during a conversation with Phil while on a 3 day resort vacation. Brad suggested getting a collection of dance remixes done. Having faith in Brad’s judgment Phil agreed. Brad made a phone call and famed DJ / Producer StoneBridge was on the case.
StoneBridge is a Grammy nominated DJ / Producer based in Stockholm, Sweden. He has
worked with Britney Spears, Diana Ross, Weeknd, Beyonce, NeYo, Robin S, Usher, Lenny
Kravitz, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera and more.
“The turn-around was quick. Brad reached out on Monday. Stems delivered on Tuesday.
Remixes back by Friday morning”, Phil explained. No time was wasted. Once the remixes were received, reviewed and approved a music video went into production. Here it is!
“I am extremely grateful for all of the people mentioned here, Jon Birge, Mariana and others who have been instrumental in this journey, thus far.” Phil Elam said. “The biggest take away from this latest episode is not to freak-out when things suddenly go wrong. Stay calm, keep moving forward and remain grateful. Always keep the faith!”
“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.”
― William Faulkner
