We had the good fortune of connecting with Phantom Dog and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phantom Dog, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I was definitely born to be creative and passionate person but being a musician/producer was something i didn’t necessarily plan for. From a young age i was always musically inclined. I started writing songs in kindergarten, I learned saxophone at 10, and taught myself guitar when i was 13. When my grandmother gave me her Ibanez guitar that changed everything for me. I suddenly had the goal to start a band and spent years trying to find “my people”. 4 years flew by and i had no luck finding bandmates. Until one day i met a person who completely changed my life. I went to their home and they offered me a hit from their bong. I exhaled and instantly started dancing. It was completely out of character for me but at the same time i never felt more myself. In that moment i decided i didn’t need anyone. That i could show everyone i could do it all by myself. I never felt so sure of anything in my life. I found out later that night i wasn’t smoking weed but actually crystal meth. Not long after that first come down i started working on my first album. I never looked back.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My discography is what makes me the most proud. I have A LOT of music. My first album came out in 2015 and my fifth album will be coming out by the end of 2025. My work makes me very sentimental because i wrote about anyone or anything that has affected my life. Positive or negative. Its nice to know ive lived so much life and have had so much to write about. Ive been making music for 10 years but it hasnt been easy. I struggled with drug addiction for most of my music career. Ive lost people over the years so grief took up some of my time. And like many other musicians, i used to bathe in my trauma. But music was always there for me. Writing has always been my main outlet. Channeling my pain is how i get through this life. Music has taught me the importance of introspection. In order to heal we must look within. Constantly. Sobering up helped with the healing process too. If theres one thing i want the world to know about Phantom Dog is that a million terrible things can happen to you, life can try to beat you down but you’re still important and you still have something to offer this world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If homegirl is in town we’re hitting Deane’s dive bar in upland for some pool and hennessy shots. Then we’re gonna go to Revel girl show somewhere in the inland empire because those ladies are working hard to make the IE underground scene known. If there is a full moon that week we are going to Mt Baldy or the beach for a full moon ritual where we write out our troubles then burn them away (safely).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dear sister! She has always supported my music and listened to every demo ive ever made a hundreds of times. She constantly supports my dreams.

Instagram: @Phantom.dog

Other: https://phantom-dog.bandcamp.com/?search_item_id%3D738514641%26search_item_type%3Db%26search_match_part%3D%253F%26search_page_id%3D4550266485%26search_page_no%3D0%26search_rank%3D1=

Image Credits
Zack Perez (@zackkperez)

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