In a new interview with Billboard magazine, Phillip Phillips reveals that he’s close to settling his legal issues with 19 Entertainment. Next, the American Idol season 11 winner plans to release a new album.
“I’ve actually got this new record done, basically,” he told Billboard. “As soon as the legal stuff wraps up I’m going to be releasing some music and keep moving forward. I’m really excited about this new music. Every artist says it’s their best to date on every album, but this is some deep, emotional lyrics and melodies and I just really feel like I’ve grown a lot these past few years. I’ve gone through a few things — some amazing things, some not so amazing. I draw a lot of inspiration from that so I’m really excited about getting it out.”
Phillip sued 19 Entertainment in January of 2015 to get out of an “oppressive” deal. Six months later, 19 countersued for breach of contract. “Sometimes you might forget about it,” Phillip said of his legal troubles. “But it’s kind of always hanging over your head or on your shoulder, a lot more than what people realize.”
As far as the album is concerned, Phillip shard with Billboard: “It’s kind of what I’ve always done, but I feel like it’s better. There’s a little bit of R&B and blues on this album, and a few more rock songs, but still pop. It’s just very emotional, a more emotional meaning towards a lot of these songs. Some of them might sound like a relationship between a man and a woman, but it’s not. I have my own meanings, but I want people to have their own meanings towards them.”
The singer/songwriter is working with producer Ryan Hadlock (The Lumineers, Foo Fighters) along with Nathan Chapman, John Knight and previous collaborator Todd Clark, with whom he wrote the singles “Gone” and “Raging Fire.” He’s yet to decide on an album name. “I’ve got about 10 of them written down and I’m trying to choose which one I like and still trying to think of others,” Phillip said.
Phillip is hoping for a summer release. Does Phillip still have a contract with Universal, or will he be releasing the next album independently? How he’ll release the album is not made clear in the interview. Regardless, the singer will be heading out on tour, including a spate of summer dates with the Goo Goo Dolls.
