Philmac has spent decades walking his own unique musical path paved full artistic freedom and an uncompromising sonic vision. The independent producer, composer and recording artist has built a musical world unlike any other, blending southern hip hop, funk, rock and cinematic soul into a sound sculpted entirely by his own hands. Writing, arranging, producing and performing his material himself, he channels the spirit of a true one-man band, constructing records where every moment and production choice contributes to a highly original style.
Originally from Gadsden, Alabama before growing up in Birmingham, Philmac’s artistic journey stretches back to the late 90s and while studying Media Arts & Animation at The Art Institute of Atlanta, he created his debut album, P-Funk, a project that would gradually develop cult classic status within underground circles. Full of hypnotic synths, commanding low-end production and southern lyricism, the record mapped out a creative philosophy that’s remained remarkably consistent ever since.
Over the years, Philmac has continued to focus on building something designed to endure through music that draws together various genres with cinematic storytelling. His forthcoming album, War In Heaven, was conceived as a cinematic body of work which expands Philmac’s creative universe into something larger and more immersive, exploring themes including purpose, temptation, perseverance, identity, freedom and redemption.
Leading listeners towards that next chapter is the new single titled “Live My Life,” a release that captures many of the ideas sitting at the heart of the wider project. Via a fusion of cinematic hip hop and rock, “Live My Life” explores perseverance, purpose and the determination to become the person you’re truly meant to be. Although the song began from a profoundly personal place, its message reaches well beyond individual experience and speaks to anyone who’s continued pursuing a dream despite setbacks, disappointments and uncertainty while never abandoning their ambitions even when the path forward becomes difficult.
Live instrumentation sits alongside melodic hooks, hip hop rhythms and cinematic sound design, creating a musical experience that feels at once intimate and widescreen. Opened by the jittery blend of staccato instrumental shots and restrained vocalisations, the patter of percussion and boom of kick injects a steady forward motion as Philmac’s emotive vocals glide above to cast a moody, alternative hip hop scene cut with experimental R&B vibes.
Propelled by the punch of drums and wrapped in a transportive atmosphere, his slick vocal delivery flickers between smooth melodic lines and rhythmic rap flow to craft an engrossing listening experience that’s memorable and fiercely original from start to finish. As anticipation builds for War In Heaven, “Live My Life” offers an engaging window into Philmac’s exciting new chapter and we can’t wait to see what else he’s got in store for the rest of 2026 and beyond.
We caught up with Philmac to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Live My Life” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Philmac below.
Hey Philmac, how’s things?
Things are going very well. I’m very thankful to be doing this interview.
What’s your earliest memory of making music?
My first memory of making music was in the seventh grade. I really wanted to play football for the junior football team, but my parents were religious and wouldn’t let me. They did encourage music, though, so I auditioned for choir and orchestra. The choir teacher thought I had a great singing voice, but the orchestra really pulled me in. I figured I could always join choir later, but learning an instrument was a unique opportunity.
It was a brand-new program at Bush Middle School in Ensley, Birmingham, Alabama. I chose the violin and quickly realized it was challenging. We went from learning the basics to performing major classical pieces by composers like Bach. At one point I asked my teacher if I could write music for the orchestra. She encouraged me, and before long we were performing my original compositions around Birmingham City Schools. Unfortunately, the program lost its funding after my eighth-grade year, so I’m grateful I had the chance to experience it. Looking back, that was really the beginning of my journey as a musician.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from every genre of music, but my biggest influence is Dallas Austin. If it weren’t for him, I honestly don’t think I would have pursued music professionally. I connected with his combination of melody, analog production, songwriting, and the fact that he played multiple instruments himself.
Growing up, I was obsessed with New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe. Then came Another Bad Creation and Boyz II Men, and when I realized Dallas Austin was behind so much of that music, I remember thinking, “I could do that.”
Beyond Dallas, I love everything from The Beatles, Prince, and Michael Jackson to 2Pac, Nirvana, OutKast, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Sade. I honestly think I’m more of a fan of music than a musician. Maybe a better way to put it is that I was an obsessed music fan who eventually learned how to make music.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
These days, a lot of my inspiration starts with humming melodies or beatboxing ideas into my iPhone. I own a lot of recording equipment, but most of my best ideas begin as simple voice memos. The iPhone has become my portable studio.
Those recordings usually get imported into Pro Tools or Logic, where I begin building the production around them. I’ve learned that great songs usually start with a simple idea before all the production gets added.
What do you love about your local music scene?
I’m based in Sacramento, although I spend most of my time in the studio rather than the local music scene. One thing I really appreciate is working with engineers who also work with the band CAKE. They’re incredibly talented, and every session becomes an opportunity to experiment, learn, and exchange ideas. Being around creative people who push you to improve is something I really value.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Definitely in the car—especially at night.
I’ve even thought about creating some kind of mobile recording studio because so much of my music is made for driving. On my first album, P-Funk, I wrote the line, “My P-Funk is made strictly for your trunk. Music mixed with bass so it just bumps in your system.” Looking back, that lyric became a reminder to myself about why I make music in the first place. If I ever lose my direction creatively, I can always come back to that idea.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
Early on, my music was rooted almost entirely in Southern hip-hop. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become much more interested in blending genres. Artists like Dr. Dre and OutKast introduced me to Parliament-Funkadelic, which opened the door to experimenting with funk, rock, soul, and alternative music.
Today I might pull inspiration from Sade, Nirvana, The Beatles, or Prince and bring all of those influences into the same project. Sometimes a song starts with my Korg 01/W keyboard. Other times it starts with a guitar, a beatbox rhythm, or simply an idea in my head.
Lately I’ve become fascinated with sound design. Before I even begin recording, I ask myself, “What should this song feel like?” Everything grows from that emotional foundation.
Music has also become something much deeper for me. It feels like therapy. Sometimes it feels like church. The more music I make, the more joy I experience, and I believe that creative feeling is a gift from God.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
There are so many.
Isaac Hayes would probably be number one. I actually had the opportunity to meet him once, and we talked for hours. Beyond him, I’d love to have worked with James Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson, OutKast, 2Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G.
Among today’s artists, I’d love to collaborate with Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Twenty One Pilots, Bruno Mars, and even No Doubt. I’d love to simply get in a room and create together.
I’ve also had opportunities over the years that almost happened, including producing for Nivea and Dalvin from Jodeci. Those experiences taught me that sometimes the greatest collaborations are with artists people haven’t discovered yet. Even my engineers inspire me. They constantly challenge me to think bigger than I originally imagined.
How did you find making your new single “Live My Life”?
It was a long journey.
I first came up with the idea when I was fourteen years old, but I didn’t finish and release it until decades later. The original inspiration came after a life-changing experience growing up in Ensley, Birmingham, Alabama. It was a tough neighborhood, and after getting involved with things I shouldn’t have, I realized how much I simply wanted to live.
That’s where “Live My Life” came from.
As I grew older, the song took on even deeper meaning. Today it’s about living authentically—asking yourself who you really are beyond everyone else’s expectations. It’s about pursuing your purpose, creating, loving, and living life fully. It’s about joie de vivre—the joy of being alive.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
To keep fighting.
We live in a complicated world filled with incredible people and difficult people. There will always be obstacles, criticism, and setbacks. That’s why everyone needs a team.
For me, that team is Jesus Christ and Jehovah God. For someone else, it may be family or close friends. Sometimes all you have is yourself. Whatever your situation, don’t give up on your dreams. Your dreams matter. Keep pursuing them.
What can fans expect from your upcoming War In Heaven LP?
An experience.
War In Heaven is designed almost like a movie. It explores the struggle between good and evil, faith, purpose, and what it means to be human. Musically it blends rock, hip-hop, soul, funk, and cinematic production.
I wrote, produced, and performed the project myself because I wanted it to feel personal. More than anything, I want listeners to close their eyes and feel like they’re watching a film.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Lately it’s been a combination of old and new.
2Pac and Sade are always in rotation for me. I’ve also been listening to Tool, JID, Drake, Taylor Swift, Freddie Joachim, Alina Baraz, and recently revisited D’Angelo’s entire catalog.
I honestly try to listen to everything. I’m constantly discovering new music and revisiting classic records because I believe inspiration can come from anywhere.
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
Enjoyment. Escape. Energy. Friendship.
Even if we never meet, I hope my music feels like someone riding along with you. On my first album, P-Funk, I included the line, “If you ever see me in the streets, don’t hesitate to greet.” I truly meant that.
One thing I’ve learned is that listeners become part of the creative process. Someone will tell me what they think a lyric means, and sometimes it’s completely different from what I intended. Instead of correcting them, I often think, “That’s actually a great interpretation.” Once music is released, it belongs to everyone.
What’s been your favourite live performance so far?
Ironically, it’s still performing my own compositions with my middle school orchestra. Hearing musicians play something I had written was unforgettable.
I also performed in a Birmingham high school talent show, but most of my career has focused on recording rather than touring. My goal is to change that after releasing War In Heaven and its follow-up album, Andromeda. I want the live show to be as immersive as the music itself.
Who would be three artists to headline your dream festival? Where would it be?
It would have to be in Rio de Janeiro.
One festival would be called The Reunion Tour featuring Goodie Mob, OutKast, and N.E.R.D.
Another dream festival would be The Experience, headlined by Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Michael Jackson.
And if we’re dreaming without limits, I’d create The Past Is The Future, featuring James Brown, The Isley Brothers, and Parliament-Funkadelic.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Learn music. Really learn it. The more you understand music, the more clearly you’ll develop your own identity and sound.
I also encourage people to go to college or learn a trade and get a job. Music costs money. Studio time, mixing, mastering, videos, promotion—it all adds up. Having steady income gives you freedom to create without desperation.
Most importantly, stay humble. Learn how to work hard. Music is an art, but it’s also a profession.
Finally, what do you have lined up next?
Right now I’m focused on releasing more singles leading up to War In Heaven while also beginning my next creative chapter: filmmaking.
Long before music became my primary focus, I dreamed of working for Industrial Light & Magic. I studied Media Arts & Animation at the Art Institute of Atlanta because I wanted to tell stories through film. Life took me in different directions—I started a family and built a corporate career—but now I finally feel ready to pursue both passions together.
Music and filmmaking are beginning to merge into one creative vision, and I’m excited for people to experience where it all goes next.
Listen to Live My Life below
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