Philip White on Singing with Debbie Winans, Crafting His own Style & His New Album

Rising Christian Artist Philip White returns today with music from his new album "Heart to Heart." His new album was produced by several greats in the music industry such as Juan Winans (Grandson to the legendary Gospel Group The Winans), Phil Hughley, Shayne Hill, Montrell Darrett (Producer & Member of Commissioned), and Kyle Lovett (Producer for Vashawn Mitchell).

Philip White, from appearances on Jimmy Fallon's 100th episode to visiting the legendary Dorinda Clark Cole's TCT Network set, Christian Contemporary artist Philip White continues to move on the scene as a contributor to the ever evolving sound of Gospel and Christian Music without losing touch of its rooted foundation. White recently made his first debut in Wembley, London and marks it as a wonderful and moving experience. White is both a singer, songwriter and background vocalist for the likes of Carrie Underwood, Debbie Winans, Kem, Judith McCallister and Lisa McClendon. With charted single "Choose Ye" (Winans remake) produced and arranged by Phil Hughley and current single "None Like You" the album Heart to Heart is sure to inspire and lift the soul of many, minute by minute, song by song.

Q: Thank you Philip for doing this interview with us.  Tell us more about yourself and how the Lord first called you into the music ministry?

You're welcome, and thank you for having me this is an honor.  It all started when I was little, watching my mother sing in church. She had her own group of singers she sang with. I wanted to sing so I studied and watched every singer in Gospel music. Ministry started in my teens, our church was really into witnessing and saving the lost so you couldn't just sing or have a talent, you had to minister while you were doing it. 

Q: You have sung as a backing vocalists for many artists including Carrie Underwood, Kem, Debbie Winans and many others.  Are there any interesting stories of singing with some of these artists? 

I have the privilege of singing with Debbie Winans in worship from time to time at our church Bethel World Outreach, she teaches and you don't even know it. She's very serious about God, she is also serious about singing too it goes hand in hand. 
Singing for Carrie Underwood at the CMT Awards was amazing because I was able to see he in her element and I learned so much watching the process of getting that performance together, excellence!

Q: How would you describe your own style of music?  What do you think sets you apart from other Gospel singers?

My style of music is Contemporary Gospel which is the message of the Gospel expressed in different styles. The goal is to be able to  minister in church and also in any other place in the world. 

We'll have to see what sets me apart from other singers, I'm a comrade when it comes to singing and music. I love supporting! One thing I've noticed about myself is that I'm really interested in sharing and encouraging. There were dark times in my life, I wasn't always saved and living a perfect life. I have tried drinking, smoking turning to other devices to get through hard times. Peer pressure when I was younger, depression all of those things. But God loves us so much, he won't allow those things to over take us, he has given us a way of escape! And I found that out early on in my life and now I know his love for me. It's important that I share that in addition to the singing.

Q:  Congratulations on the release of your new album.  How was this album first conceived? 

The album was first conceived when "A Heart Like Mine" was recorded. Later I recorded a song called "From the Bottom of my Heart".  I kept getting songs like this and I realized these are records that can be shared from my heart to the people's hearts. They are also records that people can share from their own hearts once they hear them so that's how the title and album was conceived, Heart to Heart.

Q:  Why did you choose to cover the Winans' "Choose Ye"?

I'm a fan of the Winans but it really wasn't my idea, my wife came to me and said "I wan't to sing." I was ready, whatever you want! Because she can really "sang" if you know what I mean. She expressed she wanted to sing with me though so I said "Ok what do you want to do?". She mentioned Choose Ye and honestly I froze because that is the one and only "Winans" featuring "Vanessa Bell Armstrong" two huge giants. She explained that the message was timely and that people needed to be encouraged to choose God, choose what is right. 

Pastor Marvin Winans had a chance to hear it and gave it his stamp of approval, that was my largest concern. When someone you have admired in music and ministry all your life says its good you feel the go ahead even more. I'm honored to continue Gospel music in this way, to me this is what it's all about. 

Q:  Tell us more about your new single "None like You." 

None Like You was co written and produced by Phil Hughley who also produced Choose Ye. I'm excited about None Like You its a song that describes our God, and how there is no one like him. He's great, he's big and his love for us is just that huge. I'm excited about this record because I believe it expresses heartfelt devotion and opens up hearts for worship. I think it's a beautiful song, somewhat anthemic. 

Q:  What were some of the highlights in the making of this album?

Several highlights..one was recording Every Step of the Way which is a song I heard in my heart that I just had to get out. I've always loved Tina Campbell's song "My Destiny" and Leandria Johnson's "Your Change is Now." God gave me a song just like that, stands alone with just me and the organ. Another highlight was recording with a live band choir and my wife on Choose Ye. My babies are a highlight too, they sing Jesus Loves Me on the record..lots of highlights and memories making this album.

Q:  How do you wish these songs would impact the lives of your listeners?

Simply put I want it to encourage listeners. We go through so much in this life and we need something to lift us up and give a new vantage point and perspective. So many artists that I've listened to over the years has helped me to do that and now I want to do that for someone else. I believe there is a song on the album for everyone!

More of Philip White on Instagram - Twitter - Facebook, 
For Booking info contact Javi Artist Management at javiartistmanagement@gmail.com (718-635-4431)  

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