Get To Know – North America

We Say…

North America 2 - credit Adam Williams — *Photo by Adam Williams // Header Photo by Kasia Osowiecka*

Formed in 2017, North America are a multi-national East London-based quintet, fronted by the former native of São Paulo and California, P.F. Phillips. The members met at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick and bonded over a shared love of, “trashy American comedies and questionable pizza joints”. The band are currently building towards the release of a brand new EP, and have recently shared their new single, My Baby’s No One’s Girl.

Described by the band as, “a candid letter of warning about a lover slipping through your fingers”, My Baby’s No One’s Girl is a musing on a relationship coming to a crashing end when you thought it would last forever. Musically, it’s a fine introduction to the North America sound, emotive vocals with a touch of Jeff Buckley play off against Lost Natives-like guitar lines and the widescreen ambition of Modest Mouse. A confident first stride that suggests North America’s upcoming EP is a release well worth getting excited about.

They Say…

FTR: For those who don’t know who are North America?

North America are a five piece indie rock band, obviously from East London.

FTR: What can you remember about your first show?

A few images spring to mind: at our flat before the show, lead guitarist refusing to wear black Dr. Martens as suggested by lead singer; bassist in the living room in matching white tank top and underwear, combing his shiny brown slicked back hair. We sort of looked like a cross between a grunge and a country band. The show went really well, though I like to think we’ve come a long way, both musically and aesthetically.

FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?

We all dabble in chat fiction writing, actually… Just kidding. But art forms do complement each other, and in this sense I (P.F.) write poems and other things in my spare time to help keep my creative juices flowing. A couple of us are interested in photography, also as a side thing. I guess music is just the most effective way we have found to express ourselves. It’s the channel through which we can be creative and expressive, while at the same time having a communal and fun experience, which is pretty much all of our favourite things combined.

FTR: What can people expect from the North America live show?

Hopefully a combination of intricacy and driving energy that you don’t see much these days and that will grab your attention from start to finish.

FTR: What’s next for North America?

Writing, performing, beers, recording, re-writing, beers, performing, re- recording, beers, writing, sometimes a little game of pool. Oh, and more releases of course!

They Listen To…