PHILIP VANDERMOST
Singer-songwriter/producer

It was only a year ago that Orange County Music Awards winner Philip Vandermost unleashed his debut album with the intention to entertain the coastal community he calls home.  Now, he finds himself warmly embracing audiences through his signature guitar riffs and storytelling performances that capture the essence of the “American spirit.”   

Living near the beach, he takes inspiration from the environment and experiences around him, creating music that is both timeless and energetic.  In fact, his marathon beachfire performances for groups of friends over the years helped inspire the launch of his solo career.  “When I’m on the beach, it’s just me, my guitar and the elements…whatever happens, happens,” says Philip.  Well, much of what happened can be heard in Vandermost’s latest release, “The Long Path,” which echoes a love letter to his family and friends.

The Long Path is an album that delivers high-energy beats, mixed in with alternative rock hooks that can be quite nostalgic.  Songs like “Miles to Go” and “The Long Path” hold heavy classic rock influences and catchy verses, but most importantly, you can hear the seamless meshing of the past with the present into a sound that stands completely on its own.  Each of the songs tells a story inspired by Philip’s life and love, while the album has its own story, a thematic progression of experiences that trace the chapters of one’s life and relationships.  The song entitled “The Long Path” is the centerpiece of the album.  It’s talks about the fears, dreams and challenges we all face down the ‘long path’ of life.  As a musician, Vandermost has strived to create a work of music that would be relevant to his wife and friends, his daughters, his parents, and by extension connect with generations of people who can relate to his stories and experiences.

For this album, Vandermost teamed up with acclaimed record producer and engineer Andrew Alekel (Queens of the Stone Age, Weezer, Matt Costa) who by fate came across some of his music online.  After one meeting at Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood, Philip knew that he would give “birth” to his new record in a space that had housed some of rock’s most influential faces, not to mention, produce his signature sound that takes precision to output¾ It was a perfect match!  

Growing up, Vandermost found himself listening to classic rock greats. Today as a solo artist, Vandermost oversees every aspect of making his music.  His debut release “Automatic August” was launched in June of 2008, and has since earned him rave reviews from many publications such as Orange Coast Magazine, The Orange County Register and Vintage Guitar Magazine.  Philip also dedicates his music to charitable organizations such as Acres of Love, a group that houses, educates and nourishes children orphaned by AIDS in South Africa.