Firey and musician Josh Phillips on taking to the the stage solo and loving the local Mid West music scene

Husband. Father. Firefighter. Champion mountain bike rider. Musician. Singer. It’s obvious Josh Phillips has many strings to his guitar, and is a prime example of the quality of talented musicians and artists plucking away in the Mid West. Further proof of that is the line-up to the 2023 season of Sundays by the Sea — including Phillips and about a dozen other impressive local acts — which kicked off last weekend. With several gigs happening on any given weekend, music fans in Geraldton are truly spoilt for choice. But how well do we know our local performers? Hopefully by the end of this piece, you will know at least one a little better. The first featured artist in a new profile series focuses on the one and only Phillips, whose melodic easy listening covers and original material can be heard most weekends around the city and beyond. Phillips is best known for his guitar strumming and exciting vocals, but he also keeps himself busy outside of playing music. First and foremost a family man, Phillips has an active life with wife and local cricket and softball legend Janelle Phillips and their two energetic daughters. Phillips is also a well-known champion mountain bike rider, who recently took out the top spot in the Warriors category at the Enduro racing event in Geraldton. As far as a day job goes, Phillips has been a firefighter for nine years in March, helping keep the region and State safe from bush fires and attending emergencies with his dedicated colleagues. On the musical front, Phillips is currently a solo performer but has previously been part of a few bands, most recently Rollercoast and Me and the Missus. In both bands he performed alongside his wife. From an early age, Phillips had music in his blood. “The first instrument I picked up was a guitar and that’s the one that stuck,” he said. “I have a musical family so there were always instruments around to tinker with. My first official lessons on guitar were during Year 5 and then I did trumpet lessons for a few years from Year 6 or 7 as part of a specialist school program. I’ve also done some online lessons for piano a few years back.” Phillips’ style is varied and so are his musical influences. “My favourite performer I’ve ever seen live would have to be Passenger so I’d like to think I can list him as an influence,” he said. “As cliched as it is being a solo acoustic performer, I’d have to list Ed Sheeran in there as well with the small guitar and loop pedal set-up. “My favourite artists to listen to now are The Wombats and Noah Kahan but I just enjoy music in general and my faves change regularly. “I’m loving seeing the local music scene flourish at the moment with acts like Alexia Parenzee and RatSalad making pretty big marks on the WA stage. I’m really looking forward to what Ashton Orion brings out next too.” Phillips admits he will most likely never make his millions from performing, but that’s not why he gets up on stage. “I honestly just love seeing people have a good time. If they have a good sing-along, dance and leave happy, I’ve done my job,” he said. Asking Phillips where he saw himself in five years, his answer reflects the kind of humble guy he is. “In a similar spot to now I reckon. Got a great family, great job and the local venues are super supportive, so things are going well,” he said. “Musically, anything could happen. Me and the Missus and/or Rollercoast could make a comeback, or I could just keep riding solo, only time will tell.” Phillips will entertain the Sundays by the Sea crowd on January 29 from 5pm to 7pm.