Quadra Island-based one-man band, Shane Philip, is no stranger to Fernie. He tours regularly throughout the Elk Valley, and is bringing his unique “west coast island rhythms” back to Fernie.
“I have a lot of kindred spirits in Fernie,” said Philip about why Fernie is an important stop on his tour. “There is a good outdoor crowd that are into kayaking, hiking and canoeing, and a lot of sports that I’m into.”
Philip also said he sings about mountains, trees, and the ocean, which has created a bond between him and his Elk Valley fans.
“My style is really all over the map,” he said. “It’s reggae, meets folk, meets heavy metal.”
Bob Marley, Ben Harper, the John Butler Trio, Jack Johnson and even the White Stripes all influence Philip’s music.
Philip will be playing from his newest album Life.Love.Music, which was released in December.
“I’ll be playing from all four albums but there will be an emphasis on the newest,” he said.
To create his eclectic sound, Philip plays the didgeridoo, the djembe, a Weissenborn-style guitar, an electric guitar, and a kick drum, just to name a few instruments.
“The didgeridoo is my base guitar,” he said.
The driving dance beat of Philip’s songs often has fans up dancing.
“I hope that people leave my show with a smile on their face, and feeling good,” he said.
Philip will play at The Central in Fernie on Saturday at 11 p.m.